List of Motorcycles: Humble origins to cutting-edge prototypes

‘The Motorcycle: Design, Art, Desire’, Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA), Brisbane / Photograph: Natasha Harth © QAGOMA

‘The Motorcycle: Design, Art, Desire’, Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA), Brisbane / Photograph: Natasha Harth © QAGOMA / View full image

We list the motorcycles displayed in ‘The Motorcycle: Design, Art, Desire’ — by year from 1871 until 2020 — these motorcycles were carefully selected for the technical achievements and aesthetic merits they represent.

Showcasing 100 motorcycles, ‘The Motorcycle’ spans the history of this dynamic and versatile vehicle, from its humble origins as an engine bolted to a bicycle to the cutting-edge electric prototypes of the twenty-first century.

The world’s first steam-powered ‘motorcycle’ was assembled in the late 1860s, more than a decade before the first automobile was designed, and by the early twentieth century all the elements of the modern, internal combustion engine–powered motorcycle had developed. Over the next 120 years, changes in design reflected developments in technology, engineering and manufacturing, as well as the motorcycle’s evolving functions as an inexpensive mode of transportation, racing and on- or off-road vehicle and as an expression of individual creativity. These innovations changed the face of transportation, and the motorcycle has not only become an enduring design icon, but also established its place in society through popular culture, literature and film.

‘The Motorcycle: Design, Art, Desire’ offered a rare opportunity to see geographically and historically diverse motorcycles together in one place. From the hubs of motorcycle manufacturing in the United Kingdom, the United States and Japan to less likely sources of unique designs in New Zealand and Australia, ‘The Motorcycle’ showcased a machine at the pinnacle of design excellence and evokes a world of innovation, excitement and desire.

‘The Motorcycle’ exhibition was in Brisbane’s Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) from 28 November 2020 until 26 April 2021.

RELATED: Read more about the bikes in ‘THE MOTORCYCLE’ exhibition

AUSTRALIAN DESIGNED: Read about our LOCAL MOTORCYCLE HISTORY

List of motorcycles by year of manufacture

‘The Motorcycle: Design, Art, Desire’, Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA), Brisbane / Photograph: Natasha Harth © QAGOMA

‘The Motorcycle: Design, Art, Desire’, Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA), Brisbane / Photograph: Natasha Harth © QAGOMA / View full image

1871 Perreaux Steam Velocipede (above)
France
Collection: Department of Hauts-de-Seine / Museum of the Departmental Domain of Sceaux

WATCH THE VIDEO: Co-curator Virtual Tour #1 Perreaux Steam Velocipede
DELVE DEEPER: 5 innovative motorcycles that changed the way we ride

Cleveland Tricycle 1898 / Bunch Family Collection, Don Whalen, Curator / Photograph: Markus Cuff

Cleveland Tricycle 1898 / Bunch Family Collection, Don Whalen, Curator / Photograph: Markus Cuff / View full image

1898 Cleveland Tricycle (above)
USA
Bunch Family Collection, Don Whalen, Curator

DELVE DEEPER: 5 innovative motorcycles that changed the way we ride

Minerva with Mills and Fulford Forecar 1903 / Collection: Bobby Haas and Haas Moto Museum / © Haas Moto Galleries LLC / Photograph: Natasha Harth © QAGOMA

Minerva with Mills and Fulford Forecar 1903 / Collection: Bobby Haas and Haas Moto Museum / © Haas Moto Galleries LLC / Photograph: Natasha Harth © QAGOMA / View full image

1903 Minerva with Mills and Fulford Forecar (above)
Belgium
Collection: Bobby Haas and Haas Moto Museum

DELVE DEEPER: Two’s company: 5 motorcycles for carrying a passenger

Spencer motorcycle c.1906 / Photograph: Penelope Clay, Australian Motorlife Museum

Spencer motorcycle c.1906 / Photograph: Penelope Clay, Australian Motorlife Museum / View full image

1906 Spencer (above)
Australia
The Australian Motorlife Museum – Paul Butler Collection

DELVE DEEPER: Australian-born: The Spencer motorcycle story
WATCH THE VIDEO: Co-curator Virtual Tour #2 Spencer

Indian Single C-Dora 1908 / Bunch Family Collection, Don Whalen Curator / Photograph: Markus Cuff

Indian Single C-Dora 1908 / Bunch Family Collection, Don Whalen Curator / Photograph: Markus Cuff / View full image

1908 Indian Single CeDora (above)
USA
Bunch Family Collection, Don Whalen Curator

DELVE DEEPER : Indian Single 1908 owned by pioneering stuntwoman Cedora

Henderson Four 1912 / Clyde Crouch Collection / Photograph: Robert LaPrelle

Henderson Four 1912 / Clyde Crouch Collection / Photograph: Robert LaPrelle / View full image

