Crocker Motorcycles
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The Crocker Motorcycle Company was an American manufacturer of single-cylinder speedway racing motorcycles from 1932, powerful V-twin road motorcycles from 1936, and the "Scootabout," one of the first modern styled motor scooters, in the late 1930s. Production ceased in 1942.
In 1999 a new corporation was formed to manufacture replica parts, and now produces complete Crockers in kit form, following the original specifications.
[edit] The original Crockers
Over 30 speedway motorcycles were produced before Al Crocker shifted his interest to creating a V-twin road machine that would out perform anything seen on the road. The first V-twin entry for Crocker had a 61 in³ (1,000 cc) "Hemi Head" producing 55-60hp, far exceeding the horse power produced by both the Indian and Harley of the day (38-40hp). Many Crockers were manufactured to order and the largest of them were known to have had a 91+ cubic inch engine (about 1,491 cc), and was the largest-capacity "production" motorcycle until the Yamaha XV1600A took the title in 1998, followed by the Triumph Rocket III, with 2,294 cc (140 in³). When production ceased in 1942, approximately 100 of the V-twins had been produced in all. The remaining inventory of parts were sold in 1947 to Elmo Looper. Many of these parts went into restorations of the surviving examples of which 68 or more still exist today, according to a registry started by Charles "Chuck" Vernon and Johnny Eagles, two members of a group of original Crocker owners in Southern California that have been instrumental in keeping the Crocker legend alive. Although total production of all models is not known it is thought by some to be around 200 units (about 40-50 speedway, 40-50 "Scootabout" scooters, and 100+ V-Twins). Al Crocker also produced an overhead valve conversion kit in the late 1920's for the Indian 101 "Scout".
The proprietor and founder of the company, Albert Crocker, ceased motorcycle production in 1942 when the war effort put a shortage on critical materials. Indian and Harley received contracts with the US Army for military motorcycle production and Crocker got a contract with Douglas Aircraft making aircraft parts. That became a more lucrative business then Al Crocker ever enjoyed with motorcycle manufacturing and in 1942 Crocker Motorcycle became Crocker Manufacturing. Crocker later sold out to a company named Borg Warner. Al Crocker died in 1961. Designer of many of the components, Paul Bigsby, went on to fame as a designer of guitars and particularly of the Bigsby vibrato tailpiece. 1930 National Hillclimb champion Gene Rhyne also worked at the plant, and had the job of plant foreman. (*information via Al Crocker Jr.)
Because of their rarity and quality, Crockers are among the most expensive motorcycles an enthusiast can acquire. At the MidAmerica Auctions[1] motorcycle auction in January 2007 in Las Vegas, a 1941 Crocker big tank motorcycle sold for $230,000. At the Gooding & Co. auction in 2006 in Chandler, a 1931 Crocker 61 sold for $236,500. At the Bonhams & Butterfield 2006 auction in New York, a 1937 Crocker “Hemi-head” V-Twin brought $276,500. At the 2006 auction of Bator International in California a 1939 Crocker 61 cubic-inch side valve model sold for $200,000.
[edit] The current Crocker Motorcycle Company
It has been over sixty years since the last Crocker rolled out of 1346 Venice Boulevard in Downtown Los Angeles, and along the way there has been a dedicated group of enthusiasts who understood the unique qualities of America's first true "Super Bike" and would not let it fade into obscurity.
The torch was taken up by the New "Crocker Motorcycle Company" in 1997 when they first began to produce parts out of sheer love for the machine. After an enthusiastic response to the few high quality parts Crocker had produced for one of America's top restorers, and with inquires from original Crocker owners, it was decided to officially incorporate Crocker Motorcycle Company in January 1999. In 2002 steps began to trademark Crocker Motorcycle Company world wide, an aggressive stance was taken to accelerate their parts making process and the quest was on to create all the parts needed to assemble complete and exact reproductions of both the coveted "Big Tank" and "Small Tank" models. Our website was launched and our market grew further still. Our customer base is now worldwide.
Crocker Motorcycle Company produces parts that are exactly as the originals by incorporating "old school" pattern making methods with ultra modern measuring and machining technology. Crocker uses CMM (computer coordinate measuring) and in many cases CNC machining techniques to ensure the exactness of each part they make. Crocker's casting patterns are made by old world craftsmen who have a dedication to making things correctly, rather then quickly. To ensure a strict quality control, Crocker has created an extensive library of Cad-Cam engineering drawings for every part they produce.
Crocker is also dedicated to the history of the Brand and has amassed a great deal of original brochures, pamphlets, posters, letters, photos, and magazines. They have talked with people who were there and those who saw the rise and fall of the original company. The New Crocker Motorcycle Company has been able to unearth more facts and confirm many others through their extensive research. Crocker Motorcycle Co. is not only historically dedicated to the V-twin street bike but also to Crocker's "Scootabout" scooter and speedway racing machines.
The Crocker Motorcycle Company expects to be in production of both "Big Tank" and "Small Tank" models by November 2008
Crocker Motorcycle Companyis the world wide holder of the Crocker Motorcycle trademark.
[edit] External links
- The Crocker, a history of the original company.
- Crocker Motorcycle Company Official Website.
- The Legend That Could Have Been, essay at International Star Riders Association website.
- Crocker speedway racer page on Beauty of Speed website.
- Crocker V-twin page on Beauty of Speed.
