This is an antique Harley-Davidson Model 9B that we saw at the Handbuilt Motorcycle Show. It has a 35 ci single-cylinder IOE engine. The “B” indicates a chain-drive (the Model 9A has a belt-drive). This Harley model originally sold for $235.
Please let us know what you think of this article by posting this blog’s URL on your Facebook page with your comment. Finally, check out our Major Motorcycle Rallies and Motorcycle Events Calendar.
First, several years ago, we were at the Handbuilt Show in Austin, Texas. One of the coolest motorcycles we saw was a 1929 Excelsior-Henderson KJ Streamliner.
Next, here’s some background on the Excelsior-Henderson company. In 1911, William and Tom Henderson founded the Henderson Motorcycle Company. In 1911, they released their prototype.
Then, in 1912, the Company introduced a 57 cubic inch inline four-cylinder with 7 horsepower. Over the years, there were many improvements made, races won, and records broken.
In 1917, the brothers sold the Henderson Motorcycle Company to Ignaz Schwinn. He owned both Schwinn bicycles and Excelsior motorcycles.
So, where did the Henderson brothers go? Well, up until 1920, they worked for Henderson-Excelsior Motorcycles. In 1920, they founded a new company, Ace Motorcycle Company.
In 1929, the Excelsior-Henderson Streamliner was introduced. It was often referred to as the KJ. Next, this new model motorcycle had over 50 new features and upgrades. Also, it could go 100 mph. The KJ model was made in 1931. Unfortunately, as with many motorcycle companies and other companies, it did not survive the Great Depression.
Please let us know what you think of this article by pasting this blog post’s URL on your Facebook page with your comment. Finally, check out our Major Motorcycle Rallies and Motorcycle Events Calendar.
Pictures from the Handbuilt Motorcycle Show
Have you ever come across vintage photos or footage of motorcycle chariot racing? It looks absolutely wild — and honestly, like a whole lot of fun.
Unfortunately, there isn’t much detailed information about the history of motorcycle chariot racing. Still, here’s a brief look at the origins of this outrageous style of competition.
The inspiration for this unique form of racing is often traced back to the 1925 film Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ. The dramatic chariot scenes captured imaginations, and before long, enthusiasts began recreating the spectacle with motorcycles. The earliest motorcycle chariots and organized races appear to have started in Australia, with the United States and parts of Europe soon following suit.
So, what led to the downfall of motorcycle chariot racing? A major factor was the Great Depression. During that time, many people were simply trying to make ends meet. Few could justify the cost of building and maintaining a chariot pulled by two motorcycles — especially when crashes and mechanical damage were almost guaranteed.
Then came World War II, which delivered the final blow. Wartime rationing severely limited access to metals and other essential materials.
As a result, many motorcycle manufacturers struggled or shut down entirely, particularly those that did not secure government contracts and therefore lacked access to the resources needed to survive.
Please let us know what you think of this article by pasting this post’s URL on your Facebook page with your comment. Finally, you might want to check out our Major Motorcycle Rallies and Motorcycle Events Calendar.
Here’s some history of the one-lung Harley-Davidson “Peashooter” motorcycle. To start, in 1925, the AMA introduced a 21-cubic-inch (350cc) racing class.
And Indian and Excelsior already had 21-cubic-inch motorcycles, but Harley did not. HD’s focus was on their big-twin engines. But there was also a larger, less profitable market for smaller motorcycles. And this was definitely the case in Europe, Australia, and South Africa.
Back in the day, motorcycle racing and especially winning, was a great way to market motorcycles. Subsequently, Harley started working on creating a new 21 cubic-inch model.
In a short time, they introduced a 1926 model with a 21 cubic-inch engine. These had single-cylinder side-valve engines. The two road bike models were the A and B.
Then there was also a factory-built production racing version model – the SA. And it had OHV and some other engine upgrades. Also, there were other modifications to make these small Harleys lighter. So, it was fast.
Due to the popping sound of the racing version engine, it was dubbed the “Peashooter.” And this name caught on for both the street and racing models.
Please let us know what you think of this article by pasting this post’s URL on your Facebook page with your comment. Finally, you might want to check out our Major Motorcycle Rallies and Motorcycle Events Calendar.
What was the very first motorcycle ever built? It’s a question that comes up often in the motorcycle world — and depending on who you ask, the answer can be very different.
A big part of the disagreement comes down to definition. What exactly qualifies as a motorcycle?
• Most people agree it must have some propulsion system — but what kind? Does it have to be powered by an internal combustion engine, or do steam engines and electric motors count?
• Must it have only two wheels?
• If it has small outrigger wheels that don’t touch the ground while riding, does this disqualify it?
• And are we talking about the first motorcycle in the world, or just the first built in the United States?
Fifteen or more years ago, the debate centered largely on engine type. Many enthusiasts insisted a “real” motorcycle had to use an internal combustion engine. Others were satisfied with steam power.
Today, with the rise of electric motorcycles — regardless of where you stand on them — the conversation has evolved yet again, reshaping how some people view the earliest machines.
Pierre Michaux Velocipede
In the 1860s, Pierre Michaux built pedal bicycles known as velocipedes in France. In 1867, his son Ernest mounted a small steam engine onto one of these machines. For some historians, this antique steam-powered velocipede qualifies as the first motorcycle.
Sylvester Roper Steam Velocipede
In 1868, Sylvester Roper of Massachusetts designed a steam-powered velocipede featuring a twin-cylinder engine. He continued developing and demonstrating his machines until 1896, when he tragically died while riding one. Many consider Roper’s creation the first motorcycle built in the United States.