1912 Henderson Four (above)
USA
Clyde Crouch Collection

DELVE DEEPER: Henderson Four the largest and fastest motorcycle of its time
DELVE DEEPER: Two’s company: 5 motorcycles for carrying a passenger

Whiting 1914 / Lowe Family Collection / Photograph: Penelope Clay

Whiting 1914 / Lowe Family Collection / Photograph: Penelope Clay / View full image

1914 Whiting (above)
Australia
Lowe Family Collection

DELVE DEEPER: The Australian Whiting: The last word in motorcycle luxury

Harley-Davidson 10F 1914 / Harley City Collection

Harley-Davidson 10F 1914 / Harley City Collection / View full image

1914 Harley-Davidson 10F (above)
USA
Harley City Collection

Indian 8-Valve 1916 / Arundel Collection / Photograph: Anne-Marie De Boni

Indian 8-Valve 1916 / Arundel Collection / Photograph: Anne-Marie De Boni / View full image

1916 Indian 8-Valve (above)
USA
Arundel Collection

ABC 1919 / Courtesy of the Clyde Crouch Collection / Photograph: Robert LaPrelle

ABC 1919 / Courtesy of the Clyde Crouch Collection / Photograph: Robert LaPrelle / View full image

1919 ABC (above)
United Kingdom
Courtesy of the Clyde Crouch Collection

DELVE DEEPER: 5 innovative motorcycles that changed the way we ride

Indian Scout Special 1920 (engine) / Collection: Clyde Crouch / Photograph: Natasha Harth © QAGOMA

Indian Scout Special 1920 (engine) / Collection: Clyde Crouch / Photograph: Natasha Harth © QAGOMA / View full image

1920 (engine) Indian Scout Special (above)
USA; New Zealand
Collection: Clyde Crouch

DELVE DEEPER: Bert Munro’s 1920 Indian Scout Special still the worlds fastest
WATCH THE VIDEO: Co-curator Virtual Tour #5 Indian Scout Special

1921 Ner-a-Car
USA
Bunch Family Collection, Don Whalen Curator

1924 Moto Guzzi Tipo Normale
Italy
Collection: The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, Birmingham, Alabama, USA

1924 BMW R32
Germany
Collection: Trevor Dean

1926 Indian Hillclimber
USA
Arundel Collection

1926 Peugeot P104
France
Collection: Bobby Haas and Haas Moto Museum

1927 Harley-Davidson FHA / Harley City Collection / Photograph: Anne-Marie De Boni

1927 Harley-Davidson FHA / Harley City Collection / Photograph: Anne-Marie De Boni / View full image

1927 Harley-Davidson FHA (above)
USA
Harley City Collection

DELVE DEEPER: Two’s company: 5 motorcycles for carrying a passenger

Harley-Davidson Model SA Peashooter 1928 / Harley City Collection / Photograph: Anne-Marie De Boni

Harley-Davidson Model SA Peashooter 1928 / Harley City Collection / Photograph: Anne-Marie De Boni / View full image

1928 Harley-Davidson Model SA Peashooter (above)
USA
Harley City Collection

DELVE DEEPER: 5 speedway racers
DELVE DEEPER: Two’s company: 5 motorcycles for carrying a passenger

1928 Scott Flying Squirrel
United Kingdom
Collection of Mr and Mrs Hans Sprangers

1928 Harley-Davidson JDH Special
USA
Harley City Collection

1928 Indian Model 401
USA
Arundel Collection

Majestic c.1929 / Collection: Bobby Haas and Haas Moto Museum / © Haas Moto Galleries LLC / Photograph: Grant Schwingle

Majestic c.1929 / Collection: Bobby Haas and Haas Moto Museum / © Haas Moto Galleries LLC / Photograph: Grant Schwingle / View full image

c.1929 Majestic (above)
France
Collection: Bobby Haas and Haas Moto Museum

DELVE DEEPER: The MotoThe Majestic, the greatest of all French motorcycle designs

1929 Opel Motoclub Neander
Germany
Collection: Bobby Haas and Haas Moto Museum

Ariel Model F 1929 / Collection of Bob Muss, Australia / Photograph: Natasha Harth

Ariel Model F 1929 / Collection of Bob Muss, Australia / Photograph: Natasha Harth / View full image

1929 Ariel Model F (above)
United Kingdom
Collection of Bob Muss, Australia

WATCH THE VIDEO: Co-curator Virtual Tour #4 Ariel Model F

1929 Norton CS1
United Kingdom
Collection of John Richardson

Douglas DT/5 Speedway 1929 / Private Collection, Sydney / Photographer: Penelope Clay

Douglas DT/5 Speedway 1929 / Private Collection, Sydney / Photographer: Penelope Clay / View full image

