1911 Yale - Auction - Newnan, GA - A fully restored American milestone from the infancy of motorcycles. The Yale was built by Consolidated Manufacturing Company in Toledo, Ohio. The Yale began life in San Francisco in 1901 as the California Motor Co. but was purchased two years later by Consolidated. That same year it was brought to national attention by a cross country demonstration of reliability by cyclist George Wyman who completed a trip from San Francisco to New York in 50 days. It was the first transcontinental trip ever by any motorized vehicle.
The 4P referred to the rated 4 h.p. from the 500 c.c single cylinder engine. That power was transferred to the rear wheel by a leather belt to a wooden rim affixed to the wheel. It has Bosch ignition, a pressure pump on gas tank for fuel delivery and a springer front fork suspension. Pedals provide starting while on kickstand as well as a secondary source of power. Top speed of 45 m.p.h. The engine is stamped 9784. Renown in it's day as an extremely elegant and reliable gentleman's machine.