Crocker reborn!
Many consider the Crocker the Holy Grail of historic motorcycles. Tales include Crocker hunters fleeing spear-tossing natives in remote Pacific islands on the rumour of a machine left there during WWII. Earlier in 2014 a pair of original V-twin Crockers, one Big and one Small tank model, were sold in Southern California for in excess of $900,000. Basket cases are purportedly fetching $350,000+. As probably the most controversial of collectibles, a storm of conflicting claims and counterclaims has fuelled the flames surrounding its current rebirth. But as they say, the proof is in the pudding and seen here is an up and running Crocker Big Tank, #001. The Crocker Motorcycle Company considers it a continued production of the original because of its “matching technical DNA” as well as the fact that it’s a product of the Crocker Motorcycle Company in name, brand trademark and design.
The bike was rolled out of a Torrance Airport hangar and at the controls of the reborn Crocker was the moving force behind its creation, Michael Schacht, CEO of the Crocker Motorcycle Company. Schacht has spent 13 intense years and a major investment of “blood, sweat and tears” pursuing his passionate dream to recreate his favourite motorcycle down to the smallest detail and based on his treasure trove of original documents, parts, design plans, and memorabilia.
As for the back story behind the Crocker’s rebirth, it all started in 1936 when Albert “Al” Crocker, working from a cramped shop in Venice, California, hand built the first V-twin motorcycle bearing his name. Having joined Indian in 1909 Al Crocker is credited with pioneering the company’s overhead valve racing efforts, becoming a Los Angeles Indian distributor in 1928. Then at the advanced age of 53 he set out to design and build his own motorcycles, his V-twins referred to as “two-wheeled Duesenbergs.” However, the last batch of Crockers was produced in 1942 as WWII sucked up precious materials and as Crocker priced himself out of the running. The Crocker V-twins embodied a unique vision when first launched in 1936. Using aluminum components and powerful engines, they literally outclassed the competition, however in very limited numbers. In stock trim it was as much as 35 mph faster than its Harley and Indian competition and even outperformed the Brough-Superior SS100 and Vincent Series A. While estimates vary, Schacht states that despite claims to a lesser number, Al Crocker produced some 300 v-twins with 68 currently known to have survived through the years, according to the Crocker Registry. In any case, timing, and WWII, conspired to limit its production and thus its rarity as all materials went to the war effort. By the end of the war in 1945, the Crocker itself had become a casualty and for the most part faded into the history books. Now a new page is being written thanks to the Crocker Motorcycle Company, once again located in Los Angeles. The latest news concerns the naming of the current exclusive sales agent for sales of the new Crockers. That would be Yoshi Kosaka, proprietor of the famous L.A. motorcycle shop The Garage Company. Schacht has announced an initial run of 12 machines, specifically the Parallel Valve engined Big Tank model, later followed by Small Tank versions, then Hemi Head powered machines. Deposits are being taken, several of the first editions already claimed. Bottom line, history is about to be rewritten by the new Crocker Motorcycle Co.
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For technical information