Postwar Motorcycle

nsu sportmax streamlined motorcycle, 250 cc class winner of 1955 grand prix season

in 1950s, streamlining began play increasing part in development of racing motorcycles , dustbin fairing held out possibility of radical changes motorcycle design. nsu , moto guzzi in vanguard of development, both producing radical designs ahead of time. nsu produced advanced design, after deaths of 4 nsu riders in 1954–1956 seasons, abandoned further development , quit grand prix motorcycle racing.

moto guzzi produced competitive race machines, , 1957 grand prix races being won streamlined machines. following year, 1958, full enclosure fairings banned racing fim in light of safety concerns.

from 1960s through 1990s, small two-stroke motorcycles popular worldwide, partly result of east german walter kaaden s engine work in 1950s.