The Crocker Motorcycle

Dale's Wheels Through Time Museum, located in Maggie Valley, NC, features over 375 American motorcycles, unique cars, and transportation history.
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[@kevinwaddle447]

Fun fact: One of the engineers that worked for Crocker was a young man named Paul A. Bigsby. In the late 1940s, he ended up making the first solid body electric guitar for country-western super-star Merle Travis. The two met when Travis brought his Crocker motorcycle in for some work. Bigsby is best known for the sand casted aluminum guitar vibrato units that bear his name still to this day.

[@stanhathcoat920]

The headstocks on Bigsby guitars were a factor in later Fender axes.

[@davidyisrael007]

Just say NO to aluminum guitars.

[@dennisschell5543]

@@davidyisrael007 I played one once....DID NOT STAY IN TUNE!

[@mariannwatt2678]

I lived next door to paul bigsby in downey ca mary bigsby had a crush on my brother

[@Patrick_B687-3]

That is a fun fact Kevin. Thanks!

[@jfk64kennedy95]

your museum needs to be found as a national historic treasure, forever funded and protected, the history you and your father and the museum has preserved and protected...can't be replaced.....huge respect

[@jamesduhon1901]

Sadly they won't nobody cares about motorcycles like that we are considered the black sheep my opinion but your right they should I just don't see that happening and it's sad because it needs to be saved for later generations

[@jaystrock613]

Your dad was a very nice and good guy. When I visited the museum years ago, he gave us a personal tour and did a burnout with that Crocker.

[@Seth-b6i]

Damn, the historical knowledge that Matt just sorta tosses out in passing ... absolute gems. That Crocker is a magnificent monster!

[@dennisgauck7526]

My wife and I visited the museum a few years back and on that particular day when we walked through I saw the Crocker and after the walk through a second Crocker was wheeled out from I suppose the shop. They are a stunning motorcycle and much physically smaller than I supposed. I'd read about them in an old Hot Bike magazine in an article by Cliffside Gromer back 50 or more years ago; he called it "a vibrating ,dirty old gas hog" but he said it was faster than any HD. I also had the opertunity to speak with Dale about a bike he bought from an old friend of mine, a Flying Merkel that somebody painted green and a bad paint job at that. Keep up the good work and preserve our 2 wheeled history Matt.

[@wheelsthroughtime]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@johnoakes3106]

Gads! A Crocker! I've been riding since 1958. Started on a 1949 Indian Arrow. Since I first heard about a Crocker I've been fascinated by them. I heard that Indian did some under the table supply to Al Crocker so they could get parts like tires and rims that Harley was blocking. I can see a lot of Indian influence in the Crocker. The primary and cam cover are basically the same. The front for is similar to the pre-war Scout and the Edison mag. Heard a rumor that Indian was attempting to buy out Crocker and sell the bike with Indian name plates but WWII got in the way. I've GOT to get to N.C. and see your bikes! Maybe next year.

[@HuckBowlt]

This bike is simply a work of art.

[@kennybyrd5642]

Nothing built today can ever match that level of craftsmanship. That open valve train is a work of art! 🇺🇸 Awesome content!!!

[@vincentbasso4903]

I was lucky to see a Crocker at the Guggenhiem Museum 100 years tribute to the motorcycle in New York City around 1986. There was also a black Vincent that caught my attention

[@cat_daddy]

Pre war bikes are simply amazing works of art

[@scottimusgarrett15]

Late to the party, again! If I were to get a custom frame made today, I would hand the builder that picture. Perfect lines.✌️❤️🙂🇨🇦

[@timeinthepast]

