On November, 10 1885, the first motorcycle was ridden on the streets of Bad Cannstatt, Germany. The vehicle was called a Reitwagen and was designed and built by German inventors Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach. It reached 12 kmh, a speed unprecedented for that time.
The Daimler Reitwagen ("riding car") was an early internal combustion petroleum-fueled motorcycles. It was equipped with a 264 cubic centimeters engines delivering 0.5 hp at 600 rpm.
Above: Cosmonaut Vladimir Shatalov's (center) family on a motorcycle of Shatalov senior's own design.
Above: Cosmonaut Vladimir Shatalov's (center) family on a motorcycle of Shatalov senior's own design.
The Reitwagen had a wooden frame and used two outrigger wheels to remain upright while turning. It was driven by Paul Daimler, son of Gottlieb Daimler.
Above: A Kometa-3 motorcycle in a fairing.
Above: A Kometa-3 motorcycle in a fairing.
The original Reitwagen motorcycle was destroyed in 1904 in a fire at the Daimler workshop. Now, its replica is displayed in the Mercedes-Benz museum.
Above: The Bairkumsky state farm's herds of sheep.
Above: The Bairkumsky state farm's herds of sheep.
In 1894, Hildebrand & Wolfmuller became the first series production motorcycle, and the first to be called a motorcycle.
Above: Motoball team during a game.
Above: Motoball team during a game.
Motorcycles gained popularity in the beginning of the 20th century because of their low price and dynamic characteristics. A number of classic motorcycle-manufacturers were born during this era, including Royal Enflield, Triumph, Indian, Harley-Davidson, and Husqvarna.
Above: Sports costume, made at the Dzerzhinsky Knitting Mill, Alma Ata.
Above: Sports costume, made at the Dzerzhinsky Knitting Mill, Alma Ata.
During World War I, motorbike production was greatly ramped up for the war, from a need to supply effective communications with front line troops.
Above: The main conveyor of the Izhevsk machine-building plant.
Above: The main conveyor of the Izhevsk machine-building plant.
During World War II, the demand for reliable military service bikes grew. Motorbikes were used by the intelligence, communication and airborne forces.
Above: A girl reading a newspaper as she sits on a motorcycle.
Above: A girl reading a newspaper as she sits on a motorcycle.
Following the war, the car market Europe declined. A motorcycle was a good alternative to a car in many European countries.
Above: The world's first wooden-body motorcycle is exhibited in the Riga Car Museum.
Above: The world's first wooden-body motorcycle is exhibited in the Riga Car Museum.
In the early 1960s, Japan entered the global motorcycle market. In the 15 years after the war, Japanese engineers had made their way from garage workshops to developing advanced motorbikes.
Above: Gymnasts performing on a motorcycle during the All-Union Young People Festival.
Above: Gymnasts performing on a motorcycle during the All-Union Young People Festival.
After the war, rapid economic growth in the US led to widespread usage of automobiles across the country. As a result, Harley-Davidson remained the only motorcycle-maker in the country.
Above: "A Flight into the 21st Century. Bikers." Exhibition stocks.
Above: "A Flight into the 21st Century. Bikers." Exhibition stocks.
The rapid development of motorsport in the 1960s resulted in creating many new types of motorcycles.
Above: Circus trained monkeys on a motorcycle.
Above: Circus trained monkeys on a motorcycle.
A motorcycle was an important part of culture in the 1960s. It symbolized the spirit of freedom and rebelliousness, especially for young people.
Above: MotoFreeStyle show at the Avangard Stadium in Vladivostok.
Above: MotoFreeStyle show at the Avangard Stadium in Vladivostok.
As a means of transportation, motorcycles are extremely popular in many countries in South-Eastern Asia.
Above: The 2009 Moscow International Motor Show AutoXXXotica being held at Tushino airfield in Moscow.
Above: The 2009 Moscow International Motor Show AutoXXXotica being held at Tushino airfield in Moscow.
Above: Adam Jones (USA) performing at a freestyle motocross competition at Red Bull X-Fighters 2010 on Vasilyevsky Descent in Moscow.
Adam Jones (USA) performing at the competition on freestyle motocross Red Bull X-Fighters 2010 on Vasilyevsky Descent in Moscow.
