#beginningamericanmotorcycles – American Iron Magazine

Ace Motor Corporation

Ace Motor Corporation was an American motorcycle manufacturer of luxury four-cylinder motorcycles in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was in constant operation from 1919 to 1924; then, intermittently after that until 1927 when it was purchased by the Indian Motorcycle Company. Ace was inducted into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame in 1998.

Alligator Motorcycle Company

The Alligator Motorcycle Company was the motorcycle division of the former driver/racing team owner’s All American Racers workshop in Santa Ana, California. The company is known for designing the Alligator motorcycle. The Alligator designs are known as a feet-forward motorcycle with a unique low-slung seating position which allows for its low center of gravity.

Allstate

Allstate was an American brand of vehicles marketed by Sears. Scooters, motorcycles, and cars were sourced from several manufacturers and re-badged with the Sears “Allstate” brand. Piaggio and Cushman were major suppliers of scooters, while Puch and Gilera supplied mopeds and motorcycles, and cars at different times were supplied by the Lincoln Motor Car Works and Kaiser-Frazer. The 1965 Allstate Puch 250 SGS which was featured at the 2009 Seattle International Motorcycle Show was perhaps the most well-known motorcycle under the Allstate brand.

Arch Motorcycle

Arch Motorcycle is a high-end motorcycle manufacturer founded by Keanu Reeves (yes, the actor). In 2011 is when Keanu – a motorcycle enthusiast at heart – set out to build radical and sleek designs featuring the latest technology and pairing it with a side of handmade craftsmanship. Currently, Arch offers three beautifully designed models, with many more to come down the line.

ATK Motorcycles

ATK is an American based motorcycle producer specializing in competition Motorcross, sportbikes, ATVs, and off-road bikes; manufacturing then between the years of 1985 and 2015. Currently, they don’t offer any production bikes and have shifted their manufacturing focus and geared it towards making new parts to support their previously marketed motorcycles at their shop in Centerville, Utah, USA.

American Iron Horse

At one time, the biggest producer of custom motorcycles in the entire USA, Tim Edmonson and Bill Rucker ventured to create a brand that would fill the gap in large-quantity custom motorcycles for the American market. American IronHorse built custom choppers from 1995 until 2008 when they ceased all production due to financial troubles and sold their company assets at auction.

Boss Hoss Cycles

In 1990, Monte Warne founded Boss Hoss Cycles in Dyersburg Tennessee; a company specializing in fitting Chevrolet V8 Engines into cruiser-style motorcycle (and trike) frames. The insanity doesn’t just stop at the 5.7L Chevrolet small-block though, they have even produced bikes with the 8.1L Vortec big-block engines making them the world’s #1 producer when it comes to powerful motorcycles. You can still purchase Boss Hoss v8 motorcycles today on their website.

Brammo Inc.

Brammo Inc. was founded in 2002 with the initial goal of creating a sports car that could accommodate its owner, Craig Mranscher, who is 6’3″ tall. Frustrated by the offerings from Ferrari and Lamborghini at the time, the company shifted its focus and acquired the rights to the Ariel Atom, an open-cockpit track car. They then transitioned to manufacturing electric motorcycles, leveraging their experience in building supercars and conducting research and development on electric drivetrains. In 2015, Brammo Inc. was purchased by Polaris Industries. However, production ceased when Polaris announced the closure of the Victory Motorcycles brand in 2017.

Buell Motorcycle Company

Erik Buell left Harley-Davidson in 1983 to establish his own brand, which focused on producing track-oriented, V-Twin powered street bikes for the American market. In 1993, Harley-Davidson acquired a 49% stake in the brand, making Buell Motorcycle Company a subsidiary. By 2003, Harley-Davidson owned the company entirely. Buell Motorcycle Company was quite successful, ultimately ceasing production in 2009 after manufacturing a total of 136,923 motorcycles.

Confederate Motors

Confederate Motors is an American manufacturer of exotic street motorcycles in Birmingham, Alabama. It was founded in 1991 by trial lawyer H. Matthew Chambers, as an initiative seeking “enlightened design through true American inspiration.” In 2017 the company announced plans to rename itself to Curtiss Motorcycles and switch to all-electric motorcycles with a partnership with Zero Motorcycles. The Warhawk will be the final and only gasoline motorcycle under the Curtiss brand. It is based on their P51 Fighter, with a limited run of 35 bikes.

Cooper

Cooper was a classic motorcycle manufacturer founded by Frank Cooper, who was seeking to provide motorcycles between the entry-level Japanese and higher-end Euro bikes to American customers. Cooper Motorcycles lived a short life with the brand lasting only between the years of 1973 and 1975 before being purchased by Southern California Yamaha to be rebranded to Ammex. Being manufactured in Saltillo, Mexico, the company failed when the Mexican peso was devalued in 1976, causing financial troubles for the company.

