Oldtimer picture gallery. Motorcycles. Pre-1932 USA makes. Thor.
1918-1920, Independent Pneumatic Tool Co. (part of Aurora), Chicago, Illinois, USA.
1909-1918, Aurora Automatic Machinery Co., Chicago, Illinois, USA.
1903-1909, Aurora Automatic Machinery Co., Aurora, Illinois, USA.
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Aurora produced units for bicycle companies. Since 1902 Aurora built all the engines for early Indian motorcycles. In parallel Indian allowed Aurora to built their motors for side-producers of motorcycles. By 1903 Aurora produced all the necessary for complete motorcycle (clone of Indian), but advertised Thor motorcycles with record that complete Thor motorcycle assembled from our units should look so. Formally Aurora didn't assemble Thor motorcycles, - this was business of other companies. In 1903-1907 few clones of Indian appeared under trademarks Thor, America, Apache, Crescent, Fowler-Manson-Sherman, Imperial, Manson, Monarch, [Moto-]Racycle, Rambler, Reading Standard, Light and [Light] Thor-Bred, Thoroughbred, Warwick and few years later Emblem, Minneapolis, Sears and Torpedo. In March 1907 agreement between Indian and Aurora was over, and Thor motorcycles were officially advertised.

1920 The last year of motorcycles. Since 1920 Aurora concentrated on pneumatic tools, washing machines, other home appliances and industry tools.
1920 Thor letter, 19 VIII 1920, 17k photo
1919 (changes only in model names)
1919 Thor 19U, V2-cyl. 16HP IOE, 59.73 cu.in. (978.8cc), bore 3.25", stroke 3.60", 3-speed, ?mph, $325, 103k photo (1918, 1919, 1920?), 98k poster
1919 Thor 19UE, V2-cyl. 16HP IOE, 59.73 cu.in. (978.8cc), bore 3.25", stroke 3.60", 3-speed, electric lighting equipment, $370
1919 Thor 19V, V2-cyl. 8HP IOE, ? cu. in. (?cc), bore ?", stroke ?", 3-speed, $275, 8k poster
1919 Thor 19Y, 1-cyl. 6HP IOE, ? cu. in. (?cc), bore ?", stroke ?", 2-speed, $225
1918 (new for V2 models: front fender, luggage rack; new front fork for V and Y models)
1918 Thor 18U, V2-cyl. 16HP IOE, 59.73 cu.in. (978.8cc), bore 3.25", stroke 3.60", 3-speed, ?mph, $325 ($225, 1 X 1918), 98k photo, 83k photo, 50k photo, 27k photo
1918 Thor 18UE, V2-cyl. 16HP IOE, 59.73 cu.in. (978.8cc), bore 3.25", stroke 3.60", 3-speed, electric lighting equipment, 15k photo, 76k photo, 67k photo, 38k photo
1918 Thor 18V, V2-cyl. 8HP IOE, ? cu. in. (?cc), bore ?", stroke ?", 3-speed, $275 ($225, 1 X 1918), 72k photo (cropped fender), 71k photo, 138k photo, 116k photo
1918 Thor 18Y, 1-cyl. 6HP IOE, ? cu. in. (?cc), bore ?", stroke ?", 2-speed, $215 ($225, 1 X 1918), olive-drab painted, 86k poster
1917 (optional front stand, V model has additional holder of rear fender)
