1918 Reading Standards Other Reading Standard Models

FROM THE DICK SHAPPY COLLECTION: The 1918 Reading Standard 18-T V-Twin

Reading Standard

The Reading Standard Company initially built bicycles before transitioning to motorcycles in 1903 in Reading, Pennsylvania. It was a hilly region that gave rise to the companys slogan, Built and tested in the mountains, and the name Reading. Its first motorcycles were single-cylinder clones of Indians using standard available parts and Thor engines, a system that many assemblers were using followed by their own paint scheme, headstock badges, and transfers. Luckily, Chief Engineer Charles Gustafson studied the European designs and noted the improvement in power from their side-valve engines over the F-heads. By 1907, he had developed the first American side-valve motorcycle, the only company to offer one for several years. According to the National Motorcycle Museum, For a period of time, Reading Standard used competition or other challenges to prove the brand. In 1907, engineer Charles Gustafson led an effort of three riders that rode to the top of Pikes Peak, a feat unchallenged for five years. Later, Reading Standard won a 1000-mile endurance race.

Two years later, Gustafson would be lured to Indian Motorcycle Co., where he would go on to design the PowerPlus series. Reading reverted to an F-head design without him, developing its first V-twin. By 1913, there were four models with varying belt and chain drives. Facing financial struggles and strong competition from Harley-Davidson and Indian, by 1922, they had sold out to the Cleveland Motorcycle Company. Ahead of the Great Depression, Cleveland lost its market for expensive motorcycles and sold in 1923, ending both the Reading Standard and the Cleveland brand.

Surviving Reading Standard motorcycles are now considered rare and valuable collectors items, especially to those who value the history and development of the American motorcycle, as Readings are among the most respected for bringing the side valve to the states and their excellent performance.


The 1918 18-T V-Twin

This all-original 1918 Reading Standard V-Twin is in extraordinarily preserved condition. The engine has been rebuilt by Jim Carson of Ontario, Canada, and it is a remarkable one. The 1918 model was the last year for this cylinder design, as future years are marked by the change to a round Emblem-style. The 1918 also brought improved front forks, a larger petrol tank, and a separate oil tank. This rare surviving example operates with a 1,100cc+ side-valve V-twin engine and a three-speed gearbox transmission. Its equipped with the original Mesinger seat, Fidelity taillight, Bosch magneto, Crescent Mfg. Co. horn, and features a luggage rack and Prest-O-Lite tank. Presented in original condition, this machine represents a rare opportunity to own a pivotal part of the development of the American motorcycle.


ENGINE: 1,100+cc side-valve V-twin

ENGINE NO: 80098

TRANSMISSION: Three-speed gearbox

SEAT: Mesinger

TAILLIGHT: Fidelity

MAGNETO: Bosch

HORN: Crescent Mfg. Co.

FEATURES: Luggage Rack, Prest-O-Lite Tank

HISTORY: Formerly owned by Harry Buck. Jim Carson of Ontario rebuilt the engine.