Yale 1912 Model 27 7HP 998cc 2 cyl AIV 3506

Yale 1912 “Model 27” 7 HP 998 cc AIV V-twin engine # 2403

Yale was a foremost player in the first decade of American motorcycling. The make was marketed by the Consolidated Manufacturing Company of Toledo, Ohio. Originally the company made bicycles under the brand names of “Snell” an “Yale”. To make a flying start in motorcycle production the California Motorcycle Company was bought in 1903 and for its first five years the motorcycle was sold as the Yale-California. In 1909 the big single grew to 3½ HP and 473 cc displacement with a weight of 165 lb. and a top speed of 45 miles per hour. For 1909 a totally new model was presented and the California part of the name was dropped, ushering in the first true Yale motorcycle.
In 1910 Consolidated introduced the first Yale twin, a 6½ HP model powered by a 45-degree ‘”inlet over exhaust” engine. In 1912 the twin adopted the unusual horizontal cylinder finning for which this series of machines is best remembered. The makers claimed that this type of finning would give better air circulation around the cylinders. Next to the 7 HP a 5 HP twin was available. The frame was redesigned with a sloping top tube for 1913, while for the following year two-speed transmission and chain drive were standardized. By this time the engine – now of 7-8 HP – had undergone a certain amount of revision, the most obvious change being the relocation of the magneto to the rear of the engine. A kick-starter was introduced for 1915 but sadly this would be the last year of production for these handsome machines, as the market for war materials looked more promising than that for motorcycles.
In January 1912, the new Yale models were presented on a stand next to the Indian stand at the Madison Square Garden Show in New York. The stand proudly displayed the advertising slogan ”Ride a Yale, they never Fail”. Indian had unofficially made public that the new enclosed Bosch magneto was at this time only available on the new Indian models, but when Indian president George M. Hendee looked over his neighbour’s stand, he saw to his dismay that the new Yales were also fitted with enclosed Bosch magnetos. How was this possible? A Yale representative later told a reporter from “The Bicycling World and Motorcycle review” that before the show some Bosch lookalike magneto covers had been manufactured in the Yale factory and fitted to open-type magnetos…
Among the detail refinements for the 1912 models are priming cups on the cylinders, three-point handlebar anchorage, heavier spokes and eccentric yoke pedal chain adjustment.
The machine we present comes with direct belt drive, mechanical oil pump and auxiliary hand pump and has a wooden belt pulley. The engine pulley is equipped with an “Eclipse” clutch. She’s an older restoration with a nice patina. As she has been part of a static collection she will require a good check-over before returning to the road.