The tale of a legendary motorcycle accessory company
Dreams are often like seeds planted in soil. Some never spring to life, others shrivel up and wither away, but those that are tended, watered, and fertilized have the chance to grow and produce much. Back in 1937, a young man named Gordon Willey planted a dream and began to “work the soil” so to speak, on a company that would go on to help shape the growing world of motorcycling.
Willey came of age in the early 1900s, amidst World War I, the international flu pandemic of 1918, and the Great Depression. An avid pilot and motorcycle rider (clearly the adventurous type for his times), Willey saw a need among riders for quality accessories. He decided to start a company that would apply expert craftsmanship in manufacturing parts for use on motorbikes, and in 1937 he launched Nation’s Cycle Center in Maywood, Illinois, near metro Chicago.
Gordon Willey in his biplane, “Lady Luck”, 1931. Photo by National Cycle.
When the United States entered World War II in December, 1941, the factory switched gears to the production of war materials. By war’s end in 1945, Willey and company returned to their “bread & butter” of motorcycle parts and accessories. Their sales exploded with the return of military personnel to the States, many of whom bought up war surplus Harleys and Indians, among other smaller and foreign brands the services had used. Nation’s Cycle Center rapidly expanded their post-war offerings to this now large market, and business boomed.
By the 1960s, Japan had become a close ally and trade partner, and invaded the U.S. with a welcome array of smaller, affordable, yet tech-advanced bikes from Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki and Suzuki. Willey saw a golden opportunity, and led the company to produce aftermarket accessories for these new and popular motorcycles. Nation’s Cycle Center became a leader in parts for motorcycles in America.
A 1960s era Harley-Davidson Duo-Glide, kitted out with “Genuine Nation-Bilt” products, end-to-end. Photo by National Cycle.
By 1974 Mr. Willey’s health was struggling, so two of his sons, Barry and G.B., took over the family business as President and Senior Engineer & Partner, respectively. The brothers changed the company name to National Cycle, and Barry went to work on what would become the brand’s signature accessories, motorcycle windshields. In 1975 they developed and marketed a revolutionary windshield from General Electric’s MR40T4 polycarbonate material, later known as Lexan, which was 20X more impact resistant than acrylic. Sales soared.
In the years since, National Cycle has seen unparalleled growth as they’ve developed lines of accessories for every motorcycle brand, every bike type, and every application. From quick-release windshields, to quick-release saddlebags, and so many other products in between, National Cycle has never slowed down in their relentless pursuit of “Total Customer Satisfaction” as their founder Mr. Willey called it.
A photo of the 1962-63 catalog, with an employee posing. No one can recall her name, so they simply refer to her as “Mom”.
Innovations like the industry-flipping VStream Windscreens are now available in over 300 styles for over 150 motorcycles. Quantum hardcoating, another National Cycle creation, makes polycarbonate windshields ever more resistant. And the company even launched ZTechnik, a brand devoted exclusively to BMW motorcycles. The sky appears to be the limit for National Cycle, as the company remains in the capable and creative hands of Gordon Willey’s family members.
A photo from the BMW ZTechnik line, and one of Smoothback-style hard cases mounted to a Suzuki Marauder. Photos by National Cycle.
As the official OEM supplier for Harley-Davidson, BMW, Honda, Kawasaki, Yamaha, Suzuki, Triumph, and even Polaris, National Cycle leads the world in motorcycle windshield design, patents and production. In the words of Barry Willey, “We’ve come to realize that in the aftermarket, you have to innovate. We measure our success by how many times we change the industry.” National Cycle has certainly changed the motorcycle industry numerous times over the decades, in the best ways possible.
For more on National Cycle and their incredible array of parts, accessories and services, click here:
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