Crocker Motorcycle Company

The Crocker Motorcycle company focused on manufacturing single-cylinder race motorcycles, V-twin cruisers, and later on motorized scooters for a decade beginning in the year of 1932. The company was based in Los Angeles, California, and ceased production in 1942 with the remaining inventory of parts being sold in 1947. The motorcycles are a coveted collector’s item, with a 1941 V-twin Crocker selling for a whopping $230,000 at an auction in 2007 making them some of the world’s most expensive motorcycles today.

Erik Buell Racing

During the heyday of Buell Motorcycles, Erik Buell decided to create a sub-brand dedicated to building V-twin race-spec motorcycles out of East Troy, Wisconsin. The company had a successful life in the Superbike World Championship since 2011, with their 1190RR and 1190RS taking their riders to multiple podiums before folding in 2015 due to the failure of the main Buell brand.

Excelsior Motor Manufacturing & Supply Company

Between 1907 and 1931, the Excelsior Motor Manufacturing & Supply Company produced motorcycles in Chicago, Illinois. In 1912, Ignaz Schwinn, known for his popular bicycle company Arnold, Schwinn & Co, acquired Excelsior. The company developed the first motorcycle capable of reaching speeds of 100 mph. By 1928, Excelsior enjoyed widespread popularity, ranking third among motorcycle brands, following Harley-Davidson and Indian Motorcycles.

Hanlon Motorcycles

In 1993, Daniel Hanlon founded Hanlon Manufacturing Company in Burnsville, Minnesota. The brand manufactured cruiser bikes taking design notes from the former Excelsior and Henderson motorcycles. The factory was located in Belle Plaine, Minnesota, with the capacity to manufacture between 10,000 and 20,000 motorcycles annually, but due to financial constraints the brand was unable to secure investment and they had to file for reorganization in 1999 before ultimately dissolving in 1993, Daniel Hanlon founded Hanlon Manufacturing Company in Burnsville, Minnesota. The brand specialized in manufacturing cruiser bikes, drawing design inspiration from the former Excelsior and Henderson motorcycles. The factory, located in Belle Plaine, Minnesota, had the capacity to produce between 10,000 and 20,000 motorcycles annually. However, due to financial difficulties, the company was unable to secure the necessary investment and had to file for reorganization in 1999 before ultimately dissolving.

Fischer Motor Company

Fischer Motor Company began producing sportbikes in 2006 and reportedly halted production in 2012. Their first mass-produced motorcycle, the MRX 650, was a V-twin sportbike known for its impressive styling and aluminum perimeter frame. During its three years of operation, the company produced only a few dozen motorcycles, making the MRX 650 quite a rare bike to own.Fischer Motor Company began producing sportbikes in 2006 and reportedly halted production in 2012. Their first mass-produced motorcycle, the MRX 650, was a V-twin sportbike known for its impressive styling and aluminum perimeter frame. During its three years of operation, the company produced only a few dozen motorcycles, making the MRX 650 quite a rare bike to own.

Flying Merkel

The Flying Merkel was a motorcycle brand produced by the American company Merkel, originally based in Milwaukee before relocating to Middletown, Ohio. The motorcycle was manufactured from 1911 to 1915 and was regarded as a technological marvel of its time. It featured a conservative engine-control system that included an automatic inlet valve and a preset outlet valve. The V engine initially had a displacement of 884 cc (53.9 cu in) and produced 6 hp (4.5 kW). It was equipped with a two-speed gearbox and a belt drive, allowing it to reach a maximum speed of 97 km/h (60 mph).

Harley-Davidson

Harley-Davidson is perhaps the most renowned and iconic motorcycle manufacturer in American history. Founded in 1903, it was one of the first motorcycle companies in the United States. Harley-Davidson has endured a long and tumultuous journey marked by various ownership changes, bailouts, financial difficulties, and intense global competition. Beyond being just a brand, Harley-Davidson represents a lifestyle for its consumers. The company pioneered the chopper V-twin cruiser market in America, and it has remained committed to producing heavy, air-cooled V-twin motorcycles. Recently, however, it has begun exploring new avenues for revival, most notably with the introduction of the Harley-Davidson LiveWire electric motorcycle and the upcoming Pan America adventure bike.

Harley-Davidson India

Harley-Davidson India is a wholly owned subsidiary of Harley-Davidson, with its motorcycle sales based in Gurgaon, Haryana. The company entered the Indian market in 2009, opening its first dealership in 2010. Harley-Davidson India offers an 11-model lineup of American cruisers, along with all the necessary parts, accessories, and merchandise for Indian Harley-Davidson enthusiasts to fulfill their chopper dreams. Currently, there are 29 dealerships located across major cities in India.

*Note: Harley-Davidson India operates as a regional arm of an American company.*

Hodaka

Hodaka was a significant motorcycle manufacturer, producing approximately 150,000 motorcycles between 1964 and 1978. The company was jointly owned by American and Japanese entities. Before establishing its own brand, Hodaka produced engines for the Japanese Yamaguchi brand. The company has been credited with laying the groundwork for the extensive trail bike industry that exists in America today.