1917 Thor 17-U Giant Twin, V2-cyl. 12HP IOE, 59.73 cu.in. (978.8cc), bore 3.25", stroke 3.60", 3-speed, ?mph, $275, 81k poster (same as in 1916 catalog), 16k photo (rear stand from junior models), 48k photo
1917 Thor 17-UE Giant Twin, V2-cyl. 12HP IOE, 59.73 cu.in. (978.8cc), bore 3.25", stroke 3.60", 3-speed, electric lighting equipment, $315, 6k photo, 13k photo and 10k photo of snowmobile
1917 Thor 17-A 76-inch Motor, V2-cyl. 15HP IOE, 76,07 cu.in. (1246.6cc), bore 3.57", stroke 3.80", 3-speed, ?mph, $285, 17k photo, 12k photo
1917 Thor 17-AE 76-inch Motor, V2-cyl. 15HP IOE, 76.07 cu.in. (1246.6cc), bore 3.57", stroke 3.80", 3-speed, electric lighting equipment, $325
1917 Thor 17-V Light Twin, V2-cyl. 6HP IOE, ? cu. in. (?cc), bore ?", stroke ?", 3-speed, $250, 23k photo, 37k photo
1917 Thor 17-Y, Standard Commercial, 1-cyl. 4HP IOE, ? cu. in. (?cc), bore ?", stroke ?", 2-speed, $200, 24k photo
1917 Thor 17-SP, Standard Side Car, $75, 40k photo
1917 Thor 17-SV, Standard Side Van for Thor 17-U, $75, 43k photo
1916 (new: 3-speed transmission, U and A models: new rear stand, chain cover, slightly changed luggage rack, long horizontal footboards)
1916 Thor 16A, V2-cyl. 12HP IOE, 76.07 cu.in. (1246.6cc), bore 3.57", stroke 3.80", 2-speed, magneto ignition, ?mph, $?, 43k photo
1916 Thor 16U Giant Twin Model U-12, V2-cyl. 12HP IOE, 59.73 cu.in. (978.8cc), bore 3.25", stroke 3.60", 3-speed, magneto ignition, ?mph, $265, two-shade Thor blue paint, 56k photo, 194k photo, 171k photo, 70k photo, 64k photo
1916 Thor 16V Light Twin Model V-6, V2-cyl. 6HP IOE, 38.61 cu.in. (632.7cc), bore 2.75", stroke 3.25", 3-speed, ?mph, $265, painted in two shade Thor blue, 48k photo, 17k photo, 138k photo, 116k photo
1915 (new: Thor universal starting device, planetary 2-speed transmission with clutch (on the left of rear hub), larger and improved coaster brake, enclosed valves and rockers, large manifold, full inch Schebler carburetor, low saddle position, horizontal position of spark plugs (excl. SR), slightly changed luggage rack)
1915 Thor 15A, V2-cyl. 12HP IOE, 76.07 cu.in. (1246.6cc), bore 3.57", stroke 3.80", 2-speed, magneto ignition, ?mph, $?
1915 Thor 15AE, V2-cyl. 12HP IOE, 76.07 cu.in. (1246.6cc), bore 3.57", stroke 3.80", 2-speed, magneto ignition, electric lighting equipment, $315, 187k photo
1915 Thor 15U, V2-cyl. 8HP IOE, 59.73 cu.in. (978.8cc), bore 3.25", stroke 3.60", 2-speed, magneto ignition, ?mph, $265, 111k photo, 110k photo, 92k photo, 19k photo, 11k poster
1915 Thor 15UE, V2-cyl. 8HP IOE, 59.73 cu.in. (978.8cc), bore 3.25", stroke 3.60", 2-speed, magneto ignition, electric lighting equipment, ?mph, $305
1915 Thor SR Sport Roadster, V2-cyl. 7HP IOE, 59.73 cu.in. (978.8cc), bore 3.25", stroke 3.60", 1-speed, magneto ignition, ?mph, $250, two-shade Thor blue paint, 98k photo
