The History of Motorcycling in the United States
From Grit to Glory
When you picture the open road, wind in your face, and the rumble of a V-twin engine beneath you, you're tapping into a deep American tradition. The motorcycle isn't just a mode of transportation in the United States—it's a lifestyle, a culture, and in many ways, a symbol of freedom. From its gritty beginnings in the early 20th century to the high-tech, high-speed machines of today, the history of motorcycling in the United States is as twisty and thrilling as the roads bikers love to ride.
In this Twisty Rider deep dive into motorcycling’s American legacy, we'll explore:
- The invention and early adoption of motorcycles
- The rise of Harley-Davidson and Indian Motorcycle
- The biker culture explosion after WWII
- Motorcycling in movies and media
- The evolution of motorcycle technology and safety
- The rise of custom culture and the modern era
- Motorcycling today and where it’s heading
1. Early Inventions and American Adaptation (1900–1919)
While the motorcycle’s earliest origins trace back to European inventors, America was quick to adopt and innovate. In 1901, two companies would forever shape motorcycling history: Indian Motorcycle (founded as the Hendee Manufacturing Company) and Harley-Davidson (established in 1903 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin).
These early machines were basically bicycles fitted with small gasoline engines. Their simplicity was their charm—and their challenge. Braking was primitive, suspension was almost nonexistent, and you had to be a little crazy (or deeply adventurous) to ride one.
By 1913, Indian had become the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world, and Harley-Davidson wasn’t far behind. Motorcycles were used for sport, recreation, and—by 1917—war. During World War I, the U.S. military began using motorcycles for dispatch and reconnaissance. Harley-Davidson alone supplied over 15,000 motorcycles to the U.S. Army.
2. Between Wars and the Roaring Twenties (1920–1939)
The post-war years brought growth in both production and innovation. Indian introduced electric starters in 1914 (decades ahead of the competition), while Harley focused on reliability and expanding its dealer network.
Motorcycle racing also began to grow in popularity. Dirt tracks and board tracks became breeding grounds for new talent and even newer technology. By the mid-1920s, Harley-Davidson had won the title of “The Largest Motorcycle Manufacturer in the World.”
Then came the Great Depression. Like many industries, motorcycle manufacturing took a hit. Indian and Harley-Davidson were the only two American motorcycle companies to survive the economic crash—testament to their staying power and loyal customer bases.
3. World War II and the Military Machine (1939–1945)
Just like in WWI, American motorcycles were called to serve. Harley-Davidson developed the WLA model, a rugged V-twin specifically built for military use. These “Liberators” saw action across Europe and the Pacific and became icons of American wartime mobility. Indian also produced military models, though they were ultimately less favored by the military brass.
By the end of the war, hundreds of thousands of servicemen had ridden motorcycles, and many returned home with a taste for two wheels. But the bikes they now craved weren’t just machines—they were memories of freedom, brotherhood, and adrenaline.
4. The Rise of the Biker and Post-War Rebellion (1945–1960)
The years following WWII marked a major shift. Former soldiers sought camaraderie and thrills—and many found it in motorcycle clubs. Some joined sanctioned groups like the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA), while others gravitated toward looser, more rebellious affiliations. This period gave rise to the infamous “outlaw biker” image.
The Hollister Riot of 1947—where a drunken motorcycle rally spiraled into chaos—was sensationalized in the press and later fictionalized in the film The Wild One (1953) starring Marlon Brando. The image of the black leather jacket-wearing, anti-authority biker was born—and it stuck.
Clubs like the Hells Angels, formed in 1948, leaned into this identity, creating their own rules and iconography. Not all riders were outlaws, of course, but the mystique became part of the culture, attracting both criticism and curiosity from the public.
5. Hollywood and the Motorcycle Mythos (1960–1979)
The 1960s and 1970s were transformative decades for motorcycle culture. Thanks in large part to movies like Easy Rider (1969), the motorcycle became a symbol of counterculture, rebellion, and the open road.
Brands like Triumph and Norton from the UK made waves in the U.S., offering nimble, fast bikes that contrasted sharply with the heavy cruisers of Harley and Indian (which ceased production in 1953 before being revived later).