1929 Douglas DT/5 Speedway (above)
USA
Private Collection, Sydney

DELVE DEEPER: 5 speedway racers

1931 Dresch Monobloc
France
Collection: Bobby Haas and Haas Moto Museum

1933 Harley-Davidson DAH
USA
Harley City Collection

Crocker Speedway 1934 / Harley City Collection / Photograph: Anne-Marie De Boni

Crocker Speedway 1934 / Harley City Collection / Photograph: Anne-Marie De Boni / View full image

1934 Crocker Speedway (above)
USA
Harley City Collection

DELVE DEEPER: The Crocker motorcycles: Built for speed
DELVE DEEPER: 5 speedway racers

1935 Brough Superior 11-50
United Kingdom
The Peter and Frances Bender Collection

1936 Koehler-Escoffier Motoball Special
France
Collection: Bobby Hass and Hass Moto Museum

Crocker 1938 / Harley City Collection / Photograph: Anne-Marie De Boni

Crocker 1938 / Harley City Collection / Photograph: Anne-Marie De Boni / View full image

1938 Crocker (above)
USA
Harley City Collection

DELVE DEEPER: The Crocker motorcycles: Built for speed
WATCH THE VIDEO: Co-curator Virtual Tour #3 Crocker

1938 Triumph Speed Twin
United Kingdom
Image courtesy: The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, Birmingham, Alabama, USA

Indian Chief with Sidecar 1940 / Arundel Collection / Photograph: Anne-Marie De Boni

Indian Chief with Sidecar 1940 / Arundel Collection / Photograph: Anne-Marie De Boni / View full image

1940 Indian Chief with Sidecar (above)
USA
Arundel Collection

DELVE DEEPER: Two’s company: 5 motorcycles for carrying a passenger

Socovel Electric c.1942 / Collection: Bobby Haas and Haas Moto Museum / © Haas Moto Galleries LLC / Photograph: Grant Schwingle

Socovel Electric c.1942 / Collection: Bobby Haas and Haas Moto Museum / © Haas Moto Galleries LLC / Photograph: Grant Schwingle / View full image

1942 Socovel Electric (above)
Belgium
Collection: Bobby Haas and Haas Moto Museum

DELVE DEEPER: The Socovel Electric — the world’s first mass-produced electric motorcycle
WATCH THE VIDEO: Co-curator Virtual Tour #6 Socovel Electric

1943 Harley-Davidson FL
USA
Kendal Maroney Collection (KMC)

Moto Guzzi Super Alce 1948 / Calleja Collection, Melbourne / Photograph: Anne-Marie De Boni

Moto Guzzi Super Alce 1948 / Calleja Collection, Melbourne / Photograph: Anne-Marie De Boni / View full image

1948 Moto Guzzi Super Alce (above)
Italy
Calleja Collection, Melbourne

DELVE DEEPER: Two’s company: 5 motorcycles for carrying a passenger

Imme R100 1949 / Collection: The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, Birmingham, Alabama, USA / Photograph: Marc Bondarenko

Imme R100 1949 / Collection: The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, Birmingham, Alabama, USA / Photograph: Marc Bondarenko / View full image

1949 Imme R100 (above)
West Germany
Collection: The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, Birmingham, Alabama, USA

WATCH THE VIDEO: Co-curator Virtual Tour #8 Imme R100

1949 MV Agusta 125 TEL Turismo
Italy
Collection of Robert Marro

Huck Fynn JAP Speedway c.1949–50 / Tony Webb Speedway Collection / Photographer: John Downs

Huck Fynn JAP Speedway c.1949–50 / Tony Webb Speedway Collection / Photographer: John Downs / View full image

c.1949–50 Huck Fynn JAP Speedway (above)
United Kingdom
Tony Webb Speedway Collection

DELVE DEEPER: 5 speedway racers

Vincent Black Lightning 1951 / The Peter and Frances Bender Collection / © Bonhams Auctioneers

Vincent Black Lightning 1951 / The Peter and Frances Bender Collection / © Bonhams Auctioneers / View full image

1951 Vincent Black Lightning (above)
United Kingdom
The Peter and Frances Bender Collection

DELVE DEEPER: Vincent Black Lightning: The fastest production motorcycle for its time

1954 Gnome et Rhône LC531
France
Collection: Bobby Haas and Haas Moto Museum

1955 Puch SGS
Austria
Collection: Bobby Hass and Haas Moto Museum

Tilbrook Prototype 1956 / Collection of Dennis Martin, Owner – Paul Martin / Photograph: Brayden Mann

Tilbrook Prototype 1956 / Collection of Dennis Martin, Owner – Paul Martin / Photograph: Brayden Mann / View full image

1956 Tilbrook Prototype (above)
Australia
Collection of Dennis Martin, Owner – Paul Martin

DELVE DEEPER: The last Australian Tilbrook motorcycle

Aermacchi Chimera 1957 / Image courtesy: The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, Birmingham, Alabama, USA / Photograph: Marc Bondarenko

Aermacchi Chimera 1957 / Image courtesy: The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, Birmingham, Alabama, USA / Photograph: Marc Bondarenko / View full image

