1891

The 1st bike that the Michelin brothers come

across is being pulled by oxen. Its owner

is exhausted after trying to f ix a f lat tyre.

Edouard Michelin has a “f lash of inspiration“

of how to remove and repair tyres: it is a

revelation and the beginning of history.

1896

Michelin buys 200 Léon Bollée microcars and

100 De Dion-Bouton tricycles in order to equip

them with tyres.

1897

First appearance of the word «motorcycle»

in Michelin’s promotional literature. The

term most often refers to motorized vehicles

produced by De Dion-Bouton.

1899

Michelin wins several

races in the motorcycle

category including the

Nice-Castellane, Paris-

Roubaix, Critérium des

Motocycles, and the Coupe

des Motocycles

1905

Michelin produces its f irst price list exclusively

for bicycle and motorcycle tyres

1911

Michelin publishes a new version of its guide

for cyclists entitled Michelins Advice to

Cyclists This version includes a section

devoted to motorcycle tyres

1926

Michelin launches a sturdy, skid-resistant

motorcycle tyre.

1928

Michelin produces a

1:200,000 scale map of

France for cyclists and

motorcyclists.

1930

The motorcycle tyre range includes «Confort à

tringles» (straight-sided), «ConfortBibendum»,

«Confort à talons» (beaded edge), «Câblé à

tringles» (straight-sided with layers of textile

cords), and «Câblé à talons» (beaded edge

with layers of textile cords).

1933

Michelin launches its MICHELIN «skid-proof»

motorcycle tyre with ribbed sides.

1935

Sale of MICHELIN Flèche

dOr Golden Arrow and

MICHELIN Zigzag tyres

1950

Michelin develops tyres

for the new two-wheeled

motorized vehicles that are

very popular after the war:

scooters and mopeds

(50 cc engines).

1960

Michelin launches le

Rapido and ACS standing

for Adherence, Comfort

and Safety. These tyres are

intended for small and

medium-sized bikes such

as mopeds and lightweight

motorcycles.

1973

Jack Findlay wins the Senior Tourist Trophy

and gives Michelin its f irst victory in the 500cc,

Premier Class category.

1974

Michelin introduce slick

tyres for the f irst time in a

motorcycle Grand Prix.

1976

Barry Sheene and Michelin win the GP500

Championship

1977

Michelin sweeps all f ive

categories in the world

championships 50cc 125cc

250cc 350cc and 500cc

More than 130 years

of innovation in the development

of two wheel tyres

MICHELIN MOTORCYCLE AND SCOOTER 6