Skidmarks - (Excelsior-Henderson) X Factor

If you remember 1993, you remember a moto-environment that was so light in brands and new models that Cycle World put the Yamaha Seca II on its cover, the motorcycling equivalent of going to see Ellen DeGeneres at a strip club. I had forgotten all about that, too, until Trizzle reposted a story from 2003 comparing a Yamaha Royal Star to an Excelsior-Henderson.

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Church Of MO – Excelsior-Henderson Vs. Yamaha Royal Star

Over 12 years ago, John Simpson penned this piece for us, comparing and contrasting his own personal Yamaha Royal Star and Excelsior-Henderson. One is a Japanese take on an all-American motorcycling category, while the other comes with the name of a storied American company, trying to resurrect itself from the ashes (they ultimately failed). For this week’s Church feature, let Simpson tell you what it’s like to own a Royal Star and Excelsior. Included are snippets from Eric Bass and MO’s current Editorial Director, Sean Alexander. 

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Top Ten Defunct Motorcycle Manufacturers

For the last 40-some years motorcycle manufacturers have enjoyed an era of relative stability. The Big Four Japanese (Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha), Harley-Davidson and BMW remain unremitting and seemingly indestructible.

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