American Motorcycles - A 2006 US Commemorative Stamp Set

Motorcycles are an important part of American culture, so it's not surprising that the USPS issued a set of four 39-cent American Motorcycle commemorative stamps in 2006. Each of the stamps features a classic American motorcycle, and they make a great addition to a topical stamp collection.

The Cleveland was a single-cylinder motorcycle built by the Cleveland Motorcycle Manufacturing Company of Cleveland, Ohio. Sold for $175, it was the most popular motorcycle in 1918 and could travel for 75 miles on a single gallon of gas,

The 1940 Indian was manufactured by the Indian Motorcycle Company. It was also called the “Four" because it used a four-cylinder engine, which at the time was a new technology. Its skirted fenders, partially covering the wheels, became a trademark of the company.

The Harley-Davidson Electra-Glide, first manufactured in 1965, is perhaps the most American of all motorcycles and an icon of American culture. It featured whitewall tires, loads of chrome, large fenders and a new electric starter.

The 1970 Chopper is another iconic motorbike, born out of the idea of chopping unnecessary parts from a motorcycle. Most choppers featured a stretched frame and raised handlebars.