First motorcycle to 100 mph

The ACU decided in 1909 that world speed records should be restricted to motorcycles of 1000cc or less and Billy Cook of North London Garage quickly became the recordholder with his Peugeot V twin powered NLG at 75.92 mph. Charles Collier on his Matchless JAP raised it within the year.

 Although Indian already had some success in British racing, in 1911 they joined the racing scene with a vengeance, finishing the IoM TT 1-2-3 and then set a new record at Brooklands of 87.38 mph. This was soon beaten again by Charles Collier and the record was raised incrementally over the next few years. After a pause for WW1, Bert Levack on an Indian raised the record to 95.24 mph.

About that time, becoming aware of the speed record attempts at Brooklands, Harley Davidson built 3 special long frame 998 cc track motorcycles and shipped them to England to join in the fun. In late April, after a few attempts,  Douglas Davidson on his Harley achieved 100.76 mph. In the picture above everyone looks pretty pleased. 

It was short-lived however, the very next day, Bert Levack, on his 10 year old 8 valve Indian, took the record back- 106.72 mph.
 

Bert Levack on the Indian.