Motorcycle Information
Explore the systems and components of motorcycles and see how they’re built. Learn about motorcycles at HowStuffWorks.
1994 BMW R1100RSL
1965 BMW R-27
1990 BMW K-1
1949 BSA B33
1966 BSA A65 Spitfire
1969 BSA Rocket 3
1970 Ducati 350 Scrambler
1977 Ducati 900SS
1998 Ducati ST2
Hog Wild: Harley-Davidson Logos Through the Years
2002 Harley-Davidson FXDWG3
2002 Harley-Davidson FXSTB Night Train
1984 Honda Nighthawk 700S
1998 Honda Valkyrie
1969 Honda Dream 305
1942 Indian 741 and Indian 841
1940 Indian 440
1946 Indian Chief
1982 Kawasaki KZ1000R
1977 MV Agusta 750S America
1986 Suzuki GSXR750
1986 Suzuki RG 500 Gamma
1966 Suzuki T10
1975 Triumph Trident
1976 Triumph Bonneville
1952 Triumph Thunderbird
1981 Yamaha 1100 Midnight Special
1985 Yamaha RZ 500
1997 Yamaha Royal Star Palamino Edition
1951 Vincent HRD Series B Rapide
1915 Iver Johnson
1961 Velocette Venom
Learn More / Page 4
The 1926 Indian Prince motorcycle was specifically designed for first-time buyers. It featured a 21-cubic-inch single cylinder engine and a spring-mounted seat that made up for the lack of suspension. Discover pictures and information about the 1926 Indian Prince.
The 1935 Indian Chief motorcycle competed directly with Harley-Davidsons of its day. The 1935 Chief wasn't as maneuverable at slow speeds because of weight, but at higher speeds, the weight provided great stability. See pictures and learn more about the big 1935 Indian Chief.
The 1982 Kawasaki KZ1000R motorcycle honored a top bike racer and was known as the Eddie Lawson Replica. It was based on the standard KZ1000 and featured the same 1015-cc double-overhead-cam inline four engine. See pictures and learn about the KZ1000R.
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The 1904 Marsh motorcycle used parts made by the Marsh brothers themselves. It had a single cylinder engine that had an intake valve that opened on the cylinder's down stroke. See pictures and learn about the 1904 Marsh, a pioneering motorbike.
The 1961 Matchless G-12 motorcycle was one of the last models offered bearing the Matchless name. The 1961 model performed poorly which caused low sales against other British competitors Triumph and BSA. See pictures and learn about the Matchless G-12.
The 1976 Moto Guzzi V1000 Convert motorcycle performed as if it had an automatic transmission. It featured a torque converter that allowed the rider to come to a complete stop and accelerate without using the clutch. Learn about this big Moto Guzzi.
The 1977 MV Agusta 750S America motorcycle was one of the last street bikes produced by MV Agusta. The bike was very heavy but the weight paid off at higher speeds by adding a great deal of stability. See pictures and learn about the 750S America.
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The 1970 Norton Commando 750S motorcycle was sporty but dogged by Japanese competition. The most interesting design element of this motorcycle is the high-set exhaust pipes with heat shields. See pictures and learn about the Norton Commando 750S.
The 1976 Norton Commando motorcycle was among the last bikes Norton produced. Outdated design elements caused Norton to slip in sales when compared to its Japanese competitors. See pictures and learn more about the classic Norton Commando.
The 1913 Reading Standard motorcycle was a great example of an early American motorcycle. Reading Standards is best known as the first American motorcycle company to offer a flathead engine. See pictures and learn about the Reading Standard.
The 1914 Sears Deluxe motorcycle was offered for sale in the Sears and Roebuck catalog. The motorcycle featured a 35-cubic-inch Deluxe ''Big Five'' engine and sold for 197 dollars. See pictures and learn more about the Sears Deluxe.
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The 1956 Simplex Automatic motorcycle was a lightweight machine that could return 100 mpg. The main reasons for the high fuel economy were the overall light weight and efficient design of the bike. See pictures and learn about the Simplex Automatic.
The 1966 Suzuki T10 motorcycle with its mild-mannered engine was aimed squarely at commuters. Performance was not on the mind of the designers when this bike was built instead they focused on economy. See pictures and learn about the Suzuki T10.
The water-cooled engine of the 1975 Suzuki GT 750 motorcycle earned the bike the nickname the 'Water Buffalo.' The bike had a large radiator bolted to the front of the frame and the engine had a water jacket to keep it cool. Learn about the Suzuki GT 750.
The 1993 Harley-Davidson FLSTN Heritage Softail motorcycle was dubbed the Cow Glide. See pictures and learn about the Harley FLSTN Heritage Softail.
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The 1984 Harley-Davidson XR-1000 Sportster motorcycle was powerful buy too pricey. See pictures and learn about the Harley-Davidson XR-1000 Sportster.
The 1904 Indian was one of the few motorcycles of its time to use a direct-drive chain. The direct-drive chain was far more reliable than the more common tensioned leather belt which turned the rear wheel. Get information and see pictures of the 1904 Indian.
The 1988 Harley-Davidson FLSTC motorcycle blended retro styling and modern technology. See pictures and learn about the Harley-Davidson FLSTC.
The 1988 Harley-Davidson FXSTS Softail Springer motorcycle blended classic and modern styling. See pictures and learn about the Softail Springer.
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The 1982 Harley-Davidson FXB Sturgis motorcycle commemorated the annual Sturgis biker gathering. See pictures and learn about the Harley FXB Sturgis.
The powerful 1977 Harley-Davidson XLCR motorcycle faced tough competition from Japanese rivals. See pictures and learn about the Harley-Davidson XLCR.
The 1978 Harley-Davidson FXS Low Rider motorcycle had a muscular flow to its lines. See pictures and learn about the 1978 Harley-Davidson FXS.
The 1981 Harley-Davidson Heritage Edition motorcycle was a mixture of old and new. See pictures and learn about the Harley-Davidson Heritage Edition.
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The 1971 Harley-Davidson FX Super Glide motorcycle was Harley's first factory-custom bike. It failed to attract the audience Harley had hoped it would finding fewer than 5000 buyers. See pictures and learn more about the FX Super Glide.
The 1975 Harley-Davidson SS-250 had a Yamaha engine. Learn more about the 1975 AMF Harley-Davidson SS-250 motorcycle and see pictures.