1957 Aermacchi Chimera (above)
Italy
Courtesy: The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, Birmingham, Alabama, USA

WATCH THE VIDEO: Co-curator Virtual Tour #7 Aermacchi Chimera

Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1958 / Calleja Collection, Melbourne / Photograph: Anne-Marie De Boni

Harley-Davidson Sportster XL 1958 / Calleja Collection, Melbourne / Photograph: Anne-Marie De Boni / View full image

1958 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL (above)
USA
Calleja Collection, Melbourne

WATCH THE VIDEO: Co-curator Virtual Tour #10 Harley-Davidson Sportster XL

1958 Matchless Factory Trials
United Kingdom
Courtesy: Jonathan Munn / Classic Style Motorcycles, Australia

Vespa 150GS 1960 / Collection: Vespa House and Frank Tonon / Photograph: Anne-Marie De Boni

Vespa 150GS 1960 / Collection: Vespa House and Frank Tonon / Photograph: Anne-Marie De Boni / View full image

1960 Vespa 150GS (above)
Italy
Collection: Vespa House and Frank Tonon

Honda C102 Super Cub 1960 / © Solomon R Guggenheim Foundation, New York / Photograph: Randy Leffingwell

Honda C102 Super Cub 1960 / © Solomon R Guggenheim Foundation, New York / Photograph: Randy Leffingwell / View full image

1960 Honda C102 Super Cub (above)
Japan
Solomon R Guggenheim, New York

Triumph Bonneville 1961 / The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, Birmingham, Alabama, USA / Photograph: Marc Bondarenko

Triumph Bonneville 1961 / The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, Birmingham, Alabama, USA / Photograph: Marc Bondarenko / View full image

1961 Triumph Bonneville (above)
United Kingdom
The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, Birmingham, Alabama, USA

DELVE DEEPER: Triumph Bonneville: A stylish classic

BSA Gold Star Catalina 1963 / Michael Reilly Collection, Brisbane / Photograph: John Downs

BSA Gold Star Catalina 1963 / Michael Reilly Collection, Brisbane / Photograph: John Downs / View full image

1963 BSA Gold Star Catalina (above)
United Kingdom
Michael Reilly Collection, Brisbane

WATCH THE VIDEO: Co-curator Virtual Tour #9 BSA Gold Star Catalina

Suzuki T20 250 Hustler 1966 / Courtesy: Jonathan Munn / Classic Style Motorcycles, Australia / Photograph: Natasha Harth © QAGOMA

Suzuki T20 250 Hustler 1966 / Courtesy: Jonathan Munn / Classic Style Motorcycles, Australia / Photograph: Natasha Harth © QAGOMA / View full image

1966 Suzuki T20 250 Hustler (above)
Japan
Courtesy: Jonathan Munn / Classic Style Motorcycles, Australia

DELVE DEEPER: 5 innovative motorcycles that changed the way we ride

1967 Husqvarna 250
Sweden
Collection of M and J Daley

1969 Kawasaki Mach lll
Japan
Collection of Andrew Boyes

BSA Rocket 3 1969 / Photograph: Mick Osbaldeston

BSA Rocket 3 1969 / Photograph: Mick Osbaldeston / View full image

1969 BSA Rocket 3 (above)
United Kingdom

WATCH THE VIDEO: Co-curator Virtual Tour #11 BSA Rocket 3

Velocette Sportsman 1969 / Scaysbrook Family Collection / Photograph: Jim Scaysbrook

Velocette Sportsman 1969 / Scaysbrook Family Collection / Photograph: Jim Scaysbrook / View full image

1969 Velocette Sportsman (above)
United Kingdom
Scaysbrook Family Collection

WATCH THE VIDEO: Co-curator Virtual Tour #11 Velocette Sportsman

1971 Bultaco Sherpa T
Spain
Collection: Mr J and Master T Randel

1972 MV Agusta 750S
Italy
Collection of Robert Marro

Honda CB750 1972 / Image courtesy: The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, Birmingham, Alabama, USA / Photograph: Marc Bondarenko

Honda CB750 1972 / Image courtesy: The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, Birmingham, Alabama, USA / Photograph: Marc Bondarenko / View full image

1972 Honda CB750 (above)
Japan
Image courtesy: The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, Birmingham, Alabama, USA

WATCH THE VIDEO: Co-curator Virtual Tour #11 Honda CB750

1973 Triumph X-75 Hurricane
United Kingdom
The Peter and Frances Bender Collection

1973 Honda Elsinore
Japan
Collection: Mr J and Master T Randel

c.1973 (engine: 1941) Harley-Davidson Knucklehead Chopper / Private Collection / Photograph: Andrea Beavis

c.1973 (engine: 1941) Harley-Davidson Knucklehead Chopper / Private Collection / Photograph: Andrea Beavis / View full image

c.1973 (engine: 1941) Harley-Davidson Knucklehead Chopper (above)
USA
Private Collection

