1904-1905 Thoroughbred

[Anders Fors]

I am looking for pictures and information of a Thoroughbred, made by Reading-Standard in 1904-1905. A Thoroughbred with enginenumber A1463 was the first motorcycle in our region here in Nykarleby, Finland. Is there any Thoroughbred still existing? Email me at torafors@kolumbus.fi
Thanks
Anders Fors

[Baytown]

Reading Standard Thououghbred

Hi Anders.
Jerry Hatfield in his Antique American Motorcycles Buyers Guide states that:
Quote:
The 1903 - 1904 models were identical in all major aspects to Indian. These models were also referred to as 'Thoroughbred' motorcycles.
End Quote.

Effectively, they must have looked like Camel Back Indian singles.

Best wishes mate.

Ken.

[c.o.]

I've seen pictures of one at some point in time....... If I remember right they were an Indian "clone" made by Reading Standard that used of course a Thor motor. If my memory serves me correct I think that it had a small rectangular tank up in front of the seat. If I run across the picture, I'll post it.

[aka HAWG]

in stephen wright's book the american motorcycles, it states

the reading standard cycle company of reading pennsylvania began selling motorcycles in the latter part of 1903. for the first 3 years they sold hendstrom-designed single under the name of thoroughbred. the licenced manufacturer, thor (aurora company) revised this model in 1906, fitting it with a new combination fuel and oil tank which had auxiliary hand operated oil pump fitted in it. the battery box was repositioned above the rear fender. In addition to being available as a thor, this model was jobbed-out and sold as a reading standard, light, emblem, or a racycle. with the ecception of cosmetics they were vertually identical

no photo of the thoroughbred is listed

[aka HAWG]

more info found

I also found photo's in the back issues of the amca magazines

vol14(1)1975 - shows a model review for 1905, has small black and white photo with small write up

also look in vol16(3)1977 has small ad for the thoroughbred

I will try to scan and post this info or someone else can if faster

aka HAWG

[LouieMCman]

I believe Doug Strange has one in his kitchen, maybe he will chime in and post some pictures. Or look him up in the club directory.

[c.o.]

Here's a poor copy of Doug with his Thoroughbred. It was in a back issue of the club mag, so I thought it would be O.K. to post it.

[Anders Fors]

Thank You all for this information. Today I know what a Thoroughbred looks like. Is there anyone who know the enginenumber of Doug Stranges Thoroughbred? All cind of information are still welcome!