An American company founded in 1903 and located in Reading, PA, Reading Standard used Thor engines (or clones) in its early machines, which could achieve speeds upwards 35 mph. The cycle had a seat post similar to that of today.  Its early machines sold for around $200 and included a side valve, designed by Charles Gustafson, that was based on the ten-current Peugeot motor; machines of this era were serious contenders in speed and distance races.  Reading Standard ceased to exist as a brand when the company was bought in 1922 by the Cleveland Motorcycle Company of England. 

A Tacoma, Washington policeman on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle and a squad car officer are shown here in a 1930's photo.

The first practical, albeit basic, motorcycle was manufactured in 1900; 26 years later, the Yale Motorcycle, complete with padded leather sidecar, represented the dash and elegance of the era.  Sport hunting with motorcycles was popular in the 1920's, and a hunter could access even the most remote, game rich areas on his deceptively rugged, fuel-efficient Yale, regardless of road conditions or availability.  Yale was one of several American manufacturers to close in the 1930's during the Great Depression.