1910 Pierce ‘Four’
The first 4-cylinder motorcycle manufactured in the USA
Innovative frame design featured integral oil and gasoline tanks
Two-speed transmission with shaft drive
In 1910, few motorcycles could leave an impression like the Pierce Four. Most other motorcycles of the period were derived from bicycles, with lightweight frames and crude single or twin cylinder motors. 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.
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 wanted 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 and used as inspiration for the new Pierce motorcycle. The new machine featured many clever innovations, including the large-diameter frame which used the motor as a stressed member to increase its strength. Made of steel internally coated with copper, the frame incorporated storage for gasoline in the top tube and seat tube, with oil being held in the front down-tube. This eliminated the need for the separate oil and gas tanks used by most conventional motorcycles. 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 rear brake was provided, despite the machine having a top speed around 60mph.
The Pierce Four was considered very expensive in 1910. Fewer than 500 machines were built, each one is said to have cost more than its selling price of $325 to build. After George Pierce’s death, Percy’s resignation and bankruptcy the Pierce line of motorcycles ended in 1914.
Specifications:
Engine: 696cc inline 4 cylinder side-valve 4-stroke
Transmission: two-speed manual with shaft-drive and hand-operated clutch
Horsepower: 7 hp
Top Speed: 60 mph
Weight: 275 lbs
Suspension: Front: leading-link sprung fork, Rear: rigid
Tires: 28 inch diameter x 2.5 inch, pneumatic