1928 Cleveland Motorcycle

Summary

The Cleveland Motorcycle Company, founded in 1915 in Cleveland, Ohio, built lightweight one-cylinder bikes for its first decade. As competing motorcycles grew larger, Cleveland introduced a four-cylinder engine in 1925. This 1928 Model 4-61 also featured a front-wheel brake -- an industry first for Cleveland. The company produced one more model year before closing after the stock market crash of 1929.

The Cleveland Motorcycle Company, founded in 1915 in Cleveland, Ohio, built lightweight one-cylinder bikes for its first decade. As competing motorcycles grew larger, Cleveland introduced a four-cylinder engine in 1925. This 1928 Model 4-61 also featured a front-wheel brake -- an industry first for Cleveland. The company produced one more model year before closing after the stock market crash of 1929.

Artifact

Motorcycle

Date Made

1928

Location

Not on exhibit to the public.

Object ID

00.204.28

Credit

From the Collections of The Henry Ford. Gift of Ray C. Dahlinger.

Material

Metal
Rubber (Material)
Leather

Color

Dark blue
Gold (Color)

Dimensions

Height: 43 in

Width: 36 in

Length: 89.25 in

Wheelbase: 58 in

Inscriptions

Each side of tank: CLEVELAND/ (in a circle with wings each side) 4 Plate on engine: CLEVELAND (in a circle with wings each side) 4 / WE RECOMMEND / FOR ENGINE / GARGOYLE MOBILOIL "BB" SUMMER / GARGOYLE MOBILOIL "A" WINTER / FOR TRANSMISSION GARGOYLE MOBILOIL "BB" / THE CLEVELAND MOTORCYCLE MFG. CO. / CLEVELAND, U.S.A. Foot pedals: CLEVELAND Tires: Carlisle

Related Content

Connect 3

Discover curious connections between artifacts.

Learn More