Meanwhile, Japanese manufacturers entered the market with force. Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, and Kawasaki introduced affordable, reliable motorcycles that appealed to a broader audience. The Honda CB750 (1969) is often called the world’s first superbike and shifted the balance of power in the motorcycle industry.
Despite fierce competition, Harley-Davidson doubled down on its heritage and introduced now-iconic models like the FX Super Glide and Shovelhead engine. Harley’s connection to American identity became more important than just specs—it was about style, community, and loyalty.
6. Custom Culture and the Birth of the Chopper (1960s–1980s)
Parallel to the growing mainstream motorcycle market was the rise of custom bike building. Veterans and rebels weren’t content with factory bikes—they chopped them down, modified the frames, raised handlebars, stretched forks, and added custom paint. The chopper was born.
The most famous chopper of all time? Probably Captain America, Peter Fonda’s bike in Easy Rider.
This period saw the emergence of garage-built masterpieces, often more art than machine. Sturgis Motorcycle Rally (founded in 1938) became a central gathering place for riders to show off their bikes and ride together in celebration of freedom and individuality.
7. The Decline and Revival of Harley-Davidson (1980s–1990s)
The 1980s were a rocky time for Harley-Davidson. Facing tough competition from Japanese brands and suffering from quality control issues, Harley was on the brink. But in 1981, a group of 13 investors, including CEO Vaughn Beals, bought the company back from AMF (American Machine and Foundry), leading one of the greatest comebacks in American business history.
Harley refocused on quality, branding, and lifestyle. The company leveraged nostalgia, patriotism, and the rugged image of the American biker to rebuild its fanbase. They also introduced Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.) in 1983, fostering a powerful sense of community.
By the 1990s, Harley-Davidson had become a cultural force again. Riders of all backgrounds, ages, and incomes embraced the brand as a lifestyle. Harley became synonymous with freedom, rebellion, and pride.
8. The Tech Boom and Safety Push (2000s–2010s)
As the new millennium rolled in, so did new technology. Motorcycles became faster, safer, and more customizable. Anti-lock braking systems (ABS), fuel injection, ride modes, GPS, and even traction control became standard on many bikes.
Safety also became a bigger focus, particularly as fatality rates among older riders began to rise. Rider training programs, helmet laws (though still debated), and safety gear grew in popularity. Helmet companies began innovating helmets to meet DOT and Snell certifications.
Meanwhile, motorcycles diversified. Adventure bikes, sport bikes, café racers, cruisers, bobbers—riders had more choice than ever. New American companies like Zero Motorcycles began developing electric motorcycles, setting the stage for a new generation of silent, high-tech riding.
9. The Modern Era: Diversity, Revival, and Electric Futures (2020–Present)
The 2020s have brought new challenges—and new opportunities—to motorcycling in the U.S. Government shutdowns for COVID-19 initially disrupted the industry, but demand for outdoor, solo adventures surged. Motorcycle sales spiked as people turned to two wheels for freedom and escape.
Harley-Davidson launched the Pan America, an adventure bike aimed at a younger, more global audience, and doubled down on electric with the LiveWire, their electric spin-off brand. Indian, now owned by Polaris, has resurged with impressive models like the Scout and FTR.
The biker demographic is also changing. More women and younger riders are getting into motorcycling. Riding is no longer the domain of old white dudes in leather jackets—it’s for anyone who craves the road.
10. American Motorcycling’s Enduring Spirit
What has remained constant through over a century of change is the spirit of motorcycling in America. Whether you're carving through the Rockies, tearing up a flat track, or cruising through a small-town main street, the motorcycle represents something deeper than a machine. It's an extension of yourself—a rebellion, a meditation, a celebration.
Riders aren’t just people who like motorcycles. They're people who live for them.
Conclusion: The Ride Continues
From dusty dirt roads in 1903 to high-speed interstates in 2025, American motorcycling has seen it all. War, rebellion, style revolutions, technological innovations, and shifting demographics have all shaped the journey. Through it all, the motorcycle has remained a powerful icon of freedom.
At TwistyRider.com, we honor this legacy. Whether you're a lifelong rider or just throwing your leg over a bike for the first time, you're part of a grand, uniquely American tradition. One filled with passion, grit, and the open road.
Ride safe. Ride free.
Visit TwistyRider.com for your motorcycle apparel, gear and accessories.