American and Japanese Motorcycles - Essay Example

American and Japanese Motorcycles Japanese Motorcycles – Dream Machines In the 1950s Japanese motorcycles were being designed to be bigger and betterperformance motorcycles. They then made their way to Europe and later made their presence felt in the US. The Japanese motorcycles evolved from small slow mopeds to reliable, designer, fast, and above all affordable motorcycles. The Japanese made constant progress that was lacking from the American counterparts. One of the most welcomed developments was the introduction of the electric start system.

In the beginning Japanese were in a different league and were not considered a threat. This proved to be a fatal mistake. With the introduction of Honda CD450 they came into the limelight. This bike was great looking, affordable and could outrun any stocky Harley-Davidson with double the engine size time and time again without breaking down like the Harley tended to do. When Honda came up with its new four cylinders CB750, there was no doubt Japanese motorcycles were here to stay. This bike was incomparable to any other in the world being faster, reliable and affordable as well.

In the early 1980, the major four Japanese motorcycle manufacturers produced what were known as UJM’s or Universal Japanese Motorcycles. These machines underlined the complete usefulness and utilitarianism of large displacement bikes like Kawasaki Z-1, Honda’s CB 750, Yamaha’s XS 1100 and Suzuki’s GS 1000 and were meant to complete the broad spectrum of two wheeled transportation roles.The Suzuki Katana was the first Japanese motorcycle to come on road with looks that killed. Some consider the Katana as a stroke of High-Tech brilliance while traditionalist dismissed it as a styling fluke that would quickly be forgotten as had Harley Davidson’s slow selling XLCR café racer.

Most Japanese manufacturers Suzuki included were satisfied in making Non-Harley looking motorcycles. Yamaha’s Virago and Honda’s Shadow were the first cruisers to offer proprietary motors. But Yamaha took a gamble by offering a sporty standard powered by the same 920cc V-Twin motor found in the Virago.Like most sport bikes of the day Kawasaki GPZ was still quite a different machine when compared to the racing bikes in the world racing circuits. Despite its top end performance, most riders purchased a GPZ or Honda interceptor for its racy looks.

Yamaha’s FJ is another high performance Japanese bike with advanced technology, but was compromised by its design, which was made more for comfort. Yamaha’s FZ 750 was another step towards what the GSX-R would eventually deliver. The result Japanese bikes were faster and smoother than its American counterparts, and luxuries like comfort, disc brakes and electric start with dependable high speed engines that didnt leak oil, all this at a competitive rate made an irresistible impression.In addition the Japanese manufacturers were known for the quality machine tooling equipment, advanced techniques and savvy marketing techniques which made them rule the two wheeled world.

American Motorcycles – A Breed ApartThis is a class of bikes not found anywhere else. Of course there are good standard and sport bikes among American made motorcycles (Buell is a good example) but the outstanding ones are the Harley Davidson, Indian, Victory, choppers and all kind of custom motorcycles.To bikers around the world, Harley-Davidson is the motorcycle which has been around for a hundred years and can be claimed as the founder pf motorcycles. This machine has evolved into an ultimate in two-wheeled transportation.

Also known as Harley, Choppers, or Hogs, Harley Davidson bikes have earned quite a few names from passionate fans. The big, powerful engines and distinctive pipe sounds make them recognizable before they can be seen. Yamaha happens to be one of Harley Davidsons major competitors for the elite place in motorcycle design. BMW, Victory, Honda follow close but Harley-Davidson rules over them all as in the past.The American Victory Motorcycle Company manufactures cruisers and touring bikes but no motocross and trail riders.

These bikes have nearly 66 inch wheel base, a 5.8 inch ground clearance, wide rear tires and comfortable seating. Comfort and stability are this company focus while they believe in keeping the classic looks of the past and great feel on road. The American Victory motorcycle may be fresh on the scene, but when it comes to quality, they have made a strong impression among the competitors.Works CitedAnything motorcycles.com. An online motorcycle community. 21st July, 2008. History of motorcycles.

http://www.anythingmotorcycles.com/article.php?article=historyMike Seate. Enthusiast colour series. 20th July, 2008. www.motorbooks.comGlenn Roberts. Supershow Collection. The SUPERSHOW Collection of Historic Motorcycles in Canada http://www.supershowevents.com/collection/moj5jap.htmlAmerican Motorcycles. Your guide to the most beautiful motorcycles built in America. 20th July, 2008. American Motorcycles – A Breed Apart. http://www.americanmotorcyclesworld.com/