In 1988 I worked with a great guy named John Mulrean in San Diego on English bikes. At Costa Mesa swap meet I set up our stand while he went early shopping and a drunken biker stopped by the booth spilling his beer all over and telling me about having a bunch of English bikes and NOS parts for sale at his house. Said he rode a Harley to the swap meet but had an Indian, a knuckle, pan head, and a Crocker in addition to 30+ English bikes. Invited us to come by after the meet and maybe buy some bikes and parts because he needed money to finish his Crocker and left his address and number and stumbled away 😂😂😂 Well I thought he was a serious bullshitter but told my buddy John and he said let’s check it out on the way home as it was on the way. Well, he was for real the Crocker was on the bench nearly completed and everything else was there in three different garages! We bought 5 bikes and a ton of unobtainium NOS parts, new Matchless tanks and tool boxes in factory boxes, fenders, etc. I thought it was a waste of time until we saw it all! I’m now wondering if your Crocker was his? Can’t remember his name though, wish I could! The timing sounds like it could have been his bike? We found a number of cool deals in the day One time we found a guy who had been a bike dealer in Fallbrook Ca years ago and went and loaded a box truck full of parts and parts bikes that were outdoors for years and there was a Norton Atlas basket case that we primed the oil lines and filled the fuel line and it started and idled on the first kick when we got it home!🤣👍

[@rockymnthodad3047]

... it's redundant and an unnecessary use of descriptive adjectives to say 'drunken biker', just say biker.. and it's all good.. hope you offered him a 6 pack of his choice after turning you on to such a choice find... ride on.

[@johnniethepom2905]

@@rockymnthodad3047 clown .

[@SvenTviking]

There was only 50 odd built and they are virtually all to slightly different spec and design, Mr Bigsby was always improving the design. They are also stupidly valuable, up beyond Brough Superiors, because they are so rare and so advanced for their time. So I expect this buddy of yours has sold it, it’s a nice retirement fund.

[@scottmichaels1764]

@@johnniethepom2905 Simmer down,they's makin' a funny. Couldn't you tell by "redundant and an unnecessary "?

[@rockymnthodad3047]

What a Crock ! ... the paint scheme and raw metal details really make that bike ! .. and I'll never complain about a slightly 'ticky' hydraulic lifter ever again...

[@Miata822]

Fantastic bike. The best part of your collection is that they run, don't just sit rotting away. Thank you for this amazing series of videos. I look forward to visiting next summer.

[@jerrynorton1080]

Pete egan was onetime a guest judge at a bike show, and was all set to award best-of-show to a beautifully restored example, when he asked the proud owner to fire it up so they could all hear it. The guy freaked at the blasphemy of the idea. He dident even have oil in it. Pete said, you have a magnificent work of art, but it isnt a motorcycle, and gave the trophy to a bike that had been ridden to the event

[@Richard_Lush]

That’s one of the best looking bikes I’ve ever seen. Own that and a 59 Les Paul and you could die happy 😄

[@louvedova7907]

I live ten blocks away from where they built these masterpieces on Venice blvd. and if I pass by with my bike I can tell she wants to slow down to pay respect to little red brick building. The sliding of the rear end while revving and the silver champagne tray as oil collector are already classics just like your Pa's burnouts! Well done Matt!

[@luisllorens70]

What's the address? I'd like to Google it.

[@louvedova7907]

@@luisllorens70 1346 Venice Blvd.

[@luisllorens70]

@@louvedova7907 Thanks.

[@ronbrown2770]

Ever since I ran my Pan head at the Oakland Roadster show sitting next to a Crocker I've wanted one. A beautiful American icon. We both took first in our class and the Crocker took the best of show, a well-deserved win.

[@indianoutlaw1313]

I have seen one in a private collection of a friend of mine. It is all original including paint and runs great. These are very rare and are a piece of artwork

[@patrickduley405]

Thank you all for doing this for us. I’m a disabled veteran and it means a lot wish I could help with the fund raising money is always stretched for me

[@t.s.racing]

THANK YOU MR. DULEY FOR YOUR SERVICE. AMERICA THANKS YOU. 🇺🇸

[@wheelsthroughtime]

Patrick Duley Thank you for your service and thanks for watching!

[@godfellas483]

I saw that bike when Dale had it in My Vernon, Il. Your dad did talk it up even then. 🙂 It's a beautiful bike, good to see it again...

