Crocker Motorcycles
From the bustling streets of Los Angeles, California, one of the most revered names in the history of American motorcycles has emerged: Crocker. Founded by Al Crocker, a seasoned rider and designer, the brand’s brief yet impactful journey from 1934 to 1941 left an indelible mark on the motorcycle industry. Known for its innovative designs and exceptional engineering, Crocker Motorcycles is a testament to its founder’s and his team’s ingenuity and passion.
Al Crocker: The Visionary Behind the Brand
Al Crocker’s journey into the world of motorcycles began in the early 20th century with Thor, where he honed his skills as a rider and designer. His career progressed through significant roles, including a stint as the Kansas City representative for Indian Motorcycles. In 1928, Crocker acquired the Indian franchise for Los Angeles, California. Here, he hired Paul Bigsby, a young and brilliant engineer/designer, and together, they embarked on a mission to create racing machines that would redefine performance standards.
Speedway Racers and 500cc Singles
The initial foray of Crocker Motorcycles into the racing world involved speedway racers equipped with Indian Scout 750cc V-twin engines. However, realizing that lighter, single-cylinder machines were better suited for short-circuit racing, Crocker shifted focus to building 500cc overhead-valve singles. These motorcycles featured a gear-driven magneto in front of the cylinder and a twin-float Amal carburettor, producing around 40 horsepower in a 240-pound (109kg) package. Piloted by speedway stars like Jack and Cordy Milne, these bikes demonstrated significant success, though they eventually lost the horsepower race to the British JAP engine.
The Sporting Twin
Undeterred, Crocker turned his attention to creating a sporting twin, culminating in developing the first batch of 1000cc V-twins. These hemi-head engines arranged at 90 degrees with exposed valve springs, shared a common pushrod tube. With a compression ratio 7.5:1, the engine generated 50 horsepower at 5800 rpm, and the motorcycle weighed just 480 pounds (218kg). Crocker’s innovative use of aluminium for engine cases, fuel tanks, and other components, coupled with heavy-duty running gear, showcased the brand’s commitment to performance and durability.
Competition and Challenges
Despite the superior engineering, Crocker faced stiff competition. In 1936, Harley-Davidson introduced the 1000cc Knucklehead, a production line machine that, while heavier and less powerful than the Crocker, benefited from the established reputation and extensive press coverage of Harley-Davidson. Additionally, the Harley-Davidson Knucklehead was approximately $150 cheaper than the custom-built Crocker twin, further hindering Crocker’s market penetration.
The Legacy and Enduring Spirit
Ultimately, fewer than 100 Crocker V-twins were built, and the brand could not rival Indian or Harley-Davidson in the marketplace. However, Crocker’s motorcycles stood as a sterling testament to the spirit and skill of independent builders who invested their time and talents in creating superior machines. Despite not achieving commercial success, Crocker’s work demonstrated what could be accomplished with dedication and innovation.
Between 1939 and 1943, Crocker also ventured into building the stylish Scootabout motor scooter, although it did not see long-term production. Al Crocker’s contributions to American motorcycling were profound, spanning roles as a rider, engineer, dealer, entrepreneur, and designer. Although he hoped Indian would acquire the manufacturing rights to his overhead-valve twin, World War II intervened, halting further developments. Al Crocker retired after the war and passed away in 1961 at the age of 79.
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