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Prior to 1913, there were over 120 manufacturers of motorcycles in America. From coast to coast factories built tens of thousands of machines per year. Development from crude single cylinder machines to somewhat reliable twins came at a rapid pace. These machines were used for recreation, sport, transportation and commercial use. The advent of the inexpensive automobile reduced the number of these companies to a handful by 1920. 1918 HENDERSON | 1905 YALE | | | The Henderson brothers of Detroit were pioneers of the four-cylinder motorcycle production. In late 1917, Ignae Schwin, made the brothers a proposal and purchased the company. His Chicago based operations continued four-cylinder production until 1931. This original 1918 model is one of the first assembled by the Chicago based firm. It has only 3800 original miles and features several unique options. Enclosed valve covers and an unusual hand oil pump make this example truly unusual | In 1904, George Wyman was the first man to cross America on a motorcycle. He rode a Yale California. His grueling adventure has been well documented. This unrestored model has only slight improvement over the 1904 model Wyman rode. | 1909 HARLEY DAVIDSON | 1908 INDIAN TWIN CYLINDER | 
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| | In 1909, Harley Davidson offered four single cylinder models. The twin cylinder was still its prototype stage. The following story by Howard Wagner is considered the latest information about Harley Davidson's formative years. | Established in 1901, in Springfield, Massachusetts, the Indian Motorcycle Company was a leader in the industry from its earliest days. Production of its cylinder model designed by Carl Oscar Hedstrom featured a 38 cubic inch 1 over E twin cylinder motor with a unique intake valve mechanism. Read More |
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