The American motorcycle industry boasts a rich and diverse history, filled with innovation, ambition, and, at times, financial hardship. From pioneering manufacturers to modern-day custom builders, numerous brands have left their mark on the open road. This article explores some notable American motorcycle brands and their stories, based on information from webbikeworld.com.
Ace Motor Corporation
Ace Motor Corporation, based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, focused on producing luxury four-cylinder motorcycles. The company operated from 1919 to 1924, with intermittent production until 1927, when it was acquired by the Indian Motorcycle Company. Ace's legacy was recognized in 1998 with an induction into the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame.
Alligator Motorcycle Company
The Alligator Motorcycle Company was a division of All American Racers, a racing team workshop in Santa Ana, California. They are known for the Alligator motorcycle, featuring a feet-forward riding position and a low center of gravity.
Allstate
Allstate was a brand used by Sears to market vehicles sourced from other manufacturers. Scooters were supplied by Piaggio and Cushman, while Puch and Gilera provided mopeds and motorcycles. Cars were supplied by Lincoln Motor Car Works and Kaiser-Frazer. According to webbikeworld.com, the 1965 Allstate Puch 250 SGS was a popular model under the Allstate brand.
Arch Motorcycle
Founded in 2011 by Keanu Reeves, Arch Motorcycle is a high-end motorcycle manufacturer. Reeves, a motorcycle enthusiast, aimed to create sleek, modern designs with handmade craftsmanship. Arch currently offers three models and plans to expand its lineup.
ATK Motorcycles
ATK Motorcycles specialized in competition motocross, sportbikes, ATVs, and off-road bikes from 1985 to 2015. According to webbikeworld.com, ATK has shifted its focus to manufacturing parts for its previously marketed motorcycles at its shop in Centerville, Utah.
American IronHorse
American IronHorse was once the largest producer of custom motorcycles in the USA. Founded by Tim Edmonson and Bill Rucker in 1995, the company built custom choppers until 2008, when financial difficulties led to its closure and asset auction.
Boss Hoss Cycles
Monte Warne founded Boss Hoss Cycles in 1990 in Dyersburg, Tennessee. The company specializes in fitting Chevrolet V8 engines into cruiser-style motorcycle and trike frames. Boss Hoss has produced bikes with engines up to 8.1L Vortec big-block, claiming the title of the world's #1 producer of powerful motorcycles, according to webbikeworld.com. Boss Hoss V8 motorcycles are still available for purchase.
Brammo Inc.
Brammo Inc. was founded in 2002 with the initial goal of creating a sports car. They later acquired the rights to the Arial Atom and shifted towards manufacturing electric motorcycles, leveraging their experience in supercar and electric drivetrain R&D. Polaris Industries purchased Brammo in 2015, and production ceased when Polaris closed the Victory Motorcycles brand in 2017.
Buell Motorcycle Company
Erik Buell founded Buell Motorcycle Company in 1983 after leaving Harley-Davidson. The company aimed to provide track-oriented V-Twin powered street bikes. Harley-Davidson acquired a 49% stake in 1993, making Buell a subsidiary by 2003. The company ceased production in 2009, having manufactured 136,923 motorcycles.
Confederate Motors (Curtiss Motorcycles)
Confederate Motors, based in Birmingham, Alabama, manufactured exotic street motorcycles. Founded in 1991, the company sought "enlightened design through true American inspiration." In 2017, Confederate Motors announced plans to rebrand as Curtiss Motorcycles and transition to all-electric motorcycles in partnership with Zero Motorcycles. The Warhawk is planned to be the final gasoline motorcycle under the Curtiss brand, with a limited run of 35 bikes based on their P51 Fighter.
Cooper
Cooper Motorcycles aimed to provide motorcycles positioned between entry-level Japanese bikes and higher-end European models. The company operated from 1973 to 1975 before being acquired by Southern California Yamaha and rebranded as Ammex. Manufacturing took place in Saltillo, Mexico, but the company faced financial difficulties due to the devaluation of the Mexican peso in 1976.
Crocker Motorcycle Company
The Crocker Motorcycle Company manufactured single-cylinder race motorcycles, V-twin cruisers, and motorized scooters from 1932 to 1942. Based in Los Angeles, California, the company ceased production in 1942, selling its remaining parts inventory in 1947. Crocker motorcycles are now valuable collector's items. According to webbikeworld.com, a 1941 V-twin Crocker sold for $230,000 at auction in 2007.
Erik Buell Racing
Erik Buell Racing was created as a sub-brand of Buell Motorcycles, dedicated to building V-twin race-spec motorcycles in East Troy, Wisconsin. The company participated in the Superbike World Championship, achieving podium finishes with its 1190RR and 1190RS models.
