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When you think of the oldest motorcycle brands in America, two names immediately spring to mind: Harley-Davidson and Indian Motorcycle. These iconic manufacturers have dominated the narrative of American motorcycling for over a century, and rightfully so. However, what if we told you that neither of these giants holds the distinction of being the first U.S.-built motorcycle brand?
Challenging the Conventional Wisdom
It’s a common misconception, deeply ingrained in popular culture. Harley-Davidson, founded in 1903, and Indian, established in 1901 (initially as the Hendee Manufacturing Company), are indeed venerable institutions with incredible legacies. But the very first gasoline-powered, commercially available “motor-bicycle” in the United States actually rolled out years before either of them.
Unveiling the True Pioneer: Waltham Manufacturing Company’s Orient
The honor belongs to the Waltham Manufacturing Company of Waltham, Massachusetts. Led by the visionary Charles Herman Metz, this company began producing “motor-bicycles” under the name Orient as early as 1898. That’s right, three years before Indian and five years before Harley-Davidson!
The Orient’s Edge
How did they achieve this? The Waltham Manufacturing Company, already a bicycle manufacturer since 1893, started by integrating reliable French De Dion-Bouton engines onto their bicycle frames. While not entirely an American-designed engine initially, the crucial point is that these motor-bicycles were manufactured and sold in the U.S. as a distinct product line by an American company, making them the first American motorcycle brand to enter commercial production.
- 1898: Orient motor-bicycles begin production and sales.
- 1901: Indian Motorcycle (Hendee Mfg. Co.) produces its first motorcycle.
- 1903: Harley-Davidson Motor Company is founded and produces its first motorcycle.
Why Orient Was Overlooked
So, why isn’t Orient a household name today? Like many early pioneers in rapidly evolving industries, their motorcycle venture was relatively short-lived and overshadowed by companies that scaled production more effectively and adapted to market demands over a longer period. While Waltham Manufacturing Company went on to build cars (the Orient Buckboard) and even aircraft, their significant early contribution to American motorcycling history often goes uncelebrated.
A Nod to the Forgotten Forerunners
This revelation doesn’t diminish the incredible heritage of Indian or Harley-Davidson. Instead, it enriches the tapestry of American motorcycling, reminding us that innovation sprang from many sources in those thrilling early days. The Orient motor-bicycle represents a vital, albeit brief, chapter in the story of the American motorcycle, a true trailblazer that deserves its rightful place in history.
Next time you ponder the origins of American motorcycling, remember the Waltham Manufacturing Company and its pioneering Orient. They truly paved the way.
Source: Original Article
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