1915 Thor 15W, 1-cyl. 6HP IOE, 38.04 cu.in. (623.3cc), bore 3.57", stroke 3.80", ?-speed, magneto ignition, ?mph, $?
1914 (optional 2-speed transmission $40 (all models), footboards appeared)
1914 Thor 14A, V2-cyl. 9-14HP IOE, 76.07 cu.in. (1246.6cc), bore 3.57", stroke 3.80", 1-speed, magneto ignition, ?mph, $275, two color blue, 80k photo (2-speed), 35k photo, 41k photo (racer), 274k photo, 222k photo, 133k photo, 55k photo, 42k photo
1914 Thor 14U, V2-cyl. 7-9HP IOE, 59.73 cu.in. (978.8cc), bore 3.25", stroke 3.60", 1-speed, magneto ignition, ?mph, $250, white or blue, 142k photo (1-speed), 31k photo
1914 Thor 14W, 1-cyl. 5-7HP AIV, 38.04 cu.in. (623.3cc), bore 3.57", stroke 3.80" (half of 14A motor), 1-speed, magneto ignition, ?mph, $225, white or blue, 37k photo, 21k photo, 20k photo, 15k photo (2-speed)
1914 Thor 14M, 1-cyl. 4-5HP AIV, 28,86 cu.in. (489,4cc), bore 3.25", stroke 3.60" (half of 14U motor), 1-speed, magneto ignition, ?mph, $200, white or blue
1913 (optional 2-speed transmission $40 (all models), new integral mechanical oiler, spring seat post, model digits disappeared from the tank)
1913 Thor 13U, V2-cyl. 7HP IOE, 59.73 cu.in. (978.8cc), bore 3.25", stroke 3.60", 1-speed, magneto ignition, 5...65mph, $290, white or blue, 136k poster, 299k photo (left), 56k photo, 22k photo, 20k photo, 135k photo, 134k photo, 114k photo, 86k photo
1913 Thor 13W, 1-cyl. 5HP AIV, 38.04 cu.in. (623.3cc), bore 3.57", stroke 3.80", 1-speed, magneto ignition, ?mph, $240, white or blue, 122k poster, 299k photo (middle), 154k photo, 88k photo, 80k photo, 80k photo, 73k photo
1913 Thor 13M, 1-cyl. 4HP AIV, 28,86 cu.in. (489,4cc), bore 3.25", stroke 3.60" (half of 13U motor), 1-speed, magneto ignition, ?mph, $225, white or blue, 116k poster, 140k poster, 69k photo, 34k photo, 168k photo, 65k photo, 65k photo, 166k photo (racer)
1912 (new handle bars, new rear stand, new forks, rocker arms engines, V2 engines new position, large mudguards with side splash, white color appeared and lasted till 1914 (blue remained), optional 2-speed transmission $25 (for models 5 and VII only))
1912 Thor VII Model U, V2-cyl. 7HP IOE, 59.73 cu.in. (978.8cc), bore 3.25", stroke 3.60", 1-speed, magneto ignition, ?mph, $?, white or blue, 298k photo, 22k photo, 17k photo, 17k photo, 16k photo
1912 Thor 5 Model W, 1-cyl. 5HP AIV, 38.04 cu.in. (623.3cc), bore 3.57", stroke 3.80", 1-speed, magneto ignition, free engine clutch, 4...55mph, $225, white or blue, 184k photo, 120k photo, 61k photo, 29k photo, 26k photo, 23k photo, 21k photo, 17k photo
1912 Thor IV Commercial, 1-cyl. 4HP AIV, 28.86 cu.in. (489.4cc), bore 3.25", stroke 3.60", 1-speed, magneto ignition, chain, free engine clutch, ?mph, $175, white or blue, 18k poster, 61k photo, 23k photo, 20k photo, 17k photo
1912 Thor IV Commercial, 1-cyl. 4HP AIV, 28.86 cu.in. (489.4cc), bore 3.25", stroke 3.60", 1-speed, magneto ignition, belt, free engine clutch, ?mph, $?, white or blue, 16k poster
1912 Thor IV Commercial, 1-cyl. 4HP AIV, 28.86 cu.in. (489.4cc), bore 3.25", stroke 3.60", 1-speed, battery ignition, belt, free engine clutch, ?mph, $?, white or blue, 25k photo
