Up to the first world war many tried to design the perfect motorcycle. In the U.S.A robuster motorcycles with greater capacity engines were being built to overcome the disadvantage of unmade roads. Harley Davidson, Indian, Excelsior and Cyclone produced machines far more reliable and tough and that included better brakes and lights, something not considered essential on European bikes at the time.

Motorcycle pictured is a Model 19, 1919 Excelsior