1910 Excelsior KB Autocycle 30 Motorcycle

Engine: Vertical, single-cylinder, four-stroke, air-cooled
Displacement: 500 cc (30.5 ci)
Bore & Stroke: 88.9 x 88.9 mm (3.5 x 3.5 in)
Power: 3.25 hp
Transmission: Variable 1-forward
Weight: Unknown
Original Cost: C $305 (estimate)  

Excelsior Motor Manufacturing and Supply Company of Chicago, Illinois, USA, was a motorcycle manufacturer from 1907-1931. Excelsior was purchased by bicycle manufacturer, Ignaz Schwinn in 1912. This motorcycle features the v-twin engine, that was first introduced on Excelsiors in 1910, as well a nickle-plated cylinders, fine castings and a striking paint job. Excelsior was renowned for their durability, and by the 1920s, were the third highest producer of motorcycles in the United States, behind Indian and Harley-Davidson. The motorcycle market was greatly affected by the Great Depression and by 1931, Schwinn made the decision to shut down production of Excelsiors.

Excelsior Motor Manufacturing and Supply Company of Chicago, Illinois, USA, was a motorcycle manufacturer from 1907-1931. This company should not be confused with the Excelsior Motor Company of England who operating around the same time. Excelsior Motor Manufacturing and Supply Company was bought by bicycle manufacturer, Ignaz Schwinn in 1912. One of Excelsior's most poular models was the Big X, which had a v-twin engine, 2 or 3-speed gearbox and was very popular with the European and Australian markets. In 1925, Excelsior introduced the Super X, America's first motorcycle with a 45 ci v-twin engine, to compete with Indian's Scout motorcycle.

Chronology:

1876 - Excelsior Supply Company founded by George T. Robie, in Chicago, Illinois, USA, and were distributors of sewing machines, bicycles and later automotive parts.
1906 - Excelsior Motor and Manufacturing Company - a subsidiary of the Supply company was formed with George's son Frederick as president.
1907 - Excelsior Motor Manufacturing and Supply Company produced their fist motorcycle, the Thor-engined Model B - more of a prototype.
1908 - The Excelsior Auto-Cycle Model A was released - the start of their single-sylinder line of motorcycles, with nickle-plated cylinders, fine castings and a striking paint scheme. The motorcycles became very popular and production expanded quickly.
1909 - George Robie dies and Frederick is now running both companies.
1910 - A twin-cylinder model was released.
1912 - Federick sells the Excelsior company to bicycle manufacturer Ignaz Schwinn.
1912 - An Excelsior bike was the first motorcycle to be timed at 100 mph.
1917 - Henderson Motorcycle Company became a division of Excelsior when Schwinn bought Henderson.
1925 - Introduced the Super X, America's first 45 cubc inch v-twin engine.
1928 - Excelsior was third in the US motorcycle market behind Indian and Harley-Davidson.
1931 - Due to the Great Depression, Schwinn ceased operations at Excelsior.
1969 - Stan Reynolds purchased this bike from an owner in Washington State, USA.
1984 - Stan Reynolds donated the bike to the Reynolds-Alberta Museum.