1911 (free engine clutch, V2 engine straignt push rods, magneto timing, 2-speed rear hub optional for all models)
1911 Thor Model O, V2-cyl. 7HP IOE, 59.73 cu.in. (978.8cc), bore 3.25", stroke 3.60", 1-speed, Bosch magneto ignition, chain, free engine clutch, ?mph, $325, Royal blue painted, 121k poster with 1910 prototype
1911 Thor Model R, 1-cyl. 4HP IOE, 30.46 cu.in. (499.1cc), bore ?", stroke ?", 1-speed, battery ignition, chain, free engine clutch, ?mph, $225, Royal blue painted, 129k photo, 236k photo, 86k photo, 62k photo, 28k photo, 28k photo, 22k photo, 21k photo, 157k photo, 74k photo, battery, 101k photo
1911 Thor Model M, 1-cyl. 4HP IOE, 30.46 cu.in. (499.1cc), bore ?", stroke ?", 1-speed, Bosch magneto ignition, chain, free engine clutch, ?mph, $250, Royal blue painted, 63k poster, 39k photo, 38k photo
1911 Thor Model T, 1-cyl. 4HP IOE, 30.46 cu.in. (499.1cc), bore ?", stroke ?", 1-speed, battery ignition, belt, free engine clutch, ?mph, $225, Royal blue painted, 17k photo, 52k photo, 51k photo
1911 Thor Model N, 1-cyl. 4HP IOE, 30.46 cu.in. (499.1cc), bore ?", stroke ?", 1-speed, Bosch magneto ignition, belt, free engine clutch, ?mph, $?, Royal blue painted, 191k photo
1911 Thor racer, 1-cyl. 4HP IOE, 30.46 cu.in. (499.1cc), bore ?", stroke ?", 1-speed, Bosch magneto ignition, chain, ?mph, 105k photo from Thor catalog
1910 (new tank, instrument box over the tank)
1910 Thor Bullet IV Model K, 1-cyl. F-head 4hp, 30.28 cu in (496.2cc), bore 31/4", stroke 3.65", 1-speed,, battery ignition, belt, ? mph, ? built, $?
1910 Thor Bullet IV Model ?, 1-cyl. F-head 4hp, 30.28 cu in (496.2cc), bore 31/4", stroke 3.65", 1-speed, battery ignition, chain, ? mph, ? built, $?, 78k poster, 154k photo, 96k photo, 40k photo, 16k photo
1910 Thor Bullet IV Model M, 1-cyl. F-head 4hp, 30.28 cu in (496.2cc), bore 31/4", stroke 3.65", 1-speed, magneto ignition, chain, ? mph, ? built, $?
1909 (new front fender, Thor pneumatic cushioned fork $15 additional (excl. models 8, A, B))
1909 Thor Model 8, 1-cyl. F-head 21/4hp, 17.59 cu in (288.2cc), bore 25/8", stroke 31/4", battery ignition, chain, 1-speed, Aurora spring fork, 5...40 mph, $150, 236k poster
1909 Thor Model A, 1-cyl. F-head 3hp, 19,30 cu. in. (316,3cc), battery ignition, chain, 1-speed, Aurora spring fork, ? mph, $200, 59k poster, 35k photo
1909 Thor Model B, 1-cyl. F-head 3hp, 19,30 cu. in. (316,3cc), magneto ignition, chain, 1-speed, Aurora spring fork, ? mph, $225
1909 Thor Model C, 1-cyl. F-head 31/4hp, ? cu.in., battery ignition, chain, 1-speed, Aurora spring fork, ? mph, $225
1909 Thor Model D, 1-cyl. F-head 31/4hp, ? cu.in., magneto ignition, chain, 1-speed, Aurora spring fork, ? mph, $250, 95k photo
1909 Thor Model E, V2-cyl. F-head 6hp, 35.18 cu in (576.5cc), bore 25/8", stroke 31/4", battery ignition, chain, 1-speed, Aurora spring fork, ? mph, $275, 283k photo, 91k photo
1909 Thor Model F, V2-cyl. F-head 6hp, 35.18 cu in (576.5cc), bore 25/8", stroke 31/4", magneto ignition, chain, 1-speed, Aurora spring fork, ? mph, $300, 59k poster, 19k photo, 72k photo, 69k photo
