Customer satisfaction on Bajaj bikes

. CHAPTER - II

THE HISTORY OF THE

MOTORCYCLE INDUSTRY

THE HISTORY OF THE MOTORCYCLE INDUSTRY

The history of the motorcycle begins in the second half of the 19th
Century. Motorcycle are descended from the safety bicycle. A bicycle with
front and rear wheels of the same size and a pedal crank mechanism to
drive rear wheel. Despite some early landmarks in its development. The
motorcycle lacks a rigid pedigree that can be traced back to a single idea or
machine. Instead the idea seems to have occurred to numerous engineers
and invention around Europe at around the same time. In the 1860s, Pierre
Michaur a blacksmith in Paris founded “Michaux Et Cia” (Michaux and Co.)
the first co. to construct bicycle with pedals called a Vilocipede at the time
or “Michauline”. The first steam powered motorcycle the Michaux Perreaux
steam Velocipede can be traced to 1867 when Pierre’s son Ernest Michaux
fixed a small steam engine to one of the Velocipedes .

The design went to America when Pierre Allement a Michaux

employee who also claimed to have developed the prototype in 1863 filed
for the first bicycle patent with the US patent office in 1866. In 1868, an
American Sylvester H. Ropes of Roxbury Massachusetts developed a Twin
Cylinder steam Velocipede with a load fixed boiler between the wheels
Ropers contribution to motorcycle development ended suddenly when he
died demonstrating one of his machines in Cambridge Massachusetts on
June 1st, 1896. Also in 1868, a French engineer Louis Guillaume Perreaes
patented a similar steam powered single cylinder machine “The Michaux-
Perreaux Steam Velocipede”, with an alcohol burner and twin belt driver
which was possibly invented independently of Ropers although the patent is
dated 1868, nothing indicates the invention had been operable before 1871.
In 1881, Lucicles Copeland of Phoenix Arifona designed a much smaller
steam boiler which could drive the layer rear wheel of American star high
wheel at 12mph in 1887 Copeland formed the North Top Manufacturing Co.
to produce the first successful motorcycle (actually a three-wheeler).

2.1. EXPERIMENTATION AND INVENTION

The very first commercial design for a self propelled bicycle was a
three-wheel design called the Butler Petrol Cycle, conceived of and built by
Edward Butler in England in 1884. He exhibited his plans for the vehicle at

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the Stanley Cycle show in London in 1884 two years earlier than Karl Benz
invented his first automobile who is generally recognized as the vehicle was
also the first design to be shown at the 1885 international inventions
exhibition in London.

The vehicle was built by the Merry Weather for engine company in
Greenwich in 1888.
The Butler petrol cycle was a three-wheeled vehicle with the rear wheel
directly driven by a 5/8hp (466w) 600CC (40 inch) {57*127-mm} flat with
four stroke engine (with magnetic ignition replaced by coil and battery)
equipped with rotary valves and a float-fed carburetor (five years before
may batch) and Ackerman Steering all of which well stock of the act at the
time.

Starting was by compressed air. The engine was liquid cooled with a
radiator over the driving wheel speed was controlled by means of throttle
valve lever. No breaking system was fitted. The vehicle was stopped by
raising and lowering the rear driving wheel using a foot operated lever, the
weight of the machine was then borne by two castor wheels. The driver was
seated between the front wheel it wasn’t however a commercial success as
Butler failed to find sufficient financial backing. Another early internal
combustion petroleum fueled motorcycle was the Petroleum Reitwagen. It
was designed and build by the German inventor Gottlien Daimler and
Witherm may back in bad Cannstatt Germany in 1885. This vehicle was
unlike either the safety bicycle or the house shaker bicycle of the era. In that

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it had zero degrees of steering axis angles and no fork offset and this did not
use the principles of bicycle and motorcycle dynamics developed nearly 70
years earlier instead it relied on 2 outrigger wheels to remain upright while
turning the inventor called their invention the Reitwagen it was designed as
an expedient test bed for their new engine rather than a true prototype
vehicle.

