The American Motorcycle - A Brief History

In 1901, the Indian Motorcycle Manufacturing Company designed the “diamond framed” Indian Single. The Single was only available in the deep blue and by 1902 production was over 500 bikes. By 1913, Indian would sell more than 20,000 bikes per year. Soon after Indian’s inception, Harley-Davidson started producing motorcycles in 1903.

During this period, experimentation and innovation were driven by the popular new sport of motorcycle racing, with its powerful incentive to produce tough, fast, reliable machines. This led to Chief August Vollmer of the Berkeley, California Police Department organizing the first official police motorcycle patrol in the United States in 1911. By 1914, motorcycles were no longer just bicycles with engines; they had their own technologies, although many still maintained bicycle elements, like the seats and suspension.

During World War I, the motorcycle was used for sending messages to front lines instead of horses. After the war developments in the motorcycles increased with better motors, different drives, all in-cased transmissions, better wheels, and better suspension. By 1920 Harley Davidson became the largest manufacturer of motorcycles having dealers in more than 65 countries.

After World War II, some American Veterans founded Groups and Clubs of motorcyclists and created a new social institution – Motorcyclists or Bikers. In 1954 Bikers were looked at as a new kind of “outlaw,” when The Wild One was released starring Marlon Brando. In Europe, however, motorcycles were being made more economically to attract more people to ride which brought Vespas and Lambrettas to the market.

In the late 1960’s and early 1970’s Japanese manufacturers, such as Honda and Yamaha, became the predominant motorcycle manufacturers. The Japanese were successful with modern designs which were produced quickly and cheaply eclipsing many huge manufacturers such as Triumph, BSR, BMW and even Harley Davidson.

Today we’ve seen a return to vintage labels like Indian, Moto Guzzi, Norton and Triumph, with Harley Davidson back on top with sales in 2017 of 41,000 (down from 50,000 a few years ago). 

'66 Ironhead Progress

Rick Fichter: I'm trying to decide on the placement of the tank on the '66. I have to figure whether I'm going high Frisco style or drop it low; I'm leaning toward Frisco style. The tank is incorrect for a '66, but it was common in the early 70s to replace the tank with this sleek AMF era style. I really like it. Most likely I'll use my painting skills to patina the rear fender then match up the tank in that way-cool blue.

This is my brand spanking new but old stock Carlisle rear tire. These are pretty tough to come by around here, especially an old stock one like this. This is true Chopper in my eyes, if not the best handling tire. Made, basically to ride in a straight line - sounds like the Arizona desert to me - and I will sacrifice maneuverability for the great looks. I'm already in love with it. Settled; it's definitely not coming off.

Just got my hands on a new 21-inch front wheel. I’m going with a 21 front, 16 inch rear - pretty much standard Chopper issue I like this shit; I like the stance of the bike and it just feels right with that combo. Although I could try an 18 on the back, I think I’m gonna keep it this way. Stay tuned. 

Me and my buddy, Thor, welded up this rear brake caliper mount. It took a little bit of time to give it a neat, clean look.  I’m pretty happy with the way it came out. I don’t think I could’ve got it any smoother though I'' grind it down and make it cleaner. I like the way it looks on the back of the frame; you barely noticed that there’s a caliper on the back wheel, which was kind of the goal. So this is also a keeper.

Here's the New Business Card

Rick Fichter: Here's our new business card. It was inspired by the AMF-Harleys that I love. It has that real 70's look to it. While most of 168's design concepts have a retro feel, the 70s were about being ultra modern. That look is only just coming into vogue, and when some designers still dismiss the era as tacky, they don't know shit.