e motorcycle, as we know it, was created more than a century ago. Throughout it's life, it has mainly been a machine of transportation and sport. During the second world war, the motorcycle was called upon by both Axis and Allied forces.
The motorcycle, as we know it, was
created more than a century ago. Throughout it's life, it has mainly
been a machine of transportation and sport. During the second world
war, the motorcycle was called upon by both Axis and Allied forces.
The motorcycle's life in the military may have been short-lived but
it's impact on WWII was significant and played a major role in the
successes of both sides.
The German led Axis powers used the
motorcycle for many purposes. One of the main uses was to carry
dispatch riders who relayed information. This increased the speed of
communication between the armed forces and leaders and between
different groups of the military. They, also, used motorcycles for
reconnaissance gathering and for making patrols. The flat plains of
Europe made this means of transportation very effective. They were
easy to maneuver and affordable to build. Germany made use of
existing motorbikes in captured areas, as well. This machine was
eventually made a part of the army. BMW created a kind of cart that
attached to the side of the bikes. These carts had a machine gun
mounted on them, allowing one guy to drive and another guy to shoot
the gun. These contraptions were very effective in battles
throughout Europe but lost their effectiveness in the cold weather of
Russia. The bikes were very useful in monitoring occupied territory,
as well.
The United States, also, made us of
these machines. Harley Davidson supplied 90,000 motorcycles to the
United States Army. They had similar purposes of the bikes in the
German arsenal. Communications and dispatch riders made quicker time
on a bike and military patrols were more efficient. They were, also,
used to carry ammunition to the front lines in Europe. The desert
battles in North Africa proved to be unforgiving to the US
motorbikes. By the time Harley Davidson found a solution these
desert battles had ended and the Jeep was implemented into the army
ending the need for military motorcycles.
