European Motorcycles Brands

Whether you’re a casual weekend warrior or a die-hard fan of two wheels and an engine, there’s no denying that European motorcycles have been a fixture in the industry for decades. Not only are they world renowned for their superior engineering and design, but they also provide riders with unmatched style and performance. In this blog post, we will delve into some of the top names from Europe’s rich motorbike scene so that you can understand why these prestigious marques deserve to be regarded as elite on both national and international levels. So dust off your leathers (or grab your gloves!) and get ready for a wild journey through some of the best motorcycles Europe has to offer!

The History of Motorcycle Manufacturing in Europe

Everyone knows that the progenitor of the bicycle is the bicycle. In the 1860s – 1870s there was a bicycle boom in Europe, and many inventors tried to contribute to the improvement of the bicycle. Attempts were made to put an engine on the bicycle. At first, inventors tried to equip it with a steam engine. Two inventors in different parts of the world decided to do this almost simultaneously: Sylvester Roper in America and Louis Guillaume Perrault in France. Both came up with scaled-down copies of the steam engine to mount on the bicycle.

In 1856, the world’s first internal combustion engine was invented by Mateucci and Barsanti. In 1861, the German Gottlieb Daimler came to France to study the internal combustion engine. In 1885, Gottlieb Daimler and Karl Maybach presented such an engine: it did not use combustible gas for ignition, but gasoline, and it is much more volatile than gas and easily explodes. So Daimler showed the world his invention: a bicycle with an internal combustion engine, the Daimler Petroleum Reitwagen. It had a speed of up to 12 km/h, weighed about 70 kg and had 4 wheels (two small wheels on the back wheel, like on a modern child’s bicycle).

So the basic principles of the motorcycle were laid down, after which motorcycle technology began to develop rapidly. Shortly after, little spark ignition engines began appearing on bicycles, known as pedal cycles, placed in the middle where it operated similarly to an internal combustion motor. By 1911, most motorbike production had shifted from Great Britain to Germany, where some of the most intricate designs were developed. From there, EU countries such as Italy began developing even more precise models that could reach higher speeds than ever before.

During the World War II

Many motorcycle companies in Europe had to suspend their production due to the limited resources available. Despite this, some managed to keep producing two-wheeled vehicles for military use, such as BMW and Triumph. After the war, European motorbike production started picking up again, and new companies began emerging from countries like Austria and Spain.

The postwar era

The post-war era saw the introduction of many new designs and technologies that helped propel motorcycle production in Europe to a whole new level. The Italian manufacturer Ducati created its first model, the Cucciolo, in 1946, and it featured an air-cooled two-stroke engine and four gears. BMW also released its iconic R68 model with a boxer engine, telescopic forks and drum brakes. By the end of the 1950s, motorcycle production in Europe was booming, and it showed no signs of slowing down.

Taking over the world

In the decades that followed, European motorcycle manufacturers began selling their products abroad, establishing a strong presence in countries such as the USA, Japan and Australia. By the 1980s, brands like Ducati and BMW had become renowned for their performance-oriented models while. innovative features like fuel injection, ABS brakes and traction control became more common on European bikes.

The modern world

Today, Europe continues to be a leading producer of motorcycles, with manufacturers such as Ducati and BMW still producing highly advanced models. The industry has also expanded to include a wide range of companies from countries like Spain and the UK, who are pushing the boundaries when it comes to design and performance. Electric bikes have started gaining in popularity recently as well, with companies like Zero Motorcycles and Energica offering their own lines of electric-powered two-wheelers.

What is the most popular motorcycle in Europe?

Staple names such as Ducati, BMW and Triumph are common in the European market. The Italian brand Ducati is popular for its high-performance sports bikes like the Panigale V4R, while BMW offers a range of touring models such as the R1200GS Adventure. Triumph has become renowned for its modern classic design with bikes such as the Bonneville T100 and the Speed Triple. Additionally, the European market has seen a rise in the popularity of electric motorcycles, with companies such as Zero Motorcycles and Energica introducing their own lines.

Conclusion

Europe is home to some of the most iconic motorcycle manufacturers in the world and has a long history of production. From Edward Butler’s three-wheeled experiments to modern electric bikes, the European motorbike industry continues to lead the way when it comes to innovation and design. With so many different models available, there is sure to be something for everyone in the European market.