Cleveland Motorcycle Company (1915–1929)

Cleveland Lightweight A2 de luxe

The first bike produced was a 220cc two stroke single cylinder motorcycle built in 1915. The unit utilized a longitudinal driveshaft which required a worm drive to the transmission. The transmission was two speed driving a chain to operate the rear wheel. The magneto was mounted behind the engine near the rear wheel and was driven by the engines countershaft. The U.S.Army used these bikes during World War 1 as a on Base Currier.

This bike stayed pretty much the same until 1920 when it received fenders and a larger fuel / oil tank.

In 1922 Cleveland bought out Reading Standard and two years later (1924) it produced a four stroke 21.5CI engine replacing the two stroke. In 1925 it was replaced by the 36.5  T head, four cylinder engine. The bike did not fair well against the bigger Henderson Four or Ace. In 1926 Cleveland developed a new engine with 45.0ci which in 1927 was increased to 6.0.

In 1928, in dire financial straights Cleveland offered itself to Harley Davidson who was interested in an inline four to compete with Ace Motorcycles but Harley decided not to purchase the company.

In 1929 Cleveland introduced the Tornado Model followed by the Century model which Guaranteed 100mph.

The financial crash of 1929, with only a few Century prototypes built, Cleveland collapsed.

Cut away of worm drive longitudinal trans and engine.

Cleveland Tornado

Cleveland Century