DELVE DEEPER: Harley-Davidson Knucklehead Chopper: A two-wheeled American icon
WATCH THE VIDEO: Co-curator Virtual Tour #16 custom motorcycle design

1973 Norton Commando
United Kingdom
Calleja Collection, Melbourne

Ducati 750SS 1974 / Private Collection / Photograph: John Downs

Ducati 750SS 1974 / Private Collection / Photograph: John Downs / View full image

1974 Ducati 750SS (above)
Italy
Private Collection

Harley-Davidson XR750 1977 / Harley City Collection / Photograph: Anne-Marie De Boni

Harley-Davidson XR750 1977 / Harley City Collection / Photograph: Anne-Marie De Boni / View full image

1977 Harley-Davidson XR750 (above)
USA
Harley City Collection

DELVE DEEPER: 5 speedway racers

1977 Harley-Davidson XLCR
USA
Collection of Gordon Forrester

1979 Honda Mugen ME 390
Japan
Courtesy: Holden On Tight MX/Off-Road Dakar Dirt Museum

1981 Laverda Jota
Italy

1984 Kawasaki GPZ900R-A1
Japan

1988 Ducati 851 Kit
Italy
Collection of Robert Marro

1990 Suzuki GSX1100 Katana
Japan
Calleja Collection, Melbourne

1991 BMW R80GS
Germany
Calleja Collection, Melbourne

1992 Yamaha V-Max
Japan
Collection of Ruth Belin and Ivan Munro

Britten V1000 1994 / Private Collection, New Zealand / Photograph: Natasha Harth © QAGOMA

Britten V1000 1994 / Private Collection, New Zealand / Photograph: Natasha Harth © QAGOMA / View full image

1994 Britten V1000 (above)
New Zealand
Private Collection, New Zealand

DELVE DEEPER: 5 innovative motorcycles that changed the way we ride
WATCH THE VIDEO: Co-curator Virtual Tour #14 Britten V1000

1994 Triumph T309 Speed Triple
United Kingdom
Collection: Jonathan Munn / Classic Style Motorcycles

Ducati M900 Monster 1994 / The RJ Webber Desmo Collection, Gold Coast / Photograph: John Downs

Ducati M900 Monster 1994 / The RJ Webber Desmo Collection, Gold Coast / Photograph: John Downs / View full image

1994 Ducati M900 Monster (above)
Italy
The RJ Webber Desmo Collection, Gold Coast

Aprilia Moto 6.5 1995 / Collection: The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, Birmingham, Alabama USA / Photograph: Marc Bondarenko

Aprilia Moto 6.5 1995 / Collection: The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, Birmingham, Alabama USA / Photograph: Marc Bondarenko / View full image

1995 Aprilia Moto 6.5 (above)
Italy
Collection: The Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, Birmingham, Alabama USA

WATCH THE VIDEO: Co-curator Virtual Tour #13 Aprilia Moto 6.5

1996 Ducati 916 SP
Italy
Collection: Robert Marro

2002 Bimota V-Due
Italy
Collection of Robert Marro

2003 Harley Davidson VRSCA V-Rod
USA
Private Collection

2005 KTM Super Duke
Austria

2005 MV Agusta F4 Ago
Italy
Collection of Robert Marro

Segway i2 SE PT 2006 / Image courtesy: Segway-Ninebot

Segway i2 SE PT 2006 / Image courtesy: Segway-Ninebot / View full image

2006 Segway PT (above)
USA

WATCH THE VIDEO: Co-curator Virtual Tour #12 Segway 12 SE PT

The Drover’s Dog 2009 / Collection: Joseph Mildren/Deus Ex Machina, Sydney / Image courtesy: Deus Ex Machina

The Drover’s Dog 2009 / Collection: Joseph Mildren/Deus Ex Machina, Sydney / Image courtesy: Deus Ex Machina / View full image

2009 The Drover’s Dog (above)
Australia
Collection: Joseph Mildren/Deus Ex Machina, Sydney

DELVE DEEPER: Australia’s Deus Ex Machina ‘Drover’s Dog’ is the perfect surf bike

Kim Krebs riding at the 2010 BUB Motorcycle Speed Trials, Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah / Photograph: LC Grubb (ScooterShoots)

Kim Krebs riding at the 2010
BUB Motorcycle Speed Trials, Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah /
Photograph: LC Grubb (ScooterShoots) / View full image

2016 Suzuki Hayabusa (above)
Japan
Collection: Kim Krebs & Greg Watters & Jim Higgins (Black Art Racing)

DELVE DEEPER: Suzuki Hayabusa: The world’s fastest production sportbike

2016 Hazan Black Knight
USA
Collection: Bobby Haas and Haas Moto Museum

Bandit9 Eve Mk ll 2016 / Collection: Bobby Haas and Haas Moto Museum / © Haas Moto Galleries LLC / Photograph: Grant Schwingle

