In 1991, local youth gathered on Jane Goodall’s front porch in Tanzania and expressed how they felt powerless against the problems in the world around them. As the students told stories and offered ideas, Jane realized the solution was right in front of them: their power to create change. The Roots & Shoots program was born. Roots & Shoots provides the resources to encourage and motivate young people to take action on issues that matter to them. Today, the tools and support offered through the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) program empower youth in all 50 states and over 65 countries to use their voices and ideas to address the issues that matter most to them in their communities. Through Jane’s hopeful message and the Roots & Shoots model, youth around the world are encouraged to put their ideas into action. Since 1991, millions of students have taken on the challenge of making the world a better place for people, other animals and the environment we share. Roots & Shoots youth are not only the future–they are the present– and they are changing the world. Learn more at rootsandshoots.org and follow us @rootsandshoots.
About the Jane Goodall Institute
The Jane Goodall Institute is a global community-centered conservation organization founded in 1977 that advances the vision and work of world renowned ethologist and conservationist Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE and UN Messenger of Peace. By understanding, protecting and improving the welfare of chimpanzees and other great apes, while inspiring action to conserve the natural world we all share, we improve the lives of people, other animals, and the environment. Learn more at janegoodall.org. Follow Jane and JGI at Facebook.com/JaneGoodall and @janegoodallinst on Instagram and Twitter.
About Toyota
Toyota (NYSE:TM), creator of the Prius hybrid and the Mirai fuel cell vehicle, is committed to building vehicles for the way people live through our Toyota and Lexus brands, and directly employs more than 63,000 people in North America (more than 49,000 in the U.S.).
Over the past 65 years, Toyota has assembled nearly 45 million cars and trucks in North America at the company’s 13 manufacturing plants. By 2025, the company’s 14th plant in North Carolina will begin to manufacture automotive batteries for electrified vehicles.
Through our more than 1,800 North American dealerships (nearly 1,500 in the U.S.), Toyota sold more than 2.4 million cars and trucks (more than 2.1 million in the U.S.) in 2022, of which, nearly one quarter were electrified vehicles (full battery, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fuel cell).
The 1960s was a transformative decade in many ways, and it was no different for the world of motorcycles. While British manufacturers were losing ground to the rising influence of Japanese motorcycles, the 1960s still produced some iconic bikes that are remembered fondly today. This article takes a look at 15 such motorcycles from the 1960s that made an impact on the industry and continue to be celebrated.
Updated July 2023: This article will be periodically updated to include any interesting, classic models from the 1960s that may have been missed.
Motorcycle standing in front of brick wall facing right.
The Triumph Bonneville T120 is often considered the most iconic motorcycle of the 1960s. It built upon the reputation of its predecessor, the original Speed Twin from 1938, under the guidance of Edward Turner. Known for its style and performance, the Bonneville became synonymous with motorcycling in the 1960s. While it wasn’t the best handling bike, it was fast and attractive, leading to the development of the Triton café racer – a combination of a Triumph engine with a Norton ‘Featherbed’ frame. The Bonneville name was inspired by Johnny Allen’s record-breaking runs at the Bonneville Salt Flats in a Triumph-engined streamliner in 1956.
Vintage scooter in front of an industrial area, facing right.
If British motorcycles were associated with Café Racer and Rocker culture, the Vespa Allstate Cruisaire was the epitome of the opposite lifestyle embraced by the Mods. These riders preferred scooters over motorcycles, and Vespa was the go-to brand for them. The Allstate Cruisaire was Piaggio’s attempt to break into the American market. Sold exclusively by Sears, this Vespa model became popular all around the world and is still recognized for its stylish design and practicality.
131961 Honda CB77
Mecum
Honda CB77 Super Hawk in red
The Japanese motorcycle manufacturers, particularly Honda, had a significant impact on the industry in the 1960s. The Honda CB77, also known as the Super Hawk, was a prime example of this influence. With its twin-cylinder, 305cc engine producing 28 horsepower, the CB77 offered exceptional performance and reliability. The introduction of a tubular steel frame improved the bike’s stability and allowed it to reach speeds of 100 mph, on par with larger British motorcycles. The CB77 was a testament to the changing tides in the motorcycle industry, as Japanese manufacturers began to challenge the dominance of British motorcycles.
121961 Harley-Davidson Sprint C
Dmitry Pavlovsky
Classic motorcycle in museum.
The Harley-Davidson Sprint C was an interesting addition to this list. It wasn’t necessarily a groundbreaking or iconic motorcycle, but it represented a significant shift for Harley-Davidson. In the 1960s, the American motorcycle manufacturer faced tough competition from Japanese manufacturers in the lightweight motorcycle segment. Instead of investing in new designs and development, Harley-Davidson decided to import and re-brand an existing motorcycle. The Sprint C was an Aermacchi motorcycle that was re-badged and sold by Harley-Davidson. While it didn’t have the same level of success as its Japanese counterparts, this move showed that Harley-Davidson was willing to adapt to changing market dynamics.
The Ducati Scrambler was a response to the demand for road-going scrambler-style motorcycles. The Berliner Corporation, a U.S. distributor, recognized this market and convinced Ducati to build a road-going scrambler model. The resulting Ducati Scrambler, based on the Diana model, offered both 250cc and 350cc versions. It featured a bevel-drive single-cylinder engine and became massively popular in the U.S. market. While it wasn’t a dedicated off-road model, the Scrambler played a significant role in Ducati’s success in the U.S. and set the stage for the brand’s future achievements in the 1970s and beyond.
101963 BSA Gold Star
bringatrailer.com
Vintage motorcycle parked in front of windows, facing right.
The BSA Gold Star had a long history before the 1960s, but it was in 1963 that this British icon came to an end. Outdated technology and discontinued parts contributed to BSA’s decision to discontinue the Gold Star. However, its timeless design and vintage character make it a popular choice for motorcycle enthusiasts looking for classic rides. The Gold Star’s reputation for British charm and quality craftsmanship lives on.
The Ducati Mach 1 was a powerful single-cylinder motorcycle that became popular for its performance. With its 27.5 horsepower, the Mach 1 was the fastest 250cc road motorcycle of its time, reaching top speeds of just over 100 mph. It was equipped with all the features that enthusiasts of the era desired, including clip-on handlebars, rear set foot pegs, a racing single seat, and excellent performance and braking capabilities. The Mach 1’s success was further solidified by its victory at the Isle of Man TT races in 1969.