2.2. FIRST COMMERCIAL PRODUCTS

In the decade from the late 1880’s dozens of design’s and machines
particularly in German and in England and soon spread to America. During
this early period of motorcycle history there were adapting their designs for
the new internal combustion engine. In 1894, Hildebrand and
Wolfmuller became the first series production motorcycle and the first to be
called “a motorcycle”. However, only a few hundred examples of this
motorcycle were ever built. The first instance of the term. “Motorcycle” also
appears in English the same year in materials promoting machines
developed by E.J.Pennington, although Pennington’s motorcycle never
progressed past the prototype stage.

Excelsior motor company, originally a bicycle-manufacturing company

based in Coventry in Warwickshire [England], began production of their first
motorcycle model in 1896, available for purchase by the public. The first
production motorcycle in the US was the Orientaster, built by Charles Metz
in 1898 at his factory in Waltham, Massachusetts.

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 In 1898, Peugeot motorcycle parents at the Paris-motor show the first
motorcycle equipped Wuth a Dion Bouton motor. Peugeot motorcycle
returns or remains the oldest motorcycle manufacturer in the world in the
early period of motorcycle history. Many producers of bicycles adopted their
designs to accommodate the new internal combustion engine.

As the engines became more powerful and design’s outgrew the

forging, the no. of motorcycle producers increase. Many of the 19th century
inventors who worked on early motorcycle often moved on to other
inventories diameter and rope for example both went on the development
automobiles. At the turn of 20th century the first major mass production
firms emerged.

In 1901, English quadricycle and bicycle makes RE introduction it first

motorcycle with a
239CC engine mounted in the first and driving the reached through and but
in 1898, English motorcycle make Triumph decided to extend its focus to
include motorcycles and by 1902, the company had produced its first
motorcycle a bicycle fitted with a Belgan in-built engines. A year later it was
the largest motorcycle manufacturer with annual production of over 500
units. Other British firms included Norton and “Birminghan Small Arms
Co.“ who began motorbike production in 1902 and 1910, respectively. In
1901, the Indian motorcycle manufacturing company which had been
founded by former bicycle-racers, designed the so-called “Diamend Framed”
Indian single whose engine was build the aurora firm ivories per Indian
specification. The single was made available in the deep blue. Indian’s

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production was up to over 500 bikes 1902 and would rise to 32,000 its best
ever in 1930 Indian produced over 20,000 bikes per year the oldest surviving
Russian- manufactured motor cycle “The Rossia“ dates from 1902. The
American company Harley Davidson started producing motorcycles in 1903.
During this period experimentation and innovation were driven by the
popular new sport of motorcycle racing with its power full incentive to
produce though faster reliable machines. There enhancement quickly found
there way to the public machines. Chief august volmer of the bakery
California police department credited with organizing the first official police
motor cycle patrol in the united states in 1911. By 1914 motorcycle were no
longer just bicycles with engines they had there own technologies although
may still maintain the bicycle elements like the seats and suspension. By
1931 Indian and Harley Davidson were the only two American manufacturer
producing commercial motor cycle. This two company rivalry in the united
states remained until 1953. When the Indian motorcycle factory in spring
field, Massachusetts closed and Royal Enfield took over the Indian name. In
the 21st century, the motorcycle industry mainly dominated by the Indian
motorcycle industry and by Japanese motorcycle companies. In addition to
the large capacity motorcycle, there is a large market in smaller capacity
[less than 300CC] motorcycles, mostly concentrated in Asia and African
countries and produced in China and India. Japans example in the 1958
Honda super cub, which went on to became the biggest selling vehicle of all
time, with its 60 million unit produced in April 2008. Today this area is

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dominated by mostly Indian companies with Hero MotoCorp emerging as
the world’s largest manufacturer of two wheeler.

