by JeffreyS

Created on: July 23, 2007   Last Updated: November 16, 2007

The history of Japanese motorcycle companies began after the wars in the 1950s. After the 'wars', Japan suffered loss and disappointment like every other country in the wars. Preceding the war, they focused their technology on a easy and cheap transportation for their citizens. Japan then saw the popularity of motorcycles in the US and in Europe. So like most countries after the war, Japan began building their own motorcycles.

During the late 1950s the Japanese motorcycles spread in Europe and then in the US. The Japanese motorcycles were fast, reliable, attractive and affordable. Japanese motorcycles were included with much advancement that the major motorcycle companies could never think of. One of these advancements was the electric start engine, unlike the usual motorcycles that had a kick start engine.
Since Japan made small motorcycles, none of the US motor companies thought of them as a threat. But in the 1960s, Japan made bigger and better bikes. The big blow was hit when Japan produced the Honda CD450. It was good looking, affordable and could outrun any stock Harley-Davidson. It had great engine time and didn't periodically breakdown (unlike the Harley Davidson which tended to breakdown timely). When the Major US motor companies saw this, they finally knew Japanese motors as a top competitor, but it was to late. Then Honda released their CB750, with four cylinders and blew off the market. It was like buying a Mercedes-Benz for the price of a Hyundai. Soon many preferred Japanese motors.

Today many Japanese motor companies like Suzuki, Yamaha, Honda and Kawasaki still flourish internationally in both Europe and Asia. Today there are many famous Japanese bikes like 6 Honda 50 rolling chassis, Honda 2007 CBR600RR, Kawasaki 1500 Vulcan 2nd Generation Suzuki Savage 650 and many many more.

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