Other Motorcycle Manufacturers
See photos and read histories about the Reading Standard, Vespa Allstate Cruisaire and Bimota Tesi motorcycles in this channel.
1915 Iver Johnson
1914 Thor
1904 Marsh
1936 DKW SB 500 A
1951 Vincent HRD Series B Rapide
1956 Simplex Automatic
1958 Cushman Eagle and Pacemaker
1961 Velocette Venom
1964 Vespa Allstate Cruisaire
1961 Matchless G-12
1970 Norton Commando 750S
1976 Norton Commando
1970 BSA Lightning
1997 Ural
1996 Boss Hoss
1992 Bimota Tesi
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The 1951 Vincent HRD Series B Rapide motorcycle was in its day among the world's fastest. A unique feature of this motorcycle is that the components were bolted to each other instead of the frame. See pictures and learn about the Vincent HRD Series.
The British-built 1961 Velocette Venom motorcycle was a 100-mph single-cylinder bike. The motorcycle was capable of reaching such high speeds because of the large 500-cc cylinder displacement. See pictures and learn about the Velocette Venom.
Though a beautiful machine, the 1915 Iver Johnson motorcycle lacked horsepower. The motorcycle used a V-twin that displaced 1020 cc, which was far less than the other V-twins of the era. Find more information and view pictures of the 1915 Iver Johnson.
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The 1964 Vespa Allstate Cruisaire was a U.S. version of the iconic Italian scooter. The frameless chassis housed a two-stroke engine that was efficient and perfect for city use. See pictures and learn about the Vespa Allstate Cruisaire.
The 1997 Ural motorcycle was essentially a reproduction based on parts from different BMW models. The styling if the Ural is crude but the motorcycle and sidecar could be purchased for a cheap price. See pictures and learn about the Ural motorcycle.
The 1914 Thor motorcycle was from a company noted mostly for building motorcycle engines. The 1914 Thor is the perfect example of what early motorcycle design looked like. See pictures and learn more about the 1914 Thor motorcycle.
The 1904 Marsh motorcycle used parts made by the Marsh brothers themselves. It had a single cylinder engine that had an intake valve that opened on the cylinder's down stroke. See pictures and learn about the 1904 Marsh, a pioneering motorbike.
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The 1961 Matchless G-12 motorcycle was one of the last models offered bearing the Matchless name. The 1961 model performed poorly which caused low sales against other British competitors Triumph and BSA. See pictures and learn about the Matchless G-12.
The 1970 Norton Commando 750S motorcycle was sporty but dogged by Japanese competition. The most interesting design element of this motorcycle is the high-set exhaust pipes with heat shields. See pictures and learn about the Norton Commando 750S.
The 1976 Norton Commando motorcycle was among the last bikes Norton produced. Outdated design elements caused Norton to slip in sales when compared to its Japanese competitors. See pictures and learn more about the classic Norton Commando.
The 1913 Reading Standard motorcycle was a great example of an early American motorcycle. Reading Standards is best known as the first American motorcycle company to offer a flathead engine. See pictures and learn about the Reading Standard.
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The 1914 Sears Deluxe motorcycle was offered for sale in the Sears and Roebuck catalog. The motorcycle featured a 35-cubic-inch Deluxe ''Big Five'' engine and sold for 197 dollars. See pictures and learn more about the Sears Deluxe.
The 1956 Simplex Automatic motorcycle was a lightweight machine that could return 100 mpg. The main reasons for the high fuel economy were the overall light weight and efficient design of the bike. See pictures and learn about the Simplex Automatic.
The 1958 Cushman Eagle and Cushman Pacemaker motorcycles were great starter bikes for new motorcyclists. Cushman was also one of the few manufacturers of motorized vehicles permitted to continue civilian production during World War II. Learn about these scooters.
The 1936 DKW SB 500 A motorcycle was a stout bike that looked back to racing success and ahead to battle duty. Fed by a Bing carburetor, the two-stroke engine produced 15 horsepower. Learn more about the DKW SB 500 A.
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The 1965 DKW Hummel 155 motorcycle featured styling unlike any bike of its day. When the 1965 DKW Hummel 155 motorcycle was introduced to the public the European motoring press dubbed it the "Tin Banana." See what made it so unique in this article.
No question about it the 1996 Boss Hoss motorcycle is the biggest baddest bike to ever roam the streets. It defines 'bigger is better' by packing a Chevy V-8 engine. See pictures and learn about the outrageous Boss Hoss.
The 1967 Bridgestone 350 GTO motorcycle was one of a few bikes created by the tire company in the 1960s. Bridgestone was synonymous with "performance" in motorcycle circles -- though that really wasn't the company's original aim. Learn about the Bridgestone 350 GTO.
The 1959 Ariel Leader offered several new technologies and unique styling. An interesting aspect of the Leader was the long list of options available. As a result, few of the 22,000 produced were exactly the same. Learn more about the 1959 Ariel Leader.
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Bimota got its start in the early 1970s by wedding Honda or Kawasaki four-cylinder power with its own exotic chassis and bodywork. The 1992 Bimota Tesi motorcycle was exciting and exotic but it wasn't the star Bimota hoped for. Find out why and see pictures.
The 1911 Excelsior motorcycle was a product of Schwinn better known for bicycles. As was common for the era, the single was driven by a wide leather belt with progress slowed by a rear coaster brake. Learn about the 1911 Excelsior motorcycle.
The 1920 Ace motorcycle had a short life, but it was a powerful and durable bike. Production ceased in 1922 due to financial setbacks and the death of its creator in a motorcycle accident. Learn about the 1920 Ace.
The 1970 BSA Lightning motorcycle battled faster less-expensive Japanese bikes. BSA didn't survive long afterward as the competition from Japan proved too much. See pictures and learn how the BSA Lightning dealt with its rivals.