*Note: Hodaka was jointly owned with a Japanese motorcycle brand.*

Indian Motorcycle Manufacturing Company

Just over 100 years ago, Indian Motorcycle briefly held the title of the largest motorcycle manufacturer in the world. Today, it is renowned for producing some of the most attractive and enjoyable cruising motorcycles available. Whether it’s the classic Chieftain or the impressive Scout Sixty, there is something truly special about these bikes.

Janus Motorcycles

Janus Motorcycles is an American manufacturer of small-displacement motorcycles located in Goshen, Indiana. The company was founded in 2011 by Richard Worsham and Devin Biek, and it has been delivering motorcycles since 2013. Worsham and Biek began their journey by repairing, restoring, and tuning vintage pedal-type mopeds through Biek’s company, Motion Left Mopeds, which produces aftermarket performance parts for vintage two-stroke engines. Their experience with mopeds sparked their interest in creating small, lightweight motorcycles.

Lightning Motorcycle

Lightning Motorcycle Corp. is an American manufacturer of electric motorcycles. after participating in an electric Porsche race team, CEO and Founder Richard Hatfield started the company in 2006 in San Carlos, California. Lightning Motorcycle specializes in electric motorcycle R&D and production, with their new ‘LS-218’ EV bike being heralded as the fastest production motorcycle in the world.

MotoCzysz

This brand was originally established to compete in the MotoGP circuit and introduced several innovative features, most notably their patented slipper clutch with twin clutches. Their flagship electric race bike, the E1pc, had a successful racing career, taking first place in the 2010 TT Zero event at the Isle of Man TT and setting a new record for both the track and its division.

Penton

John Penton, an established American off-road motorcycle racer, founded Penton in 1968. The company offered rebadged bikes manufactured by KTM in Austria for American customers before ultimately folding in 1978.

Pierce-Arrow Motor Car Company

The Pierce-Arrow Motor Car Company was known for manufacturing a wide range of motorized vehicles. Although they initially focused on automotive production, their offerings included trucks, boats, fire trucks, trailers, bicycles, and, most notably, motorcycles. The Pierce Four was the first four-cylinder motorcycle produced in the United States, as most motorcycles of that era were V-twin models. The company was based in Buffalo, New York, and operated from 1901 until it closed in 1938.

Ridley Motorcycle Company

Have you ever heard of a cruiser motorcycle that features a continuously variable transmission (CVT)? The Ridley Motorcycle Company did exactly that with the introduction of the ‘Ridley Speedstar’ in 1999, making it the first automatic motorcycle produced in the United States. The company began manufacturing motorcycles in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, in 1995 and continued until it filed for bankruptcy in 2009. In early 2010, all of Ridley’s assets were sold at public auction and were acquired by Route 66 Ridley Motorcycles.

Simplex Manufacturing Corporation

Paul Treen started Simplex in New Orleans, Louisiana with an initial investment of $25. Simplex Manufacturing Corporation was the only manufacturer with roots in the deep south of America until Confederate Motorcycles came along and stole the show. They produced motorcycles between 1935 and 1975, and the brand followed their minimalistic philosophy with the bikes rarely seeing any design changes from 1935 onwards.” If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. “

Thor

Thor was founded in 1901 in Aurora, Illinois. The company initially entered the motorcycle industry by producing engines for Indian Motorcycles from 1901 to 1907. After the agreement ended, Thor began marketing its own motorcycles, continuing this venture until 1920.

Titan Motorcycle Company

The Titan Motorcycle Company was founded in 1995 in Phoenix, Arizona, during a time when there was a shortage of new Harley-Davidson motorcycles. To address this gap, Titan began customizing older Harley-Davidson models using parts sourced from newer models, as many Harley riders were already disassembling their new bikes for customization. However, the company faced financial difficulties, filing for bankruptcy twice—once in 2001 and again in 2007—ultimately leading to the closure of their shop.

Victory Motorcycles

Victory Motorcycles was an American motorcycle manufacturer with its final assembly facility in Spirit Lake, Dickinson County, northwestern Iowa, United States. Born in 1997, their first motorcycles entered production the following year. Eventually ceasing operations in 2017, Victory Motorcycles leave behind a complicated legacy that, at the very least, demonstrates how even Harley-Davidson could be outgunned and out-revved in the cruiser segment.

Z Electric Vehicle

Z Electric Vehicle Corporation (ZEV) is an active American manufacturer and distributor of electric scooters, based in Morgantown, West Virginia. The company was founded in 2006, starting in a garage owned by its founder, Darus Zehrbach Jr. Recognizing a global market opportunity for electric scooters, he began developing cost-effective alternatives. Today, ZEV claims that their scooters offer the longest range and the most power available in the electric vehicle scooter market.

Zero Motorcycles

Zero Motorcycles Inc. (formerly known as Electricoross) is at the forefront of American-made electric motorcycles. Who better to develop new technology for riders than a retired NASA engineer? Neal Saiki began this journey in 2006, leading to the present day where Zero Motorcycles offers a diverse lineup of electric motorcycles for consumers to choose from. Among the most notable models is the new Zero SR/S, a street bike-style electric motorcycle designed for speed and handling.

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American Motorcycle manufacturers