Cramer
1
Eng 102
Motorcycle Mania
The seemingly simple motorcycle culture can be difficult to understand.
However I’m going to take you back to the beginnings and walk you through,
step-by-step, of how it went from just being a product, to becoming an impact on
our society, to a “Bad Boy” image, and then to the start of a cultural trend.
The history of motorcycles goes back to 1885, when the first motorcycle
was constructed, using mainly wood and a few metal details. This unique
construction combined a wheelbase with two spring-loaded tires on the side.
According to Dave Tharp Gottlieb Daimler invented the pedal crank mechanism
that led to the creation of the first motorcycle. In 1903, William S. Harley and
Arthur Davidson built their first racer in a tiny wooden shed in Milwaukee,
Wisconsin. The name came from both men’s last name, Harley and Davidson.
Together they created Harley Davidson, one of the most famous and successful
motorcycle brands in the world. This company didn’t exactly stop after the first
one was built in the tiny shed. In fact, the men put everything they had into the
company. Using their engineering skills and their concept of design, they quickly
expand the market. In 1904, the first dealership opened in Chicago. In 1909, they
showed the first V-twin powered motorcycle to the public It had a 49.5 CI engine
and had as much as 7-horse power, which today we could compare to a lawn
mower engine. At this time, this machine was the most advanced technology you
could have between your legs. (www.Harley-Davidson.com). What most people
don’t know is that Harley Davidson initially aimed their creativity and creation
for racing. This was because the 4-stroke engine design had a torque like no
other bike.
Harley Davidson kept on growing and didn’t slow down they become an
icon for World War II soldiers that came back from the war. Soldiers were
looking for that “brother hood” feeling again. Upon their return, many soldiers
bought their first Harley Davidson. This is when the creation of a huge culture
change occurred and a criminal organization erupted. These soldiers that had
spent years of seeing fighting, death and the struggle of the common man wanted
to now experience freedom to its fullest. They found this freedom by riding
endlessly in the open air with no concerns, struggles or commitment. This
transition made both a good and a bad name for Harley Davidson. Although the
motorcycle clubs created an image for Harley Davidson, they also gave the brand
a ”Bad Boy” stature. Hells Angels claims “Facts which have been undeniably
proven, shows that the 303rd Hells Angels B-17F was only flown by highly
dedicated, motivated and mission oriented airmen” (www.Hells-Angel.com).
