The first boom in motorcycle manufacturing occurred in the years immediately after the turn of the 20th century, as the motorcycle changed from a complex novelty into a practical proposition. Many of the earliest manufacturers were established bicycle makers who saw the internal combustion engine as another component to be added to the bicycle. Here is the story of the motorcycle's evolution and the manufacturers whose classic creations caught the imagination of a growing number of cycle enthusiasts. Histories and photographs of each model are combined with informative sections on the early years of the motorcycle and the many ways these vehicles were maintained over the years, making this a valuable volume for all lovers of high speed on the open road.