Such was the immediate success of Messrs Hedstrom and Hendee’s Indian motorcycle, that the firm was overwhelmed with orders and had to turn for assistance to the Aurora Automatic Machinery Company, of Aurora, Illinois, which from October 1902 was contracted to build the Hedstrom-designed engines under license. This deal permitted Aurora to build its own motorcycles and sell surplus Indian engines under its ‘Thor’ brand name, and the availability of these high-quality proprietary motors enabled a number of independent firms to commence motorcycle manufacture, among them Reading-Standard, Manson and Warwick. The Thor motorcycle remained essentially identical to the Indian until the agreement’s expiry in 1907, after which the two makes diverged. Thor’s single-cylinder engines were mounted vertically in 1909, and in 1910 the company introduced a new ‘F-head’ engine of its own design. This was doubled up in 1911 to make the Model O v-twin featuring mechanically operated inlet valves, although the single retained the ‘atmospheric’ type for another year or so. From the start of production, Thor had mounted its v-twin engine with the rear cylinder vertical, but from 1912 onwards adopted the more conventional placement. That same year the twin was extensively redesigned, becoming the Model U, and in 1914 its capacity was increased from 61ci to 76.25ci. The following year Aurora ceased motorcycle production to concentrate on its domestic appliance business. The company still exists today.

Built on a 56” wheelbase and weighing a mere 175lbs, this chain-driven Thor 500cc single is capable of speeds of up to 40mph. Original and retaining its correct hardware, the machine is described as a very serviceable older restoration, its engine having done fewer than 300 miles since rebuild. Thor motorcycles were renowned for their reliability and dependability, and this example has seen limited touring use, running and riding perfectly. Offered with a 'Bill of Sale.'