Bandit9 Eve Mk ll 2016 / Collection: Bobby Haas and Haas Moto Museum / © Haas Moto Galleries LLC / Photograph: Grant Schwingle / View full image

2016 Bandit9 Eve Mk ll (above)
Vietnam
Collection: Bobby Haas and Haas Moto Museum

WATCH THE VIDEO: Co-curator Virtual Tour #16 custom motorcycle design

2016 KTM Rally 450 Dakar
Austria
Toby Price Collection

2017 Onewheel XR
USA

Rodsmith Corps Léger 2018 / Collection: Bobby Haas and Haas Moto Museum / © Haas Moto Galleries LLC / Photograph: Grant Schwingle

Rodsmith Corps Léger 2018 / Collection: Bobby Haas and Haas Moto Museum / © Haas Moto Galleries LLC / Photograph: Grant Schwingle / View full image

2018 Rodsmith Corps Léger (above)
USA
Collection: Bobby Haas and Haas Moto Museum

WATCH THE VIDEO: Co-curator Virtual Tour #16 custom motorcycle design

2018 Indian Scout
USA
Collection: Johnny Gee’s Antique Motorcycles

Vespa Elettrica 2019 / Vespa Australia / Photograph: Natasha Harth © QAGOMA

Vespa Elettrica 2019 / Vespa Australia / Photograph: Natasha Harth © QAGOMA / View full image

2019 Vespa Elettrica (above)
Italy

DELVE DEEPER: 5 future-focused motorcycles

Tarform Luna Protoype 01 2019 / Courtesy of Tarform Motorcycles / Photograph: Joe Ruckli © QAGOMA

Tarform Luna Protoype 01 2019 / Courtesy of Tarform Motorcycles / Photograph: Joe Ruckli © QAGOMA / View full image

2019 Tarform Luna Protoype 01 (above)
USA

DELVE DEEPER: 5 future-focused motorcycles

Zooz Concept 01 2019 / Photograph: Joe Ruckli © QAGOMA

Zooz Concept 01 2019 / Photograph: Joe Ruckli © QAGOMA / View full image

2019 Zooz Concept 01 (above)
USA

DELVE DEEPER: 5 future-focused motorcycles

‘The Motorcycle: Design, Art, Desire’, Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA), Brisbane / Photograph: Natasha Harth © QAGOMA

‘The Motorcycle: Design, Art, Desire’, Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA), Brisbane / Photograph: Natasha Harth © QAGOMA / View full image

2019 Fuller Moto 2029 (above)
USA
Collection: Bobby Haas and Haas Moto Museum

DELVE DEEPER: The Fuller Moto 2029 looks backwards in order to look to the future of customs

CAKE Kalk OR 2019 / Photograph: Natasha Harth © QAGOMA

CAKE Kalk OR 2019 / Photograph: Natasha Harth © QAGOMA / View full image

2019 CAKE Kalk OR (above)
Sweden

DELVE DEEPER: 5 future-focused motorcycles

2020 Ninebot KickScooter E25
China

2020 Ninebot One S2
China

Savic C-Series 2020 / Courtesy: Savic Motorcycles / Photograph: Natasha Harth © QAGOMA

Savic C-Series 2020 / Courtesy: Savic Motorcycles / Photograph: Natasha Harth © QAGOMA / View full image

2020 Savic C-Series (above)
Australia

DELVE DEEPER: The future generation is electric
DELVE DEEPER: 5 future-focused motorcycles
WATCH THE VIDEO: Co-curator Virtual Tour #15 Savic C-Series

2020 Sur-Ron Light Bee X
China
Collection: A e-Bikes / Sur-Ron Australia

Watch as we install ‘The Motorcycle’ exhibition

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Show off your ride with #MotorcycleGOMA #QAGOMA

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    5 future focused motorcycles

