American Fours

When most people think of American motorcycles they probably think of some heavily chromed V twin machine. At the turn of the century, however, American motorcycles came with singles, V twins, and four cylinder engines. The inline four design was originally created by FN a Belgium company. This design inspired a handful of top of the line American motorcycles in the early 20th century.

FN 1905-?

The Pierce Motor Company, makers of luxury autos and motorcycles, created their own design after being impressed with the FN. The four cylinder design produced little vibration, which was gave Pierces an "automotive like ride". Pierce motorcycles, however, would not make it past the first world war.

Pierce 1909-1913

The Militare motorcycle was a unique machine. It was designed as sort of a two wheeled car, built for, as the name would suggest, military purposes. The militare turn out to be a poor choice for off road uses, so only a few went to military use.

Militaire/Militor 1914-1922

Tom and William Henderson's motorcycles are synonyminous with four cylinders. The company got its start building long wheelbase touring motorcycles. Schwinn, owners of the Excelsior company, bought Henderson around 1917 and integrated it with Excelsior. Hendersons continued with Excelsior until they both died off after the great depression.

Henderson 1912-1917

Henderson (Excelsior) 1918-1931

William Henderson left Henderson shortly after the company was aquired by Schwinn and started Ace motorcycles. Ace built some of finest and fastest motorcycles of the time. Ace didn't really make any profit off of thier motorcycles and the company went under. Indian eventually purchased the assests and produced Ace motorcycles, before moving the engine into an Indian frame. Indian fours lasted for over a decade, and were the last of the American four cylinder breed.

Ace 1920-1927

Indian (Ace) 1929-1943
Cleveland was the last manufacturer to get into the straight four game. Engines started out at 600cc's and were later enlarged to 1000cc's. Cleveland fours didn't last long as the company folded with the advent of the great depression.

Cleveland 1926-1929?