Web Analytics

 Cleveland - 1029 Tornado
 Back to brands list


Cleveland Tornado motocyclette motorrad motorcycle vintage classic classique scooter roller moto scooter
Photo ou archives : F-M. Dumas
908

Capacity : 1029
Model : Tornado
Production : 1929 -
Category : (R) Street Bike

CLEVELAND

1000 Tornado - 1929

100 mph-guaranteed!

Founded in 1915, the Ohio firm of Cleveland began with a little 270cc two-stroke which enjoyed a remarkable success. The company's first 606cc four-cylinder model appeared in 1925, replaced in 1926 by the 4/45, an F-head 750cc monobloc four that was one of the first American bikes fitted with a front brake drum (though admittedly, it was pretty useless).

Sports Version

The 4/45 was quickly joined by a sport version capable of 75 mph. No matter how good it was, the Cleveland 4/45 was incapable of beating off the competition from the 1300cc Ace and Henderson fours, a weakness which was to repeat itself in August 1927 with the launch of the 4/61. This 1000 cc, still a monobloc four-cylinders, was of completely original design, unlike all the other American big fours – Ace, Henderson, Excelsior and Indian – which, if they hadn't actually been designed by W. G. "Bill" Henderson, were the work of one of his pupils.

The Tornado Blows In

The 4/61 was fast enough, with a top speed of 90 mph, but its sports derivative, the Tornado of 1929, which had a lowered frame, bigger valves, lighter pistons and a higher compression ratio, was guaranteed by Cleveland to reach 100 mph. It was the fastest of all the American big fours, but it was Cleveland's last new model, for the mark was wiped out in the Wall Street Crash just as it was getting ready to produce an even faster 1000cc four – the Century.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: Air-cooled 1029cc (64.7x77.5mm) four-in-line

Valves: F-head (side inlet, overhead exhaust)

Fuel System: carburetor

Transmission: 3-speed tank change, chain final drive

Suspension: leading link (front); rigid (rear)

Brakes: drum (front & rear)

Wheels: 4.00x19in wire

Maximum Speed: 100 mph

Besides its outstanding performance, the Tornado was the most highly evolved American bike of its day, with many avant-garde features.




Le fichier Moto Passion réalisé par François-Marie Dumas réunit près de deux mille photos accompagnées d'un historique très complet des machines présentées.
Il sera progressivement mis à jour ici et toute information complémentaire est la bienvenue sur info@moto-collection.org.

Cette documentation unique, qui constitue sans doute l'encyclopédie la plus exhaustive jamais écrite sur l'histoire de la moto, a été réalisée avec l'assistance de nombreux spécialistes dont principalement Didier Ganneau, Christophe Gaime, Mick Woollett, Jean Goyard, Bernard Salvat, Christian Rey, Yves Campion, Helmut Krackowizer, Michael Dregni, Michel Montange, etc. que je remercie ici.

Disponible sur demande :
- Les fiches originales sur papier
- Les photos et archives signées de mon nom en haute définition ou les documents originaux.
Me contacter sur info@moto-collection.org pour les conditions et droits d'utilisation.