The Vintage Motorcycles
Specialists in antique, classic, veteran and vintage motorcycles.
Specialists in antique, classic, veteran and vintage motorcycles.
The Excelsior Motor Manufacturing Company of Chicago, United States, was one of the most important early American motorcycle manufacturers. Founded in 1907, the company quickly established itself as a producer of powerful and reliable machines, competing directly with leading American brands of the era.
In 1911, Excelsior was acquired by the Schwinn Bicycle Company, a move that provided significant financial backing and manufacturing capability. This allowed Excelsior to expand production and develop more advanced motorcycles, including high-performance V-twin engines and, later, the famous Henderson inline-four machines.
Throughout its relatively short but influential history, Excelsior produced a wide range of motorcycles, from early single-cylinder machines to large-displacement touring and racing bikes. The company became known for speed, endurance, and engineering innovation, setting multiple records and earning a strong reputation among riders and racers.
This reference guide provides an overview of historic Excelsior (USA) motorcycle models, including production years, engine types, and historical context. It is intended to help collectors, restorers, and enthusiasts identify and better understand classic American Excelsior motorcycles.
| Model | Production Years | Engine Type | Capacity | Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Excelsior Single Cylinder Models | 1907-1912 | Single-cylinder | Various | Early motorcycles |
| Excelsior V-Twin Models | 1910-1931 | V-twin | 500cc - 1000cc+ | Road / Touring |
| Excelsior Big Valve X Series | 1915-1924 | V-twin (overhead valve) | 61 cu in (1000cc) | Performance |
| Excelsior Super X | 1925-1931 | V-twin | 45 cu in (750cc) | Sport / Road |
| Henderson Models (Excelsior) | 1912-1931 | Inline-four | 1000cc - 1300cc | Touring / Performance |
| Excelsior Board Track Racers | 1910s-1920s | V-twin | Various | Racing |
Excelsior began producing motorcycles in 1907 during a period when the American motorcycle industry was rapidly evolving. Early models were relatively simple machines powered by single-cylinder engines, often featuring belt drive systems and minimal suspension. These motorcycles were designed for reliability and practicality, appealing to a growing market of riders seeking affordable motorized transportation.
As demand increased, Excelsior quickly improved its designs, introducing stronger frames, more powerful engines, and better overall build quality. By the early 1910s, the company had already begun shifting toward larger and more capable motorcycles.
Production Years: 1910-1931
Engine Type: V-twin
Displacement: 500cc to over 1000cc
Drive: belt drive (early), later chain drive
The introduction of V-twin engines marked a major step forward for Excelsior. These motorcycles offered significantly more power and torque compared with earlier single-cylinder machines, making them suitable for longer distances and heavier loads. V-twin Excelsior motorcycles became popular among both civilian riders and law enforcement agencies.
Over time, the company refined these engines to improve durability and performance, helping establish Excelsior as a serious competitor in the American motorcycle market.
Production Years: 1915-1924
Engine Type: overhead valve V-twin
Displacement: approximately 1000cc (61 cubic inches)
The Big Valve X Series represented Excelsior's push into high-performance territory. Featuring advanced overhead valve technology for the time, these motorcycles delivered increased power and efficiency. They were designed for riders who demanded speed and performance, including racers and endurance riders.
Machines from this series were often used in competition and helped build Excelsior's reputation for engineering excellence.
Production Years: 1925-1931
Engine Type: V-twin
Displacement: 45 cubic inches (approximately 750cc)
The Super X is perhaps the most famous Excelsior motorcycle. Introduced in the mid-1920s, it was designed to compete with other mid-sized American motorcycles while offering a balance of performance, reliability, and affordability.
The Super X gained significant popularity and became widely used in racing and endurance events. Its strong performance and versatility made it one of the defining motorcycles of the Excelsior brand.
Production Years: 1912-1931
Engine Type: inline-four
Displacement: 1000cc to 1300cc
In 1912, Excelsior acquired the Henderson Motorcycle Company, bringing one of the most advanced motorcycle designs of the era into its lineup. Henderson motorcycles were known for their smooth inline-four engines, which offered exceptional performance and comfort for long-distance touring.
These machines quickly became associated with speed records and endurance rides. Henderson motorcycles were often used by police departments and long-distance riders, further enhancing the prestige of the Excelsior brand.
Production Years: 1910s-1920s
Engine Type: V-twin racing engines
Category: racing
Excelsior played a significant role in the era of board track racing, a popular and dangerous form of motorcycle racing held on wooden oval tracks. These purpose-built racing machines were stripped of unnecessary components to reduce weight and maximize speed.
Excelsior racers achieved impressive results, setting speed records and competing against other major American manufacturers. The success of these machines helped solidify the company's reputation as a leader in performance engineering.
Despite its success, Excelsior's production came to an abrupt end in 1931. The decision was made by Ignaz Schwinn, head of the Schwinn Bicycle Company, who chose to exit the motorcycle business due to the economic uncertainty caused by the Great Depression.
At the time of its closure, Excelsior was one of the largest motorcycle manufacturers in the United States, making the decision particularly significant in the history of American motorcycling.
Although the :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4} operated for less than 25 years, its impact on the motorcycle industry was substantial. The company helped define early American motorcycle engineering, particularly through its development of powerful V-twin engines and its association with the Henderson inline-four.
Today, surviving Excelsior motorcycles are highly valued by collectors and enthusiasts. Their combination of historical significance, mechanical innovation, and distinctive American design makes them an important part of vintage motorcycle heritage.
Excelsior motorcycles remain a symbol of a formative era in motorcycling - an age of rapid innovation, fierce competition, and a pioneering spirit that continues to inspire enthusiasts around the world.
Excelsior is a historic British motorcycle manufacturer and is featured in our guides to British vintage motorcycle brands as well as our complete overview of vintage motorcycle manufacturers by country, covering major global motorcycle industries from 1900 to 1980.
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