1909 Thor Model G, V2-cyl. F-head 6hp, 35.18 cu in (576.5cc), bore 25/8", stroke 31/4", battery ignition, "V" belt, 1-speed, Aurora spring fork, ? mph, $275
1909 Thor Model H, V2-cyl. F-head 6hp, 35.18 cu in (576.5cc), bore 25/8", stroke 31/4", magneto ignition, "V" belt, 1-speed, Aurora spring fork, ? mph, $300
early 1909 Thor prototype with unusual belt transmission on Chicago Auto Show,, 1-cyl. F-head ?hp, ? cu in, battery ignition, belt, 1-speed, Thor pneumatic cushioned fork, 144k photo
1909 Thor boardtrack racer, 1-cyl. ?hp, ? cu in, battery ignition, chain,, 1-speed, rigid fork, ? mph, 17k photo, 167k photo
1908 (first complete motorcycles)
1908 Thor Model 8, 1-cyl. F-head 21/4hp, 17.59 cu in (288.2cc), bore 25/8", stroke 31/4", battery ignition, 1-speed, Aurora spring fork, 5...40 mph, $200, 302k poster, 159k poster
1908 Thor Model 8-A, 1-cyl. F-head 3hp, 19.3 cu.in. (316cc), battery ignition (magneto ignition for extra price), 1-speed, Aurora spring fork, ? mph, $225, 176k poster
1908 Thor Model 8-B, 1-cyl. F-head 3hp, 19.3 cu.in. (316cc), battery ignition (magneto ignition for extra price), 1-speed, Thor spring fork, ? mph, $250, 172k poster, 112k poster (magneto equipped), 116k photo
1908 Thor Model 8-C, V2-cyl. F-head 5hp, 34.64(?) cu. in. (567.6?cc), battery ignition (magneto ignition for extra price), 1-speed, Thor spring fork, ? mph, $300, 87k poster, 145k poster (magneto equipped)
1908 Thor racing, V2-cyl. F-head 5hp, 34.64(?) cu. in. (567.6?cc), battery ignition, 1-speed, rigid fork, ? mph, 81k photo, 20k photo, 70k photo (magneto ignition)
1906-1907 Thor, 1-cyl. F-head 21/4hp, 17.59 cu in (288.2cc), bore 25/8", stroke 31/4", battery ignition, 1-speed, ? mph, 196k poster, 52k 1907 poster (look at the record below the motorcycle: "The above is one of the many styles of motor cycles made from Thor parts. We don't make complete machines."), 22k 1907 poster
1903-1905 Thor "Camelback", 1-cyl. F-head 13/4hp, 15.85 cu in (259.8cc), bore 219/32", stroke 3", battery ignition, 1-speed, 8...37 mph, $225
  143k poster, 111k poster, 160k photo, 142k photo, 38k photo


Photos and data are from:
Author's archive.
eBay.
eBay Canada.
WorthPoint.
Riding the USA.
Pinterest.
Classic Motorcycle Mecca.
Classic-Motorbikes.net.
Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum.
Motor Cycle Illustrated, 1916, 1917.
Amazon.co.uk.
National Motorcycle Museum, Anamosa, Iowa.
Yesterdays antique motorcycles.
Standard Catalog of American Motorcycles 1898-1981 by Jerry Hatfield.
MECUM Auctions.
The Lima News (Ohio).
Article by Peter Egan.
Ellensburg Public Library.
ebookscd.
The Classic & Antique Bicycle Exchange.
Motorcycle Fashions blog.
PreWarCar.com.
Bonhams.
Wisconsin Historical Society
Americanicons.com.
Motorcycle.com.
Conejo Valley Guide.
Motorcycle Memories.
HiFi Archiv.
Cycle and Automobile Trade Journal, 1909.
Digital Collections of Detroit Public Library.
Archive Moto.
F R Childers Photography.
Police Motor Units LLC.
Kruse International,
Sharing The Past.
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Last updated 21 II 2020. Andrei Bogomolov. Contact Information.