1913 Yale
A Classic American Motorcycle 

​At the turn of the 20th century, just as bicycle designs were morphing into motor vehicles, American bike makers were on the coattails of European designed motorcycles. Yale was alongside a plethora of manufacturers making production motorcycles. But, with a direct link to the first American motorbike, bicycle manufacturing, and the first motorized vehicle to cross the U.S. – Yale carries with it an incredible piece of American history.   

Thanks to the collection of Bryan Dennis, this 1913 Yale is on display at the Museum of American Speed. 

California Motor Company Connection

​Prior to Yale branded Motorcycles, the California Motor Company was one of the first companies experimenting with making motorized bicycles. Founded by, Roy C. Marks, they are widely known for their inventions with the first internal combustion motorized bicycle. The machine took inspiration directly from the French-made bikes of the day.

​By 1901, the California Motor Company began selling the 200cc, 1.5hp single-cylinder gasoline powered bicycles. 

​Their biggest claim to fame happened when acclaimed cyclist, George Wyman crossed the United States on his California motorbike in 1903. It was the first cross-country trip of its kind in the U.S. The journey took nearly two months, starting in San Francisco and arriving in New York. In the absence of roads, Wyman rode much of his journey along railroad tracks. After replacing numerous spokes, tires, drive belts, and other parts, the engine finally gave up outside of Albany, New York. Wyman arrived in New York City after pedaling the final 150-miles. The event generated massive publicity and was well documented by the press and magazines.

George Wyman self-documented a five-part series published inside, The Motorcycle Magazine called, Across America on a Motor Bicycle.  

Yale 1903

​Prior to Motorcycle production, Yale was a known bicycle moniker manufactured by the Toledo, OH based company, Kirk Manufacturing Company.  A major development came in 1903, when Kirk Manufacturing, the former producer of Yale Bicycles, Snell, and California Motor Company merged with, Consolidated Manufacturing Company.   

It was first announced in October of 1903, when The Bicycling World and Motocycle Review reported that Consolidated Manufacturing Co. would acquire the California Motor Company, in an article titled, Kirk & Snell Unite. The California motor bikes would slowly transition to the name California -Yale.

​From roughly 1905 to 1915, Consolidated Mfg. Co. produced Yale motorcycles along with a continued line of bicycles. As an independent bike manufacturer, Yale became roughly the 4th largest motorcycle producer, behind Indian, Harley Davidson, and Henderson. 

​The Consolidated Manufacturing Company continued until December of 1915 when they announced that they had stopped manufacturing motorcycles as well as their Yale and Snell bicycles. With the escalating war in Europe, there was a large demand for materials to support the conflict, and a large portion of the company’s production was turned over to the manufacturing of shrapnel.