[@ChattyAss]

Your dad is an amazing man collecting all that history and you have seen the rarest bikes in the world I’m happy for you both

[@ronbrown2770]

Dad is my kind of collector. I'd sweep the floors there for free just to be there.

[@ChattyAss]

Ron Brown Will because of it do you have turn to be quite the historian

[@davisdeen4039]

R.i.p Dad

[@cccccc5398]

Thank you so VERY much. Bringing the motorcycles to us. This Crocker is so beautiful....

[@countryboyscooter3402]

I watched Dale do burn out's on that machine in the building sveral years ago! I sat and talked to him about it. he was a Great Host!!

[@my_negative_world]

I am so grateful for your work. I live in Poland and have no way to travel to the US. This is just what I dreamed of.

[@robertwatson39]

Wow that Crocker looked as if it wouldn’t have been out of place in the 70’s. I don’t know the full history of the Crocker except to say that it’s ashame the company isn’t still going now. Thanks a heap for these videos from Down Under.

[@waynegouin939]

If I could pick one bike from Wheels Through Time, it would be The Crocker. After seeing it on Discovery Channel, I've been waiting for this one! Thanks Matt, and You Too Dale!

[@mtroy0620]

Crocker and Ace 4 - pure lust!

[@johnvargo5538]

I can see why you’re Dad was especially fond of this motorcycle , it’s an interesting and Uniquely Beautiful ! One of my favourites !!!

[@sekoivu]

Crocker is a way to go! Bobber style right from factory!

[@tripljax3563]

Saw one as a teen been looking no luck yet over 50 years dam all most done oh well thanks for your time love it

[@phredrocks]

what a glorious bike. Its even better when you can touch it. I am so glad I made it back in 2019. Thanks Matt, I wish i could have met Dale. Yall have a great treasure of motorcycle history. The crocker is a beauty!

[@granthughes6738]

I am a kiwi, if I could have two V twins I would have a Britten and this bike. Apart from the very impressive performance, taken in context, the engineering innovation, it is the intangibles, esoteric stuff I don't get. Words like elegance and proportion, form and function interface, really is something very special.

[@chuckduzzie8529]

Everything Hand Made!!!!! These guys were great mechanics

[@roger3221]

A few years ago on Discoverey I saw his father discover it in an old barn under the dust and old material. it became a beauty

[@SteveBlancoMusicianWarrior]

I can't deal with how gorgeous that thing is! Thanks for this video. Cheers from NYC 🥂

[@t.s.racing]

Thank you, and I pray that 2021 is the best year for the Museum ever. GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR DAD ! I met your Father the weekend before the first opening of the Museum. He treated me like family. 🇺🇸

[@benjaminforman1616]

Cool fact: crocker motorcycles is back, they are making the old motorcycles on a order by order basis using the original plans to remake the original molds, and they use the same techniques, look it up its cool

[@dw6506]

I went there in 2018 and enjoyed every bike and commented that I could go back the next day and see bikes that I missed. Since then I have watched several of Matt’s videos and love how each and every one has their on story. I would like to live closer so that I might visit more often. Such a wonderful place and all the people that work there is very friendly and knowledgeable. I hope to go back again this spring I’ve COVID doesn’t interfere.

[@richardlewin9282]

What a beautiful machine!

[@steveshoemaker6347]

What a fine piece of History is a Super bike.....Thanks very much...!

[@williamb2013]

How could someone possibly not like this video! AMAZING!!!

[@scottevans8489]

We have a 1940 Crocker at our local motorcycle 🏍 museum, it is a beautiful bike

[@clickireland1113]

God bless your Dad for having the vision to buy that. Thanks for the rumble.

[@wyattoneable]

I sure hope the museum survives and we can come back in person. Thanks for the channel, it's been a lot of fun to hear the history and hear these beauties run.

[@AxeGaijin]

I first learned about the Crocker while reading Early Riders in the mid 90s. Amazing machines.

[@fidelcatsro6948]

you reckon she is making 70hp?

