Crocker Motorcycle Company began with a desire for the machine. In 1997 founder, Markus Karalash, began making parts for Crocker motorcycles when a friend, knowing the high quality restorations Markus had performed, asked him to make a few small items so that he could get his Crocker restoration under way. At this point, Karalash was tired of the Indian and Harley Davidson restorations being offered to him, as everyone seemed to be restoring either one or the other, and jumped at this challenge. Soon after teaching himself the basics of pattern making and casting, parts were being produced out of his small shop. When the quality of parts that Markus made began to get known within the Crocker community, news spread quickly. Crocker Motorcycle Company came into existence soon after. Being a competent researcher is essential to doing detailed, quality restorations and Markus excelled at it by finding the experts and engaging them in serious detailed conversations about anything Crocker related. He didn’t stop there, as much history about Crocker is not known or is even erroneous. Karalash dove into archival material and even turned up some people who were actually part of Crocker History in the 1930’s. By the end of 1998 the Crocker parts business had out grown it’s “hobby” status and in January of 1999 Crocker Motorcycle Company was incorporated. Having watched Markus’s Crocker project develop, Michael Schacht, a friend and owner of one of Markus’s beautiful restorations became interested in the project and shortly thereafter discussions of Michael’s involvement began. By 2002 Michael and Markus would sign a deal that would see them officially as partners. Michael’s business experience and passion accelerated the growth of Crocker Motorcycle and the dream of recreating both the “Big and Small Tank” models as complete motorcycles was becoming a reality. Schacht’s auto export and leasing office became the official home base for Crocker Motorcycle Company Inc. and a full time effort was now underway. A professional pattern maker was hired followed by an engineer and the use of CMM (coordinate measuring equipment) was incorporated. Trade marking was now underway and a secure future lay ahead. With the use of original Crocker drawings and original parts, and with the aid of CMM equipment, Crocker has developed a vast library of engineering drawings that would shock restorers of any other brand of motorcycle out there. All of our engineered parts are drawn using a CAD program that enables us to machine our castings by hand or CNC as well as the ability to make any of them from “billet aluminum” if so desired. We can run different files, such as a DFC file, over to our laser jet cutter and have him cut out perfect engine mounts in a “flash”. We have opportunities to improve the original parts in so many ways that Al Crocker could never have even dreamed of. As of July 2004 Crocker Motorcycle Company has moved into a larger facility, with a full time staff working to make our dream a reality. With seventy percent of the parts now completed or underway and a growing demand for complete Crocker “kits”, Karalash and Schacht are working to complete all of the parts for both the “Big Tank” and “Small Tank” models with a scheduled completion date of 2005.

Crocker Motorcycle has developed business relations throughout North America and has an ever-expanding global client base. Interest in Crocker kits has been shown by vintage racers, antique collectors and original Crocker owners worldwide. By keeping as much work as possible in-house Schacht and Karalash have been able to control costs, quality and maintain a firm hold on their business.