Peter Fonda and James Dean are just two of the many famous people who have glamorized motorcycles both on the television and movies. Motorcycles have depicted a life of freedom on the road to several generations of Americans. However there are still those who have little knowledge of motorcycles even though they would like to know more. This is understandable as motorcycles are very much a part of the American lifestyle.

So, let's talk about the basics first of all. What is it about a motorcycle which makes a bike enthusiast refer to it as an iron horse? Similar to many other modern mechanical items, motorcycles are mass produced and the frames are made of aluminum. The engine is powered by gasoline and usually has a five or six speed transmission. Many of us are aware of the famous Harley Davidson motorcycles made in North America but there are other manufacturers turning out and selling their motorcycles in North America, from all parts of the globe. You may be familiar with the names of Honda and Yamaha which are produced in Japan.

Even though motorcycles are used for every walk of life, meeting many different needs, from commuting to racing, the one which stands out as a household name is definitely the Harley Davidson.

This motorcycle is the most famous bike in the world and began its life in Milwaukee in the early nineteen hundreds. By 1917 a third of the Harley Davidsons produced were sent overseas to help with the war effort. The following year the factory producing this machine was the biggest factory in the motorcycle world. However, America's favorite pastime can be traced back even further than this.

A two cylinder steam engine variety of motorcycle, which was invented in 1867, is widely accepted to have been the very first motorcycle. There is also a record of a particular motorcycle dating back to 1885 where an engine was attached to a bike of wooden construction by a man called Gottlieb Daimler.

Similar to many other industries, motorcycle history clearly divides into segments of time. The next noteworthy era was the time between the mid nineteen fifties and nineteen eighties which saw the introduction of many other big names involved with the manufacture of motorcycles.

Even though the famous Beatles were not about to overrun America with their particular style of music for another ten years or so, the English Indian motorcycle was by far outselling any competition from within America during the 1950's. Norton is another well known name which appeared prior to the Japanese era of motorcycle production, giving the likes of Harley Davidson a good run for its money.

If motorcycling is something you would like to get into, you will first need to obtain a license permitting you to ride one. The requirements for a license vary from state to state but there are some general unchanging basics which appear to be necessary pretty much across the board. For example, the majority of states require you to hold a commercial driver's license prior to allowing you to start your application for a motorcycle license. Tests will need to be taken and fees paid, which again, vary from one location to another.