[@berniebartnick7080]

Thanks Matt and Dale

[@oldschool8432]

I can't stop seeing that drip pan

[@devilsreject78]

im watching all your vids, i LOVE THE STORIES, i LOVE THE HISTORY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@pg981]

Incredible craftmanship and attention to detail .

[@Telecasterland]

Unbelievable how smooth and clean it ran given its era.

[@indianoutlaw1313]

They are incredible bikes. I have a friend that has one in his private collection ,it is all original and is the only one I have ever seen and it runs

[@pb68slab18]

I got some good pics of the WTT Crockers a few years ago at the Oley, PA AMCA meet. Along with SEVERAL others.

[@northerniltree]

I went to the 2000 Sotheby's auction in Chicago (where I bought Dean Rigsby's "civilianized" Indian 841) and was surprised to see not one, but THREE Crockers for sale. All in similar condition to yours. Two sold for $81,500 each, the third did not sell. When I recently saw that Mecum hammered one (a1941 big tank) for $640K, it made me realize I bought the wrong bike. Definitely out of the reach of a mere mortal now. Sotheby's scheduled 2001 auction on September 14th never happened, and was never to return.

[@natemofield281]

My favorite machine so far!

[@joezednick3197]

My bike is packed and ready to head to Maggie Valley,,,,hope it's soon!! Ocala Fl.

[@wheelsthroughtime]

Joe Zednick We are scheduled to open for 2020 Season on Oct 1.

[@kendpruitt]

That bike sounds soooo..good!

[@edwardmckenzie3402]

Dude you just blew my mind with this presentation! Never thought I'd hear a Crocker!

[@tomwilkinson2883]

Wow again that something I thought I'd never see heard of it but never seen that beauty of the most outstanding thx for shearing 100% amazed given me goosebumps 🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺😎😎😎

[@frankpolo2088]

Beauty,thank you for the show.

[@bjsmith2052]

That's thing is incredible!

[@Wildstar40]

I love this bike. If you watch the fuel line at 10:00 you will see a tiny leak, thought you should know.

[@fidelcatsro6948]

yeah i saw some petrol dripping.. nothing a thread seal tape cant solve..

[@SierraThunder]

That was part of the reason for the pie tin under the bike...

[@fidelcatsro6948]

@@SierraThunder i tot they kept a cat around there in the museum...

[@slowpokebr549]

Man, Covid sucks. I had planned my vacation around your museum this year. I have the last nine days of September off and was planning on a road trip to come see ya'll. I've got family in Nashville I was going to stop and see them on the way. If we are all still on the planet come 2021 I'll be there.

[@vince4005]

Outstanding presentation! Thanks for sharing this awesome machine. So beautiful!

[@nautn]

My most favorite motorcycle of the museum!

[@thebruce9042]

Man, I've been in love with Crockers since the first time I ever saw one. I might give the nod to Cyclone for being the first American "superbike", though. Overhead cam, hemi head, 45 horsepower, in 1915! Pretty sure that's about double what anybody else was getting back then.

[@monsieurcommissaire1628]

Amazing. The engine sounds glorious. Crocker seems to have been somewhat ahead of his time- or maybe it's just that this machine shows such purity in the intent and execution, such singular focus and attention to detail, that it stands outside of time, larger than life.

[@leebranch1228]

Now at 90 and collecting m/c stories for years, from Rollie Free, Sammy Pierce, Burt Munro, Joe Petralli, et al, I loved this Crocker presentation: I was led to believe that the buyer had to supply his own wheels as the larger m/c firms coerced wheel manufacturers to refuse orders from Al Crocker/

[@deaterk]

What a bike! Thank You for sharing her with all of us! Boy, does that sound amazing!!! Great proportions...it just looks ‘right’

[@kc5hgv]

Frame like an Indian Scout. I love those Old Machines. And the best thing they Run as well. Me and Sonya will visit there again November this year. Craig in Louisiana

[@Guns_N_Gears]

That bike ROCKS!!

