The history of motorcycles in Chicago is quite fascinating. Motorcycle races have been held in the city since the two-wheeled mode of transportation first appeared. Learn more about motorcycle evolution and the earliest motorcycle races at ichicago.net.
Large exhibition
Chicago played an important part in the early development and popularity of motorcycles. Motorcycle races were held in the city, and there was even a period when this kind of transportation was mass-produced.
Because of its location on Lake Michigan, Chicago was easily accessible to suppliers and manufacturers of machine parts from all over the country. In 1893, the city hosted a Colombian exhibition where advancements in the field of transportation, particularly “safe” bicycles, were displayed.
Citizens were drawn to the exhibition’s display of new models of bicycles. Cycles became extremely popular, with every third Chicago resident purchasing this two-wheeled means of transportation. When manufacturers saw a high demand, they began developing internal combustion engines. Thus, the first motorcycle was created when bicycles were equipped with internal combustion engines.
Motorcycle manufacturing in Chicago
In 1900 and the years that followed, many motorcycle manufacturing factories began to spring up in the United States. Chicago quickly followed in its footsteps with the establishment of its first motorcycle company in 1902. In 1903, there were five such companies.
It could not have occurred without advertising. Many manufacturers initially promoted motorcycles as a practical mode of transportation for farmers. Over time, these motorcycles evolved into fast vehicles that the police began to use.
It is worth noting that the first company to build two-wheeled vehicles in Chicago grew to be the largest in the country. That is why Chicago has become one of the most well-known motorcycle centers in the country and has played a significant role in the formation of their current popularity.
First races
Two years after the first motorcycle factory opened, Chicago had a sufficient number of vehicles to organize the first motorcycle races. This occurred in 1904 when Garfield Park hosted the first motorcycle race. It was witnessed by over 2,000 people. This race marked the beginning of the city’s racing era.
The mysterious Chicago motorcycle
When it comes to bikes in Chicago, the Traub motorcycle, which was introduced in 1916, deserves special attention.
In 1967, a Chicago plumber came to a suburban house. The plumber began dismantling the house’s wall to obtain access to the pipes when he discovered something unusual, sealed up in the wall. It turned out to be an extremely rare motorcycle.
Researchers learned about the discovery and tracked down the previous owners of the house. They discovered that the owner’s son had stolen a motorcycle in 1917, most likely from the developer. The man bricked up the motorcycle to cover up the theft from his family and others.
However, the true wonder of the Traub motorcycle is its origin. Researchers were able to determine that Richard Traub owned the Chicago motorcycle store.
In 1907, Traub submitted a letter to Motorcycle Illustrated magazine about the motorcycle he made himself. Even though the Traub motorcycle was developed at the beginning of the twentieth century, its features were ahead of the time.
The two-wheeled vehicle had a 1,278 cubic centimeter engine, which was larger than the average 500 or 750 at the time. The vehicle reached a maximum speed of 85 miles per hour. The exact origin of the Traub motorcycle remains a mystery.
Every year, a number of motorcycle clubs, rallies, races and events take place in modern-day Chicago. All of this contributes to the city’s reputation as a popular destination for motorcycle enthusiasts.