A Horse or mule has a mind of its own and if it decides not to do what you want then you are in trouble, just ask Yosemite Sam. The 275-pound machine was good for 60 MPH, which was excellent performance at that date, and it was America’s first 4-cylinder motorcycle. The Pierce Four, made by Pierce-Arrow, was the first four-cylinder motorcycle in the U.S. The Pierce engineers made significant improvements, and the Pierce Four was ready for customers in 1909. He has studied the Japanese sword arts and has a long history of involvement in the shooting sports, which has included authoring submissions to government on various firearms related issues and assisting in the design and establishment of shooting ranges. It is a true gem of the American motorcycle industry. It is a true gem of the American motorcycle industry. (Picture courtesy RM Sotheby’s). The Pierce Arrow Motorette was originally made with a deDion 2¾ hp engine which was replaced with a Pierce engine in 1903. The Pierce Four was the pet project of the son of Pierce-Arrow’s owner, George Pierce. More listings are added daily. Sections of this page. The bike had a rigid frame but was installed with sprung front forks and a sprung seat to ensure a comfortable ride. To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, see Pick of the Day, Click here to signup for our daily newsletter, Bob Golfen is a longtime automotive writer and editor, focusing on new vehicles, collector cars, car culture and the automotive lifestyle. As the 1890’s progressed Pierce introduced improvements to their bicycles with the “Cushion Frame” being one of the most important. The engine was used as a structural member which eliminated the need for a bottom support tube and served to make the motorcycle lighter. Percy was making and selling his Pierce Arrow Four motorcycles priced at USD$350.00, which was very expensive at the time but which was actually below the cost of manufacturing them. The Pierce Arrow Four weighed 275 lb and was capable of a top speed of 60 mph and Percy Pierce rode these bikes to success in a number of competitions to establish the “street cred” of his machines. Browse photos, see all vehicle details and contact the seller. in 1909 and later to 696cc by 1911. The quality was very high and, just as in the Four, the engine was used as a stressed member. That was not sustainable, and Pierce-Arrow closed its motorcycle division in 1914. At the time of its motorcycle's launch in 1909, Pierce-Arrow was embarking on a policy of building luxury cars only, many of which would come to be regarded as among America's finest. The Cushion Frame incorporated springing in a rear shock device and subsequent to that spring forks in 1903. Pierce-Arrow History. ALL NEW with new hits, comedy and fun! Then in 1910 George Pierce passed away leaving Percy without his father’s advice and support. In order to attract sales Pierce created a less expensive single cylinder motorcycle with a 5 hp engine of 592 cc. In 1908, Percy Pierce imported an advanced FN four-cylinder motorcycle from Belgium to use as a model for his machine. The 275-pound machine has a top speed of … The Early Years; The Glidden Tour Years; The War Years; Roaring Twenties; Record Breaking Years; Pierce-Arrow Bicycles; Pierce-Arrow Motorcycles; Pierce-Arrow Trucks; Notable Pierce-Arrow Owners; Advertising Gallery. Pierce advertising for the Cushion Frame emphasized the comfort of the ride by comparison with conventional rigid frame bikes. This approach was reflected in the quality, and cost, of the Pierce motorcycle and would ultimately lead to its downfall. Pierce Arrow. By 1906 the Pierce Cycle Company would separate from the Pierce-Arrow Motor Car Company and be led by George N. Pierce’s son, Percy. Pierce Arrow Gold All New Show, Same Great Tradition. Accessibility Help. A failed attempt to build a steam-powered car was made in 1900 with license from Overman, but by 1901 Pierce built its first single-cylinder two-speed (no reverse) Moterette … Jon has done radio, television, magazine and newspaper interviews on various issues, and has traveled extensively, having lived in Britain, Australia, China and Hong Kong. This would be the centerpiece of any motorcycle collection, a remarkable piece of history and a genuinely beautiful example of industrial artwork. The Pierce Arrow Manufacturing Company began to build motorcycles in 1907. He was particularly interested in the Fabrique Nationale (FN) motorcycles of that period. inline four cylinder engine shaft drive motorcycles. Older restoration, the car is still in great shape. Pierce Arrow classic motorcycle The story goes Percy Pierce, the son of the owner of the Pierce Great Arrow Motor Company in Buffalo, was visiting Europe in 1908 and was so impressed by the FN four that he brought one back with him. 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