2.3. HISTORY ABOUT MOTORCYCLE INDUSTRY IN INDIA

Mobility, especially in terms of transportation defines success of a
nation or a community. Before the British laid foundations for railway tracks
in India to infuse mass transportation in the country, affluent people had the
luxury of being driven around in cars and the lower and upwardly mobile
populus were dependent on carts pulled by bullocks and horse carriages
until the introduction of pedal bicycles.

The evolution of pedal powered cycle into a motor powered two

wheeler helped people move faster and further. People could move out of
rural India and move towards the big cities hoping to find new jobs and
starting new businesses in a new, emerging India.

2.3.1. THE FIRST MOTORBIKE

The first bike commissioned in India was the 350CC powered Bullet
manufactured in England and assembled in Madras (now Chennai) by the
RE, UK company. Back then RE was a British company. The rugged Bullet was
ordered by the Indian Army. The tough build quality and broad wheel base
helped the Jawans (Soldiers) ride through tough terrains in the north and
eastern parts of India with relative ease.

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 The government of independent India laid tough restrictions on the
imported motorcycle industry by encouraging manufacturing and assembly
in the country. The government incentivised local manufacturers to
collaborate with international brands to bring high quality two wheelers to
the Indian masses, it also controlled the number of two wheelers brands
would produce as well as the number of licenses awarded to manufacture
and assemble.

Among the types of two wheelers produced were the motorcycles,

mopeds and scooters. The motorcycles primarily was aimed at working men,
scooters towards family mobility and mopeds meant easy riding for women
and the elderly.

By late 90s, the government had pushed for collaboration for vehicles
under the 100CC capacity which brought world beating technology in engine
and fuel efficiency to India.

When the P.V. Narasimha Rao government opened India to the world,
it deregulated the two wheeler industry which was a shot in the arm to
ideate, design, source and manufacture top quality two wheelers in India for
domestic consumption as well for exports to developing economies in
Southeast Asian and African countries. By 1998, India achieved production
of 3 million units of two wheelers and it has been a uphill ride from there.

Today the industry has flourished with Indian manufacturers achieving

huge fan following all over the world. Hero Motorcorp has become the

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world’s largest manufacturer of two wheelers, while Bajaj India acquired
47% in the world renowned Austrian bike maker KTM with the aim of
designing world class motorcycles for domestic and overseas markets. South
Indian two wheeler manufacturer TVS has tied up with German giant BMW
to manufacture grand tourers in India. M & M is bringing the JAWA brand
back from the dead. And who can forget the lord of Indian streets, the RE.
This brand is now Indian.

There are four major aspects which lead to the success of the two
wheelers in India:

• Top quality, international standard manufacturing technologies

• Upwardly mobile, high earning youth
• Easy access to two wheeler loans
• Reduction in taxes and duties

2.3.2. WHERE TO FROM HERE?

From launching bike ambulances to two wheeler taxis, a developing

India is going through a green patch in terms of new age business ideas
created by Indians for the very Indian problems being faced on a day-to-day
basis.

Indian manufacturers have dabbled with making motorcycles which

run on all mass market fuels available, such as diesel, petrol, CNG and now
with advances in battery technology, there are a few brands (local) who are
about to pioneer electric mobility for the masses.

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2.3.3. TWO WHEELERS HAVE BECOME ONE AMONG INDIAN FAMILIES

Indians love for the freedom and mobility the two wheeler offers has
woven an emotional bond between the machines and Indian families
themselves. We always depend on those fabulous two wheels to take us
from home to office or on cool rides to the countryside during weekends
and long holidays. No wonder there are thousands of biker clubs which span
the length and breadth of the country.

Two wheelers represent tremendous value for money, mainly due to

its low cost (when compared to cars), significantly higher milage, easy
repayment options, and high standard of engine technology improves
longevity of the machines. However, timely care and servicing is a must to
get the best out of them.

