Excelsior 1910 499 cc 1 cyl AIV 3603

Excelsior 1910 499 cc AIV belt drive single engine # 8132

Excelsior starts as a distribution business for sewing machine parts and accessories in 1876 and branches out to also handle bicycle parts in the late 1880s or early 1890s. In the early 1900s the company begins marketing several bicycles and expands its business, adding automotive parts, accessories and supplies.
Their first motorcycle, the Triumph, is publicly marketed in 1907. The frame, sheet metal, drive train and controls are Excelsior designed. The 2 ¼ hp engine (a copy of the French De Dion motor) is sourced from Thor. The Triumph is designated Model B, probably in anticipation of the soon to be introduced Model A Excelsior.
On the New York Automobile and Motorcycle show held in November 1907 at Madison Square Garden the company exhibites their 1908 models. Two new machines are exhibited along with two Triumphs. The new machine, designated Model A, is called Excelsior Auto-Cycle (a term Excelsior continues to use in their logos throughout their life). The factory considered 1908 as their first year of production. The Excelsior Auto-Cycle is a handsome machine, finished in grey with double gold lines. The machine features a frame with the engine as a structural member. The spring fork is a leading link arrangement. The tank constructed of copper, carries about two gallon of fuel and a quart of oil. A tool and battery box is fitted between the seat post and the rear fender. The engine rates a maximum power of 4 hp at 2400 rpm, it displaces 440cc. The Excelsior company had been distributor of Schebler carburetors since around 1906, so they equip the new machine with such. The drive is by flat belt. For 1909 five models are offered, with optional 26 or 28 inch wheel, magneto ignition or battery and coil, including a racer. Sales are so great that the company can not meet all orders.
Excelsior finds that the trusty 1909 model need no improvement for 1910, except in minor detail work and finish. One of these details is the enlarged gear case of the engine to hold the oil pump that is only used that year. More important is the introduction of a 819cc V-twin in January 1910. The 1911 Excelsiors will be distinguished by a lower saddle position. They retain the parallel double top frame tubes, dropping the upper in a graceful curve at the extreme rear to receive the horizontal saddle post. (source: American Excelsior, Thomas Bund)
Unfortunately, financial issues are haunting the company and several manufacturing concerns are interested in a take-over. Ultimately, bicycle magnate Ignaz Schwinn purchases the manufacturing rights, plant, merchandise and several hundred existing motorcycles from the Excelsior Auto-Cycle Company on November 15, 1911. Under Schwinn’s wings the Excelsior will become one of the Big Three of the American motorcycle industry. In 1931, in the midst of the Great Depression, Ignaz Schwinn decides to end all motorcycle production.

This early single is a truly basic motorcycle: it has an atmospheric inlet valve, direct drive through a flat leather belt (in 1912 chain drive became available) and coil ignition. The lever on the left side of the petrol tank operates the belt tensioner. Ignition and throttle are controlled by jointed shafts that are connected to the left and right handlebar grips.
This well-constructed early American single comes in unrestored condition and is fitted with original leather “Excelsior Supply Company” saddle and handlebar-mounted Persons leather tool box. In recent years, she has occasionally been used in vintage motorcycle rallies.