Motorcycle History | The European and American 20 May 25

Last time, we recounted some of the most fascinating stories of Italian brands, but the history of the motorcycle industry is, in reality, a universal story. It is a tale that spans continents and generations, made up of industrial challenges and pioneering visions.

From Europe to the United States, major brands have rewritten the rules of the industry, driven by the determination of their founders who, against all odds, have left an indelible mark — in some cases, more than a century after the company's inception.

If you also believe that your business is driven by the same blend of passion, innovation and entrepreneurial courage, Performing Digital is ready to walk alongside you. With a tailor-made approach and digital solutions designed specifically for the motorcycle business, we support brands and dealers in telling — and growing — their story. Find out how at performingdigital.com.

• BMW Motorrad – The empire that fell from the sky: founded in 1917 in Munich to produce aircraft engines. In 1923, the first motorcycle arrived. The founders? Karl Rapp and Josef Popp.
• Harley-Davidson – A story that is a legend: William Harley and Arthur Davidson founded the company in 1903 in Milwaukee. The rest is American legend on two wheels.
• GASGAS – From Spain with grit: Narcís Casas started out as an SWM importer, but in 1985 he began producing trial motorcycles. The first World Championship came as early as 1992.
• Indian Motorcycles – Founded in 1901 by George M. Hendee and Carl Oscar Hedstrom, it is the oldest American brand still in operation.
• Husqvarna – A name that has its roots in 1689 as a weapons factory. Motorcycles arrived in 1903: Swedish, essential, successful.
• KTM – Kronreif und Trunkenpolz Mattighofen was founded in 1934 by engineer Hans Trunkepolz in Mattighofen, to manufacture bicycles: the first motorcycle was produced in 1951.
• Norton Motorcycles – Since 1898, James Lansdowne Norton has been writing legendary pages in British motorcycling, between racing and industrial resilience.
• Triumph Motorcycles – Founded in 1885 by Siegfried Bettmann in Coventry. Motorcycles arrived in 1902, cars in 1920. A name synonymous with style and performance.
• Zero Motorcycles Inc. – A recent but already iconic history: founded in 2006 in Santa Cruz by Neal Saiki, a former NASA engineer, it produces only electric motorcycles. The future, today.

The next stop? Japan, where the ‘Four Sisters’ revolutionised the entire concept of motorcycles. But in the meantime... which one is your favourite? And you, what page of history are you working on? Fill out the form and let's get to know each other right away: we'll help you grow!