Gone are the days of waiting for weekends and riding all the way to a
service center, waiting in the queue just to book the bike for servicing.
Drivojoy has made servicing the two wheeler as easy as piercing thick traffic
on Indian roads on a bike. All you have to do is visit our website and book
the bike for a door service, be it at the front door of your house or at a
parking lot at your office/tech park.

2.4. DOMESTIC MOTORBIKE AND FOREIGN MOTORBIKE BRAND IN INDIA

Domestic Brands

 TVS

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 MAHINDRA
 ROYAL ENFIELD
 BAJAJ
 HERO
 MONTO MOTORS
Foreign Brands

 APRILIA INDIA (Piaggio Group)

 BENELLI INDIA (Partner with Mahavir Group)
 BMW INDIA (Partner with TVS Group)
 DUCATI INDIA
 HARLEY-DAVIDSON INDIA
 HONDA INDIA
 HYSOUNG INDIA (Partner with Kinetic)
 INDIAN MOTORCYCLE MANUFACTURING CO. (Partner with Mahavir
Group)
 KAWASAKI INDIA
 KTM INDIA (Partner with Bajaj)
 MOTO GUZZI INDIA (Piaggio Group)
 MV AGUSTA INDIA (Partner with Kinetic)
 NORTON INDIA (Partner with Kinetic)
 SUZUKI INDIA
 TRIUMPH INDIA (Partner with Bajaj)
 VESPA INDIA (Piaggio Group)
 YAMAHA INDIA
 JAWA INDIA (Partner with Mahindra) LML (INDIA) LTD.

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 HERO HONDA INDIA
 KINETIC MOTOR CO. LTD.

2.5. MOTORCYCLES IN INDIA

Motorcycles in India date back to the year 1955, when the
Government of India required strong, rough, and tough motorcycles for the
Indian Army and the police force in the western part of the country which
had a rough and craggy terrain.

The 350 cc 'Bullet' manufactured by the RE Co. of UK was the first

batch of motorcycles in India. These motorcycles were put together in
Chennai. This was the beginning for the Indian two wheelers industry. The
motorcycles in India cater to a variety of needs of the consumers. It has
become one most popular modes of transportation, and is preferred by the
daily commuters. The segment of motorcycles went through a tremendous
change in the 90s and the two wheeler market, especially the motorcycle
market was filled with options.

The main cause of the growth in the segment was the fuel efficient 4
stroke engine. In the present scenario, the motorcycles in India constitute
for 81.5% of the total Indian two-wheeler market. The companies
manufacturing motorcycles in India are making necessary innovations to
make the them safer, more comfortable, user-friendly, and ergonomic.

The factors for the growth of Indian motorcycles :

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 The GDP has grown to 7.2%
 The average family income has increased.
 The finance have become easier to access.
 The reduction in taxes and duties.
 Introduction of international standards in India.
 The economic and fuel-efficient engines.
 The teenager and the youth using more and more motorcycles.
Major manufacturers of Motorcycles in India and their product lines:

Hero Honda
 Hero Honda Achiever
 Hero Honda CD Dawn
 Hero Honda CD Deluxe
 Hero Honda Glamour
 Hero Honda Karizma
 Hero Honda Splendor
 Hero Honda Splendor NXG
 Hero Honda CBZ X-Treme

Bajaj Auto
 Bajaj Avenger
 Bajaj CT 100
 Bajaj Discover
 Bajaj Platina
 Bajaj Pulsar DTSi
 Bajaj Pulsar 200CC

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 Bajaj Wind 125
 Sonic DTSi

TVS
 TVS Apache
 TVS Centra
 TVS Fiero
 TVS Star City
 TVS Victor
Royal Enfield
 Bullet 350
 Bullet 500
 Bullet Electra
 Bullet Machismo
 Thunderbird

Yamaha
 Yamaha Crux
 Yamaha Enticer
 Yamaha Gladiator
 Yamaha Libero G5
 Yamaha Gladiator
 Yamaha Alba 106

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