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Yamaha Motorcycles. What started as a music company in a propeller factory soon became a leader at producing very popular successful bikes for motorcycle lover’s worldwide.

 In 1954 the first model was set for production. It was a 125cc, single cylinder two-stroke patterned after the German DKW RT125. Yamaha designated this first model the YA1.

The YA1 was successful and by 1956 a second model was ready for production. This was the YC1, a 175cc single cylinder two-stroke also based on a DKW design, the RT175.

In 1957 Yamaha began production of it’s first 250cc, two-stroke twin, the YD1. This was the beginning of a long line of two stroke twins that lead Yamaha to the world’s stage of motorcycle success

KTM Motorcycles.

KTM SportmotorcycleAG is an Austrianmotorcycle manufacturer. The company was founded in 1934 by engineer Hans Trunkenpolz. It started out as a metalworking shop.

In 1953 KTM began producing motorcycles. KTM is most commonly known for its off road motorcycles though in recent years it has expansed into street motorcycle production.

Throughout KTM’s history, they have been on the leading edge of motorcycle technology. They were the first manufacturer to produce a liquid-cooled four-stroke motorcycle engine for an off road motorcycle, a design which has since been replicated by all other manufacturers.

In 1986 KTM became the first motorcycle manufacturer to include both front and rear disc brakes on an off road motorcycle.

In 1998, they offered a linkless rear suspension, dramatically reducing the un-sprung weight of the bike.  The Adventure model is the most popular design of KTM. Recently KTM has developed the larger adventure 950cc bike and also a funky Street bike called Duke. 

BSA Motorcycles.

BSA (Birmingham Small Arms) started all the way back in 1863 building planes, guns, taxis, etc. 

The bikes division started in 1880. The engine powered bicycle was launched in 1905 with a small Minerva engine attached to it. By the 1950’s the company was producing more than 75.000 bikes.

After the World War 2, BSA was the largest manufacturer of motorcycles world wide. In 1937 Walter Handley raced a BSA Empire Star over 100mph (160 k/h) around a curved race track. Then the Gold Star became a very popular roadster and racing bike. It remained in production up until 1963. After that, BSA introduced the A models which became very popular because of their simplicity, reliability and low cost.

BSA produced a 750cc Rocket Three Triple which was developed and produced during difficult financial times. Due to financial losses, the company stopped its production in 1973 and was bought by the Norton Villiers Triumph company.