Motorcycle was producing over 500 bikes. Other British firms were Royal Enfield, Norton and Birmingham Small Arms Company who began motorbike production in 1899, 1902 and 1910, respectively. Indian began production in 1901 and Harley-Davidson was established two years later. By the outbreak of World War I, the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world was Indian, producing over 20,000 bikes per year. During the First World War, motorbike production was greatly ramped up for the war effort to supply effective communications with front line troops. Messengers on horses were replaced with despatch riders on motorcycles carrying messages, performing reconnaissance and acting
Ossa (motorcycle) Ossa (motorcycle) Ossa is a Spanish motorcycle manufacturer which was active from 1924 to 1982 and reborn in 2010. Founded by Manuel Giró, an industrialist from Barcelona, Ossa was best known for lightweight, two-stroke-engined bikes used in observed trials, motocross and enduro. The company was known originally as "Orpheo Sincronic Sociedad Anónima (O.S.S.A.)" and was later renamed "Maquinaria Cinematográfica, S.A.". In 2010, the Ossa brand was reborn when the trademark was purchased and a new company began producing motorcycles. The original Ossa company got its start in 1924 making movie projectors for its home market in Spain. After World War