CUSTOMER SATISFACTION TOWARDS 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 19 th 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
CUSTOMER SATISFACTION TOWARDS BAJAJ BIKES

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 motor-
cycle (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 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

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bicycle or the house shaker bicycle of the era. In that 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.

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

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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 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

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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 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.

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.

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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 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?

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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
 MAHINDRA
 ROYAL ENFIELD
 BAJAJ

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 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.

 HERO HONDA INDIA

 KINETIC MOTOR CO. LTD.

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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 :

 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.

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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
 Bajaj Wind 125
 Sonic DTSi

TVS
 TVS Apache
 TVS Centra
 TVS Fiero
 TVS Star City

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 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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