[@dna129]

Just looking at the thing, it looks so narrow and light, and I can see the "superbike" in it. Awesome.

[@joehovanec1985]

You are doing a fine job of representing the museum and the motorcycles. Would like to visit when things open up more. It is surprising that your father has been able to acquire so many old and unique motorcycles. Good luck.

[@StickPeopleAndPuff]

I remember visiting Wheels Through Time around probably 2007 or 2008 with my family. I was only about 11 or 12 at the time but I absolutely loved it! I vividly remember the Coca-Cola bike!

[@crforfreedom7407]

I would never have heard about the museum had they not started the YT series! As soon as the virus thing has run its course, I'M THERE!!!! Bike trip to WTT!!! No better mini-vacation destination I can think of!!

[@johngreen3945]

The first time I saw the coca cola bike was in Daytona Beach bike week about 1975 I think.An the second was at wheels through time in about 2007 I was really surprised to see it.

[@wheelsthroughtime]

StickPeopleAndPuff The Coke Bike is still here! Come see us when we open for the 2020 Season on Oct 1.

[@StickPeopleAndPuff]

@@wheelsthroughtime I was actually up around your way yesterday with a friend, I suggested that we stop by and see yall but then remembered that yall were closed :'( I'm back home in Raleigh now so I'm not too far out

[@michaelledford4751]

Jesus did you just make me realize how damn old i am,while you were 11 years old visiting the museum i was just retired at 62 ,id give anything to do it all over again .

[@garyseaton4619]

That could be the most beautiful bike I've ever seen... It really checks off all the boxes for what I truly love in a bike. I'm early in this segment but I've got to ask who did the restoration? It's beyond words...

[@bepponabuco7389]

That is one wild motorbike!

[@CristianAlakis]

rest in peace Dale

[@craigpennington1251]

This bike and a few others that I can see are awesome. Thanks for video sharing your collection. I never knew this place existed until you started to video.

[@markmark2080]

What a treat this video is...

[@janblake9468]

Usually one or two Crockers were ridden to our monthly antique motorcycle meetings in Orange County, CA, in the 1970's.

[@laurencew5220]

Wow awesome bike way ahead of its time

[@michaelalbertson7363]

I m A HD OWNER RIDER I APPRECIATE YOUR PROFESSIONAL TEACHING AND HISTORY KNOWLEDGE ☠☠☠🇺🇸🍺✊

[@Wootangtw]

That is definitely the most awesome bike ever….I love it…and sounds awesome like no other…. Thanks buddy

[@michael61985]

That is what a motorcycle should sound like

[@olapetersson7332]

Gorgeous bike. Your knowledge and passion are truly inspiring 🥰

[@danmcelroy6584]

That is one sweet machine! I’m amazed with every video, always something special to show. Thanx for sharing.

[@JBBooks-yg2vf]

I love Crockers. If I could choose one bike from any point in history it would a Crocker like that one.

[@michaelrubbo7467]

the gas leak from the bottom of the carb at 10:14 made my scream at my monitor.

[@kennethhlavik8155]

Thanks for all the videos you show! Very informative.

[@Heritagejim5339]

Absolutely gorgeous bike! Thanks for showing all the beautiful bikes Matt😎

[@sekoivu]

Unbelievable Machine!!! Thanks for sharing all the info and Sound!

[@bluecollarwrench7534]

Can't wait to see it in person.

[@jawz3102]

New favorite channel.

[@michaelplantus2261]

BEAUTIFUL!

[@henkm9905]

What a treasure.

[@papichulo5552]

beautiful machine

[@maximumoverdrive2132]

Just think, more than likely, there are still a couple of these beauties setting somewhere in the back of a farmers barn.

[@827diesel]

Beautiful machine !!!

[@Tron-Jockey]

Its a serious pair of stones to do burnouts on an antique bike worth nearly a million dollars. You guys Rock...........

[@Defiantbich]

Cant wait till you are open . Taking a road trip to your place 😎♥️🇺🇸

[@veb6814]

Beautiful sounding bike!!