When discussing the history of motorcycling in the United States, names like Harley-Davidson and Indian Motorcycles often dominate the spotlight. And for good reason: both brands have been historic rivals, cultural icons, and pillars of the industry since the early 20th century. However, if we look even further back in time, we discover that the oldest motorcycle in the United States does not belong to either of these legendary companies, but to a brand that is now largely forgotten: Orient.
Harley-Davidson, Indian, and a legendary rivalry
Harley-Davidson was founded in 1903 and has operated continuously ever since, something exceptional in the industry. Indian Motorcycles, for its part, was founded even earlier, but experienced long periods of inactivity after 1953 and was not fully consolidated until its acquisition by Polaris in 2011. For decades, both brands were involved in one of the fiercest rivalries in the motor world, even competing within the context of international wartime conflicts.
Even so, neither of them can claim the title of the oldest motorcycle manufactured in the United States.
The origins of Orient and Charles H. Metz
To find the true origins of American motorcycling, we must go back to 1893, when Charles H. Metz founded the Waltham Manufacturing Company in Massachusetts. In its early days, the company focused on manufacturing bicycles, a rapidly growing sector at the end of the 19th century.
Metz, in addition to being an entrepreneur, was a tireless innovator. His company even had its own cycling racing team, for which he designed a very peculiar tandem bicycle: the front rider handled steering, while the rear rider controlled a small gasoline engine that helped maintain pace during training sessions. What was initially conceived as a sporting aid sparked the beginning of something much greater.
The birth of the Orient-Aster motorcycle
After experimenting with different configurations, Metz decided to attach a combustion engine to a reinforced Waltham bicycle. The engine, known as Aster, was a copy of the popular French DeDion-Bouton unit. Thus, the Orient-Aster was born, considered by many historians to be the first motorcycle produced in the United States.
In 1899, Metz began advertising the vehicle and used a term that would define an era: “motorcycle.” Some experts believe this may have been one of the first times the word was officially used to describe a two-wheeled motorized vehicle.
On July 31, 1900, Orient was introduced to the public by competing in what is considered the first organized motorcycle race in the United States, held in Boston. The result was decisive: the Orient won the event, proving that the invention was not only functional but also competitive.
Advanced performance for its time
The Orient-Aster featured a 2-horsepower engine, fuel consumption close to 80 miles per gallon, and an estimated range of about 100 miles thanks to its five-quart fuel tank. These figures were remarkable for the era, although the price was not particularly accessible.
The model cost $250, a significant amount considering that the average weekly wage of a manufacturing worker was around $11. Even so, Metz had laid the foundations for a new industry.
Metz’s departure and new projects
In 1902, following disagreements with investors, Charles H. Metz left Waltham Manufacturing. Far from retiring, he continued building motorcycles on his own and later partnered with another manufacturer to create Marsh & Metz. This company made history by developing one of the first V-twin engines, a configuration that remains iconic in many motorcycles today.
Despite its innovations, financial difficulties were constant, and the company eventually disappeared between 1913 and 1923, according to historical records.
From motorcycles to cars: an idea ahead of its time
Metz did not stop there. He later returned to work with Waltham Manufacturing when the company attempted to reinvent itself as an automobile manufacturer. His idea was as ingenious as it was revolutionary: selling cars in kits of parts, allowing customers to purchase them piece by piece and assemble them at home. This system reduced costs and, in a way, anticipated modern installment payment plans.
Today, as the automotive market is dominated by new forms of mobility and purchasing—from electric vehicles to digital platforms—Metz’s vision seems surprisingly modern. It is no coincidence that many enthusiasts turn to specialized platforms for the buying and selling of historic and modern vehicles, such as classic motorcycles and vehicles for sale, to understand how the industry has evolved since those early experiments.
A little-known but fundamental legacy
Although Orient did not survive as a brand and Charles H. Metz does not enjoy the same recognition as other pioneers, his contribution was decisive. Without his ideas, his innovative spirit, and his early “motorcycle,” the development of motorcycling in the United States would have been very different.
History shows that long before Harley-Davidson and Indian, there was already a visionary willing to reinvent two-wheeled mobility. And th