    While the first patent for an ‘electrical motorcycle’ was filed in 1895, and an electric tandem bicycle was exhibited at the 1896 Stanley Cycle Show in London, it wasn’t until the 2000s that electric power became a viable alternative to the combustion engine. Like all emerging technologies, electric motorcycles are not currently able to keep up with the high speeds and long distances of their established fuel-guzzling counterparts. However, new brands continue to enter the electric market to showcase the latest in innovative technology and designs. RELATED: SOCOVEL ELECTRIC 1942 Electric and petrol-alternative motorcycles have promise to be the future of sustainable transport. Compared to cars, they generally cost less to purchase, consume fewer resources and cause less pollution. Motorcycle designers are now also experimenting with more sustainable materials to build motorcycles, including recycled plastics, bamboo and wood. ‘The Motorcycle’ exhibition was in Brisbane’s Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) from 28 November 2020 until 26 April 2021. DELVE DEEPER: Browse the FULL LIST OF MOTORCYCLES RELATED: Read more about THE BIKES ON DISPLAY 1 Vespa Elettrica 2019 Seventy-four years after the Vespa debuted in 1946, this iconic scooter has been reinvented with the introduction of the electric-powered Vespa Elettrica. Designed for navigating city streets and crawling traffic, the Elettrica is envisioned to be the electric equivalent of a 50 cc combustion-engine scooter. With the same curved fairings and smooth lines that Vespa riders know and love, the Elettrica aims to not only provide people with affordable mobility but also make their movements more environmentally sustainable. This scooter has a reverse gear for ease of parking, and will take 4 hours to fully charge when plugged in to a regular household socket. Specifications Country: Italy Power: 4 kW (5 hp) Engine: Electric motor with 4.2 kWh battery Designer: Piaggo Production: 2018-present 2 Tarform Luna Prototype 01 2019 While many future-focused motorcycle brands have turned to electric technology to deal with growing concerns regarding sustainability, Tarform has gone a step further to consider the environmental impact of all elements of their groundbreaking Luna Prototype. This 40 kWh lithium-ion battery-powered motorcycle’s bodywork is made from fully recyclable and biodegradable materials. With a sleek modern look, environmentally friendly approach and lack of noise and fumes, the Luna is appealing to atypical motorcycle riders looking for a clean way to travel the city. Designed to withstand the test of time, the Tarform Luna Prototype 01 has been built for ‘upgradeability and not obsolescence’ — any element from the battery to the panelling can be swapped for a custom look. Specifications Country: USA Power: 40 kW (54 hp) Engine: Electric motor with 10 kWh battery Designer: Taras Kravtchouk Production: 2018-present 3 Zooz Concept 01 2019 In the words of Zooz designer Chris Zahner, ‘The amazing thing about electric bikes is how simple they are. Motors, heat exchangers, exhaust systems and gas tanks are requisite masses on combustion motorcycles. But the electric motorcycle can leave a whole lot more room for interpretation, by minimising the number of elements necessary.’ The Zooz electric bike is an incredibly simple concept presented in an elegant, linear package. The battery is concealed under the seat, and in the middle, where all the propulsion happens traditionally, there is nothing – a void. The Zooz shows what a contemporary electric bike looks like when stripped down to its most basic elements. Specifications Country: USA Power: 4.3 kW (6 hp) Engine: Electric motor with 0.84 kWh battery Designer: Christopher Zahner Production: Custom 4 Cake Kalk OR 2019 The Kalk OR is an electric off-road performance motorcycle that handles bustling cities as well as rocky cross-country paths. This minimalist bike has injection-moulded polycarbonate bodywork and is dominated by a 51.8-volt battery, which allows the rider to choose between four-stroke and two-stroke modes. Despite its futuristic look, the Kalk OR is fully street legal. With a top speed of only 90 km/h, the Kalk OR may not be able to keep up with many of its road-going counterparts, but provides a green alternative for modern riders. Specifications Country: Sweden Power: 11 kW (15 hp) Engine: Electric motor with 2.6 kWh battery Designer: Stefan Ytterborn Production: 2019-present 5 Savic C-Series 2020 The motorcycle industry is embracing electric technology, with electric vehicles entering the market at an increasing rate. Savic Motorcycles founder Dennis Savic describes the Savic C-Series – Australia’s first full-size electric motorcycle – as ‘a unique offering with the most advanced features and functionality that the materials, engineering, electronic controls, electrical technology and 3D printing can offer today’. DELVE DEEPER: SAVIC C-SERIES 2020 Specifications Country: Australia Power: 60 kW (80 hp) Engine: Electric motor with 11 kWh battery Designer: Dennis Savic Production: 2020-present Read more about Motorcycles / Subscribe to QAGOMA YouTube to go behind-the-scenes Show off your ride with #MotorcycleGOMA #QAGOMA
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    5 innovative motorcycles that changed the way we ride

