1910 Pierce Four

• The first 4-cylinder motorcycle manufactured in the USA

• Front-to-back inline air-cooled cylinders; side valve design

• Two-speed transmission with shaft drive, pedal start

• 696cc displacement 4-stroke; exposed valve train

The Pierce Four, with its advanced four-cylinder motor, was marketed as “The Vibrationless Motorcycle” and considered one of the most prestigious machines of its day. Its inline air-cooled engine had many engine components, such as exposed valvetrain and pushrods for increased cooling.

The Pierce Cycle Company was a spin-off from the New-York-based Pierce Arrow Motor Car Company, which made some of the most luxurious and advanced American automobiles available. Founded in 1907 by Percy Pierce (the son of the original company’s President, George Pierce), the motorcycle division aimed to build exclusive and technically impressive machines.  In 1908, Percy Pierce travelled to Europe, where he purchased a Belgian-made “FN” Four, which was shipped back to the factory, taken apart, and used as inspiration for the new Pierce motorcycle.

The new machine featured many clever innovations, including the large-diameter frame which utilized the motor as a stressed member to increase its strength.

Oil and gasoline were carried inside the frame tubes, eliminating need for remote fluid tanks. While most motorcycles of the time featured single-cylinder or V-twin configuration engines, the Pierce Four’s cylinders were oriented front to back, allowing for a narrow engine with plenty of power, though found to lack air flow to the rear cylinders.

The four-cylinder side-valve engine was initially offered with a fixed single-speed transmission but later with a clutch and two-speed gearbox. Other high-end features included hidden control cables and a sprung front fork. However, only a single and somewhat ineffective rear bandbrake was provided, despite the machine having a top speed of around 60mph.

Specifications:

Engine: 696cc inline 4-cylinder, side-valve, 4-stroke, magneto ignition

Transmission & Drivetrain: Two-speed manual, shaft drive, pedal crank start

Power: 7 hp

Top Speed: 60 mph

Weight: 275 lbs (dry)

Brakes: Rear band brake (only somewhat effective)

Wheelbase: 60 Inches

Frame Type: 3.5-inch tubing, fuel & oil tanks integrated in partitioned 3 ½” frame tubes.