Berliner Motor Corporation

Berliner Motor Corporation
Company typePrivate
FoundedNew York, NY USA 1951 (1951)
FounderBrothers Joseph and Michael Berliner
DefunctCirca 1984 (1984)
FateDefunct
HeadquartersHasbrouck Heights, New Jersey
Area served
North America
Key people
President Joseph Berliner, Vice President or Sales Manager Michael Berliner, Director of Public Relations Walter von Schonfeld Bob Blair Calif. Norton dealer and racing representative, Reno Leoni race bike builder sent by Ducati
ProductsMotorcycles
ServicesImport, distribution, and retail sale of European motorcycles in the USA
DivisionsPremier Motor Corporation (Moto Guzzi), International Motorcycle Co. (Sachs and Zündapp), J-Be, J. B. Matchless Corporation (Matchless)

Berliner Motor Corporation was the US distributor from the 1950s through the 1980s for several European motorcycle marques, including Ducati, J-Be, Matchless, Moto Guzzi, Norton, Sachs and Zündapp, as well as selling Metzeler tires. Berliner Motor was highly influential as the voice of the huge American market to the motorcycle companies they bought bikes from, and their suggestions, and sometimes forceful demands, guided many decisions in Europe as to which bikes to develop, produce, or discontinue.

Joe Berliner [...] a man endowed with great decision-making power in Borgo Panigale

Heritage Features and News. Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A.