THE EVOLUTION OF JAPANESE MOTORCYCLES,

Since the end of World War 2 Japan has become the main motorcycle producer in the world. In this project I will investigate the process that brought the modern Japanese motorcycle from its humble beginnings. Motorcycles have been built in Japan since 1909 when Miyata built prototype machines. European and American bikes were imported into Japan, although by 1935 Japanese components were being used in there construction. 1950 had established the foundations of Honda and the motorcycle industry in Japan. Motorcycles of this time were mostly small, easy to ride, cheap to buy and run and they had no sporting pretensions. During the 1950's an economic slump put many manufacturers out of business, Honda emerged as the largest Motorcycle Company with Yamaha and Suzuki as established producers. Kawasaki, the smallest of the four main companies did not build bikes in large numbers until 1961.I will pay particular attention to the design process that has brought about the motorcycles seen...