
Werner Motocyclette
Years: 1897 – 1897
Werner helped define motorcycle architecture by moving the engine from above the front wheel to within the frame—what became known as the ‘Werner position.’ This change improved stability, weight distribution, and serviceability, influencing the industry’s evolution from clip-on engines to purpose-built motorcycles. Werner machines competed in early road events and set patterns for controls and frame geometry that survived long after the brand faded. Their legacy is foundational: a clearer idea of where an engine belongs on two wheels.