The English language is a funny old thing, with plenty of mildly different and/or identical words that either mean the same thing, the opposite, or slight variations on a theme, some of which change depending on where in the world you are. Do “automobile” and “car” mean the same thing? (Yep.) Is a “couch” and a “sofa” technically different? (Sort of, but you really shouldn’t worry about it.)

What is a Motorbike?

Is there a difference between a motorbike and a motorcycle? One of the most common myths on the internet seems to be that a motorbike is a smaller and less powerful machine than a motorcycle, but there’s nothing in any product specifications to back up this strange claim. The two terms are essentially interchangeable – motorcycle is a combination of ‘motor’ and ‘bicycle’, which can be contracted to ‘bike’ after all. 

The two words are used differently in different contexts: motorbike is less formal, much like the difference between bike and bicycle, but “motorbike” hasn’t picked up anywhere near as much usage as “motorcycle”. This could be partly due to formal publications (legal documentation, insurance, product descriptions, journalism, etc.) using mostly the word motorcycle. 

The biggest differences are global usage; the terms are used differently across the English speaking world. The term motorbike is used the most in the UK and Australia, where it’s also used interchangeably with the word motorcycle. In the Americas, motorcycle is essentially the sole term used, but both words refer to the same two wheeled motorized vehicle. 

Who Invented the First Motorbike?

The first gas-powered motorbike wasn’t technically a motorcycle; it was basically a bike with power, similar to electric bikes today. In 1885 Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach built a gas-powered engine, stuck it on a bicycle and patented the thing before Benz patented the automobile. It was called the Daimler Reitwagen or “riding car,” had .5 horsepower, went around 7 mph and is the earliest example of a gas-powered “motorcycle”. 

There were even earlier concepts powered by steam in the 1800s including Michaux-Perreaux’s steam velocipede in Europe and the Roper steam velocipede in Boston, MA. Since Daimler and Maybach created the petrol-powered Reitwagen, Daimler is often referred to as “the father of the motorcycle,”  and others in the US and Europe began to develop similarly powered machines after. 

German company Hildebrand and Wolfmüller established a production line for what were now called “motorcycles,” and Charles Metz became the first US producer of motorcycles with the Orient-Aster. As mass production became more efficient and cost-effective, more companies turned their focus towards motorcycles. Royal Enfield produced a 239cc motorcycle in 1901 and Triumph offered its first motorbike in 1902. Triumph is now the oldest manufacturer in ongoing production.

Since the 1800s motorbikes have evolved from uncomfortable monstrosities with makeshift engines into machines of intense technological and aesthetic refinement. If you’re ready to learn more about motorbikes give us a call at 970-235-2509 or schedule a test ride