History of the motorcycle manufacturer, with their motorcycles being sold by dealers in 67 countries. By the late 1920s or early 1930s, DKW in Germany took over as the largest manufacturer. BMW motorcycles came on the scene in 1923 with a shaft drive and an opposed-twin or "boxer" engine enclosed with the transmission in a single aluminum housing. By 1931, Indian and Harley-Davidson were the only two American manufacturers producing commercial motorcycles. This two-company rivalry in the United States remained until 1953, when the Indian Motorcycle factory in Springfield, Massachusetts closed and Royal Enfield took over the Indian name. There were over 80 different
BSA unit twins new cycle parts, including the "oil-bearing frame". Apart from cosmetic items, the cycle parts were shared with the Triumph twins. (Triumph was a subsidiary of BSA). To produce a 750cc machine for AMA Class C racing, BSA lengthened the stroke of Lightening's crankshaft by 11mm to give a displacement of 751cc. 202 machines were produced to meet the minimum production requirements. All were exported to the US, most to the East Coast distributor in Baltimore. By 1972 BSA were in serious financial trouble and the Firebird Scrambler was discontinued in an attempt to reduce costs. With rival British motorcycle manufacturer,