The exhibit features scooters as early as the American-made Salsbury and Moto-Scoot, plus German, Italian and Japanese designs, even two scooters made in the state of Iowa.A new exhibit at the National Motorcycle Museum tells the story of the early evolution of scooters and mini-bikes.Scooters ...

The Black Shadow was introduced at the 1948 Earls Court Motor Show as a turned version of the Rapide and was built until the production of Vincent motorcycles ceased in 1955. A 988cc 50-degree V-twin, it got its improved performance from a higher compression ratio, a larger bore carburetor and ...

Engine: 9hp, Spacke V-twin, chain-drive, Bosch magneto, free engine and changeable gear clutchDisplacement: 70.62ci, develops more than 13hp at maximum rpmTires: 2-3/4in studded tiresWeight: 250lbBrakes: Rear coaster brake, latest Musselman, air cooled, largest braking surface of any motorcycle ...

The Douglas Engineering Co. was founded by two Scottish brothers, William and Edward, in 1882 in Bristol. Originally a general engineering company, they hired Joseph Barter whose own firm, Light Motors, had failed financially. Barter brought with him his own motorcycle design with a technically ...

1955 Harley-Davidson FL PanheadThe Harley-Davidson "look" was established once and for all in the mid-Fifties.The big twin 1200cc FL would be a permanent fixture in the Milwaukee lineup, with only minor variations and changes over the coming decades. New cast tank and front fender "badges" ...

1954 Zundapp, Germany 1921-1935Nuremberg armaments company, ZUNDer und APParatebau, copied the design of the British Levi for their first motorcycle. At one time Europe's largest motorcycle manufacturer, Zundapp became famous for its advanced technology. Zundapp motorcycles were also assembled ...

    1953 NSU Max 250 Engine: 246.8cc air-cooled OHC single Bore x Stroke: 69 x 66mm Power: 29hp @ 9,600rpm Transmission: 4-speed Suspension: Leading link front fork, mono-shock rear Weight: 240lb (dry)   During the 1930s and the 1950s NSU of Neckarsulm, Germany was ...

1937 Brough Superior SS80The SS80 was so named because it was a Super Sports model guaranteed to do 80mph from the factory. It was first built in 1920. The Brough was once described as the "Rolls Royce of Motorcycles." The early models used JAP V-Twin engines, while later versions ...

1912 Pierce Four2.25in bore x 2.25in stroke4 horsepower2-speed transmissionEnclosed drive shaftPedal crank starting and coaster brakeOriginal price: $325 to $450An innovative and luxurious motorcycle from the founder of one of America's early premier car builders. George Pierce began ...

1928 Harley-Davidson JDL Sport SoloMajor changes for 1928 Harley-Davidson models included a stronger fork and front brakes, which resulted in improved handling and a total-loss oil system fed from an oil tank concealed in the front half of the left fuel tank. The Harley-Davidson JDL Solo Sport ...