Japanese Motorcycles example essay topic

Since the end of World War 2 Japan has become the main motorcycle producer in the world. In this project I will investigate the process that brought the modern Japanese motorcycle from its humble beginnings. Motorcycles have been built in Japan since 1909 when Miata built prototype machines. European and American bikes were imported into Japan, although by 1935 Japanese components were being used in there construction. 1950 had established the foundations of Honda and the motorcycle industry in Japan. Motorcycles of this time were mostly small, easy to ride, cheap to buy and run and they had no sporting pretensions.

During the 1950's an economic slump put many manufacturers out of business, Honda emerged as the largest Motorcycle Company with Yamaha and Suzuki as established producers. Kawasaki, the smallest of the four main companies did not build bikes in large numbers until 1961. I will pay particular attention to the design process that has brought about the motorcycles seen on the roads today. The devastation caused by the war left Japan in financial chaos, as was the transport system, It was this situation that prompted new companies, such as Honda to spring up.

As well as existing motor manufacturers seeing the potential for profit in motorcycles. I aim to Investigate process that saw an evolution in the Japanese designs as they adapted and broadened there market into all fields from Road / Race machines to off road / trails bikes, scooters and touring bikes. I will pay particular attention to how they have raised the standards of what is fitted to factory motorcycles today. Over the past 40 years, Japanese motorcycles have been regarded as clean, reliable and fun to ride, If the bike designs were not innovative then the high quality and durability of the equipment provided was a revelation to western riders. Over-head camshaft engines, electric starters, indicators and five speed gearboxes were not new designs but Japanese motorcycles were the first to have them fitted as standard. I aim to cover all this in much detail and focus on the progression in the design of motorcycle bodywork and aesthetics.

I am interested in the styling side of the more recent models, as some modern Japanese motorbikes are very sleek, stylish and visually exciting. As with anything that is mass-produced every model of motorcycle has had many designers working on the different aspects involved. The main ones being engine and mechanics, frame geometry, suspension, electrical system, braking system and of coarse the overall visual design of the finished machine as well as the graphics and decals used within. This is where I mean to analyse the graphical style used on different types of motorcycle in order to enhance their individual styles.

Motorcycles: Tiger, John Hudson; 1 August 2003: The Creative Company: 1583412859 Provides information on riding a motorcycle, motorcycle engines, the various uses of motorcycles, and presents a relevant historical timeline. Motorcycles A-Z; Paperback: 12 May 1998: Anness Publishing: 1840380454 More general motorcycle knowledge with some good information on the Japanese market of the past and present. Honda Motorcycles: Frank, Aaron; Hackett, Jeff: 1 May 2003: Motor books International: 0760310777 This book has in it descriptions and images of every Honda model as well as the history of the company in detail. Illustrated Directory of World Motorcycles: de Cet, Marco; Paperback: 19 September 2002: Chrysalis Books: 1840654260 This A-Z title includes more than 360 motorcycles covering every major manufacturer throughout the world from about 1900 to 2002. It provides specific technical data, historical profiles and design details.

Features bikes include those for road, racetrack, competition, and record breakers. A-Z of Motorcycles A Complete Marque-by-marque Encyclopaedia: Brown, Roland; Paperback: 30 August 1999: Anness Publishing: 0754800296 A photographic guide and reference to all the major international marques, with over 300 illustrations. Hamlyn History of Motorcycles: Walker, Mick. 15 May 2000: Hamlyn: 060060036 X This work is a comprehensive history of the world's motorcycles, their manufacturers, and riders.

It covers motorcycling from its early hesitant start, through the war years, the emergence of manufacturers, grand prix, and road racing, to today's high performance road machines and tourers. Manufacturers covered include Harley-Davidson, BSA, Norton, Indian, Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha, and Triumph. The book also covers all aspects of motorcycling, including classic retro, customising, speedway, the TT races and world speed record machines. Hell on Wheels - Freak Japanese Motorcycles: T suzuki, Koichi. 1 January 1999; Art Data: 4893669303 This book looks at some of the more extreme one off motorcycles built as private projects and show bikes.