Daimler Reitwagen
Developed in 1885 in Germany by Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach, the Reitwagen used an internal combustion engine — a key point for those who insist that “true” motorcycles must run on gasoline.
The machine had two large primary wheels and two small outrigger wheels. Because of this, some argue it was technically a four-wheeled vehicle. However, since it could operate without the outriggers, many historians recognize it as a strong contender for the first true motorcycle.
Below are some other notable motorcycles.
Butler Petrol Cycle
Introduced in England in 1884 by Edward Butler, the Butler Petrol Cycle had three wheels — making it technically a tricycle rather than a motorcycle. Still, it was notable for its petroleum-powered engine and innovative design, setting it apart from traditional four-wheeled vehicles of the time.
Hildebrand & Wolfmüller
Built in Germany in 1894, this machine is significant because it was the first production vehicle officially called a “motorcycle.” It had two wheels and an internal combustion engine — features most people associate with modern motorcycles.
The design differed from today’s bikes: the engine placement was unconventional, the frame lacked a backbone, and it resembled a 1970s moped. Unlike the Michaux and Roper machines, it also had no pedals.
Orient-Aster Motorcycles
In 1898, Charles Metz began producing Orient-Aster motorcycles in Massachusetts. Though the company eventually went out of business, these are widely recognized as the first production motorcycles made in the United States.
Peugeot Motorcycles
In 1898, Peugeot also produced its first motorcycle. While the company now focuses primarily on scooters, some historians consider Peugeot the oldest surviving motorcycle manufacturer in the world.
With all of the above being noted, the “first motorcycle” depends on how you define a motorcycle. Some people and historians prioritize gas engines, steam-powered engines, models that went into production, or the geographic location where each motorcycle was made. Each of these machines has a legitimate claim. The answer to the question of who made the first motorcycle isn’t easy — but that is one reason why motorcycle history is interesting.
Please let us know what you think of this article by pasting this post’s URL on your Facebook page with your comment. Finally, you might want to check out our Major Motorcycle Rallies and Motorcycle Events Calendar.
Of course, you know Harley-Davidson, the company. But do you know who all the founders of Harley were and when they joined the company?
HD’s Founders from Left to Right: William Davidson, Walter Davidson, Arthur Davidson, and William Harley
In 1901, William Harley drew up designs for a 7.07 cu in (116 cc) small engine when he was only 20 years old. The engine was designed to fit in a bicycle frame.
He worked with his childhood friend, Arthur Davidson, on their motorized bicycle. Then, in 1903, Walter Davidson helped the two finish their motor-bicycle.
Unfortunately, the motorized bicycle’s engine did not have enough power to climb hills in Milwaukee without pedaling. Their first motorcycle was not a total failure, but more of a learning experience.
Next, the three started working on a 24.74 cu in (405 cc). It used a loop-frame design with a larger engine. And it was assembled in a shed in the Davidson backyard. This brought it from the realm of being a motor-bicycle to a motorcycle.
Then, with the help of William Davidson, the motorcycle was finished in September of 1904.
This design was a lot faster; it took fourth place in the Milwaukee State Fair race. In 1906, the Chestnut Street (later Juneau Avenue) was built as the first Harley-Davidson factory. And from there, four young men started the legendary brand.
Please let us know what you think of this article by pasting this post’s URL on your Facebook page with your comment. Finally, you might want to check out our Major Motorcycle Rallies and Motorcycle Events Calendar.
The Cyclone Motor Manufacturing Company manufactured the Cyclone Motorcycle. Andrew Strand designed the Cyclone. He was of Swedish descent and had worked in the American automobile industry. The motorcycles were manufactured by the Joerns Motor Manufacturing Company in St. Paul, MN, from 1912 to 1917.
How fast was it? In 1914, it broke Excelsior’s record by reaching 111 mph. The Cyclone bikes were estimated to have a top end of 115 mph.
With only 13 Cyclones left, the price tag for one of these is high. In 2015, a Cyclone owned by Steve McQueen was sold at auction for $852,000.
The company closed after finding that the Cyclones could not compete in the marketplace with lower-cost competitors’ motorcycles.
Please let us know what you think of this article by posting this blog’s URL on your Facebook page with your comment. Finally, check out our Major Motorcycle Rallies and Motorcycle Events Calendar.
In 1902, Joseph Merkel started building one-cylinder motorcycle engines. A year later, in 1903, he began putting these engines into his own Merkel motorcycles under the Merkel Motor Co. name.
In 1908, he started the Light Manufacturing and Foundry company and started making the “Merkel Light” motorcycle. His first two-cylinder motorcycles were sold in 1910.
In 1911, the company was bought out by the Miami Cycle and Manufacturing Company, which produced the trademarked “Flying Merkel” with the iconic bright orange paint.
Please let us know what you think of this article by posting this blog’s URL on your Facebook page with your comment. Finally, check out our Major Motorcycle Rallies and Motorcycle Events Calendar.
In the early 1920s, Georges Roy began experimenting with building motorcycles. He wanted to build bikes without a conventional tube frame to achieve better performance at higher speeds and to give them an Art Deco look.
In 1926, his “New Motorcycle” was completed and patented, but it was not successful. This was due to poor service and sales. That did not stop Roy, as he went back to the drawing board.
Please let us know what you think of this article by posting this blog’s URL on your Facebook page with your comment. Finally, check out our Major Motorcycle Rallies and Motorcycle Events Calendar.
