Today, it is hard to imagine roads without motorcycles. They traversed the vastness of the Russian Empire, and we even had our own motorcycle manufacturing. The pioneer of domestic motorcycle construction was entrepreneur Alexander Alexandrovich Leitner.

He began his commercial activities in 1886 with bicycle production in Riga, opening the first domestic enterprise for the production of two-wheeled transport. Bicycles branded "Russia" were renowned for their quality and reliability, selling quickly, and soon Leitner expanded production. Within 10 years, the factory increased bicycle output to 2000 units per year.

One could have continued earning from bicycles, but fate had other plans. One day, Alexander Alexandrovich managed to ride a German motor bicycle. He was so impressed that he decided that the era of transport powered by human physical strength was fading into the past. This inspired Leitner to create his own motorcycles.

The frame, wheels, and spokes were ready, but there were difficulties with the engine: he could not create his own and had to acquire a license from Russian engineers, the Werners. Thus, from March 1899, the history of Russian motorcycle construction began. Motorcycles of various types were produced: classic two-wheelers and tricycles.

However, establishing mass production proved difficult due to high costs, and each motorcycle was essentially unique. Leitner suspended production for several years.

He returned to this idea only in 1903. His factory began producing only classic motorcycles. The engine was replaced with a German "Fafnir" with a power of 1.75 hp, and the motorcycle weighed only 36 kg.

Interestingly, Russian motorcycles were popular among athletes and participated in races. Soon, Leitner's developments were useful to other entrepreneurs. One of the largest motorcycle manufacturers became the Imperial Aircraft Factory "Duks." But that is a completely different story.