    Motorcycling’s celebrated history of technical and design advancement had modest beginnings in the Age of Steam. In 1868, Parisian inventor and engineer Louis-Guillaume Perreaux (1816–89) patented a steam engine small enough to be used in a motorcycle, and within a few years had fixed it to a frame modelled on the pedal-powered bicycle. Perreaux’s experiments, and those of a few other early innovators, marked both the beginning and end of the era of steam-driven motorcycles. Their inventions nonetheless sparked a thirst for two-wheeled transportation that led to further experimentation, and in 1894 the first commercial motorcycles went into production. The industry developed rapidly from there: in 1895 Count Jules-Albert de Dion (1856–1946) and Georges Bouton (1847–1938) produced a compact internal combustion engine in Paris and, a year later, were designing and selling tricycle frames fitted with an improved version of the engine. This configuration was so successful that it was adopted by a number of French, English and American manufacturers, including Cleveland in the United States. Growing enthusiasm for the motorcycle as an economical means of transport led to other innovations, including petroleum–powered; spring-fork suspension; duplex cradle frame; six-speed transmission; automatic lubrication system; among others. Recently, visionary inventors recognised the benefits of electricity over gasoline with the introduction of battery–powered engines that has changed the fundamentals of motorcycle design. Showcasing 100 spectacular motorcycles, and more, ‘The Motorcycle: Design, Art, Desire’ spans the history of this dynamic and versatile vehicle, from its humble origins as an engine bolted to a bicycle to the cutting-edge electric prototypes of the twenty-first century, these motorcycles trace this history of innovation, and have been carefully selected for the technical achievements and aesthetic merits they represent. ‘The Motorcycle’ exhibition was in Brisbane’s Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) from 28 November 2020 until 26 April 2021. DELVE DEEPER: Browse the FULL LIST OF MOTORCYCLES RELATED: Read more about THE BIKES ON DISPLAY 1 Perreaux Steam Velocipede 1871 The steam velocipede, designed by Frenchman Louis–Guillaume Perreaux, is one of the first motorcycles ever made, with different sources citing the date of its creation between 1867 and 1871. This incredible feat of mechanical ingenuity is a modified ‘boneshaker’ Michaux bicycle powered by a steam engine. With wooden wheels, flimsy handlebars and a high seat perched precariously above the boiling steam engine, the Perreaux would have been an uncomfortable, yet revolutionary, mode of travelling Paris’s streets. Specifications Country: France Power: 2 hp Engine: 30 cc steam at 3.5 kg/cm² (50 psi) Designer: Louis-Guillaume Perreaux Production: Prototype Interesting facts Many credit the Perreaux as the world’s first motorcycle, while others recognise the Roper steam velocipede created by American Sylvester H. Roper, created at around the same time. While the Michaux bicycle that the Perreaux was based on had a brake on its front wheel, the Perreaux had none. The Perreaux on display is the only example of this pioneering motorcycle ever manufactured. 2 Cleveland Tricycle 1898 This 1898 motor–tricycle is thought to be the earliest example of a motorcycle with spring-fork suspension. Very similar in appearance to a child’s tricycle, only larger in size, motor–tricycles such as this were marketed as a safer alternative to the motor–bicycle, due to the increased stability offered by the third wheel. Specifications Country: USA Power: 3.5 hp Engine: 376 cc four-stroke single Production: 1898–1901 Interesting facts By the late 1800s the peddle–powered tricycle had become the vehicle of choice for those unable to ride the high–wheeled bicycles of the time, especially women who were limited by the long dresses they wore. The first motor–tricycles, developed in the 1880s, were driven by steam, and by 1891 reports of the first petroleum–driven motor-tricycle appeared in Australian newspapers. The first petroleum–powered motor–tricycle arrived in Australia in March 1898. De Dion-Bouton tricycles were born in 1895 and remained a popular choice of vehicle across Europe until 1901. 3 ABC 1919 The 1919 ABC was a British bike marketed as an innovative gentleman’s touring motorcycle. Reputedly designed in only three weeks, the motorcycle caused a sensation on its debut at the 1919 Motorcycle Show. The ABC offered riders a comfortable jaunt, with an enclosed flywheel, car-type gear change lever and both front and rear suspension, similar to that used in luxury automobiles at the time. Despite its small engine capacity, the ABC promised good performance. Between 1919 and 1925, 2200 ABCs were produced in the United Kingdom, and a further 3000 with an improved 493 cc engine in France, produced by Gnome et Rhône under licence. Specifications Country: United Kingdom Power: 8 hp Engine: 398 cc OHV boxer twin Designer: Granville Bradshaw Production: 1919–21 Interesting facts One of the first motorcycles ever made with a duplex cradle frame — two parallel frames that hold the engine between them — instead of a single frame, as seen on a bicycle. BMW’s first motorcycle, the 1923 R32, looked remarkably like the earlier 1919 ABC with its horizontally opposed two-cylinder engine — so much so that ABC challenged BMW’s use of the patented designs in 1926. 4 Suzuki T20 250 Hustler 1966 The T20 is a lightweight, high-performance 250 cc motorcycle capable of exceeding 140 km/h. It was the first motorcycle in the world at the time to feature a six-speed transmission, advertised with the slogan, ‘When the rest run out of stick, shift into sixth’. The Hustler’s sales brochure also touted that the bike was able to ‘accelerate like there’s a cyclone in the tank!’ One innovative feature of the T20 is its Posi–Force automatic lubrication system, which directly pumped oil into the petrol tank. Prior to this, many riders had to manually mix oil into their tanks. Specifications Country: Japan Power: 29 hp Engine: Two-stroke parallel twin Designer: Suzuki Motor Company Production: 1965–68 Interesting facts In Japan, the T20 was called the Super Sport;...
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