The Auroroa Automatic Machinery Company entered the motorcycle game in 1902, as a supplier of engines for Indian. With the end of that contract in 1907, the Aurora, Illinois firm brought to market its own machine under the Thor brand. It continued to market proprietary engines to other motorcycle companies such as Reading-Standard, Manson, Racycle and others. Given its engine-building experience, Thor was emboldened to participate in the racing game. While they did not enjoy broad success against veterans like Indian and Harley-Davidson, Thor riders often did well. In 1915 Bill Briers on a Thor twin came second to Indian ace Glenn Boyd in the prestigious Dodge City 300. The early Thor singles used the Indian-designed engine, but by 1910 the company introduced its own motor. A new V-twin featured mechanical intake valves, and the next generation motor was enlarged to 76 cubic inches (1,190cc). The Thor set several speed records on dirt tracks. By 1914 the roster included choices of single or two-speed 7/9hp V-twin engines, and 4/5hp single-cylinder engine. In its last model year, Thor offered a 12/15hp three-speed twin, with or without electrical equipment for $285, a 6hp three-speed single and 4hp two-speed Supersingle, which sold for $200. The intake valves were now enclosed in the head, and a front wheel stand was added. The lifter pivoted at the footboard mounts. The lightweight twin, with smaller bore and stroke, displaced 633cc, and stil lhad exposed intake valve springs. Wheelbase on the smaller verson was 145cm (57 in), compared to 150cm (59 in) on the big twin. In early 1917, Aurora sold all of its motorcycle inventory to the Standard Salvage Company of Detroit, and concentrated on air and electric powered tools.
Up to this point, I had never heard of the "Thor" Thank you for posting this!
My grandfather was born in 1895. I remember he telling of a Thor motorcycle, he owned.
GREAT Thank you
The Auroroa Automatic Machinery Company entered the motorcycle game in 1902, as a supplier of engines for Indian. With the end of that contract in 1907, the Aurora, Illinois firm brought to market its own machine under the Thor brand. It continued to market proprietary engines to other motorcycle companies such as Reading-Standard, Manson, Racycle and others.
Given its engine-building experience, Thor was emboldened to participate in the racing game. While they did not enjoy broad success against veterans like Indian and Harley-Davidson, Thor riders often did well. In 1915 Bill Briers on a Thor twin came second to Indian ace Glenn Boyd in the prestigious Dodge City 300.
The early Thor singles used the Indian-designed engine, but by 1910 the company introduced its own motor. A new V-twin featured mechanical intake valves, and the next generation motor was enlarged to 76 cubic inches (1,190cc). The Thor set several speed records on dirt tracks. By 1914 the roster included choices of single or two-speed 7/9hp V-twin engines, and 4/5hp single-cylinder engine.
In its last model year, Thor offered a 12/15hp three-speed twin, with or without electrical equipment for $285, a 6hp three-speed single and 4hp two-speed Supersingle, which sold for $200. The intake valves were now enclosed in the head, and a front wheel stand was added. The lifter pivoted at the footboard mounts. The lightweight twin, with smaller bore and stroke, displaced 633cc, and stil lhad exposed intake valve springs. Wheelbase on the smaller verson was 145cm (57 in), compared to 150cm (59 in) on the big twin.
In early 1917, Aurora sold all of its motorcycle inventory to the Standard Salvage Company of Detroit, and concentrated on air and electric powered tools.
Great job ,beautiful
back in the 1970's my grandpa was always talking about a Thor Motorcycle, I thought at the time he was full of shit !
Did you know the Smiths?
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