Prior to Torker the company was run by John Johnson, Steve Johnson's dad, called Texon founded in 1975. Steve's younger brother Doug was racing BMX but wanted a better bike so his Dad created the first prototype that I've included a picture of.
1976 Steve changed the name to Johnson Engineering then again to Torker. His Mom, Doris, was the bookkeeper and Doug ran the sister company MAX which started in 1980.
1976 - 1979 Torker MX (Big Bike), large Pro size frame with forward facing dropouts then in May 1978 changed to rear facing dropouts (20" Top tube). Had all mild steel and chromoly tube models. The headtube and bottom bracket were still mild steel. 1978 - 1982 Torker L.P., Low Profile for the smaller and expert racers with redefined geometry (18.5" Top tube). Again had all mild steel and chromoly tube models. Mild steel serial numbers ending in an M 1978 Torker L.P.G.T. complete bike with European bottom bracket and serial number ending in an E. 1979 Torker TorkFlyte complete expert bike 1979 Torker MaxFlyte complete Pro bike 1979 - 1982 Torker L.P. Long model, Low Profile but one inch longer top tube (19.5"). Again had all mild steel and chromoly tube models. Serial number ending in an O 1979 - 1980 Torker Eddy King replica model, Low Profile with European bottom bracket. 1979, late in the year the serial numbers changed from the Bottom brackets to the right rear inner dropout. 1980 Torker TrashFlyte complete bike, all mild steel with steel components 1980 - 1983 Torker Mini, light weight and no gussets. Serial number ending in a R 1981 Torker 26" cruiser chromoly frame and forks with serial number ending in a C 1982 Torker 24" cruiser chromoly frame and forks with a serial number ending in a C 1982 - 1983 Torker LPT, Low Profile with European bottom bracket as Eddy King was now riding for Diamond Back 1982 Torker 340 complete 24" cruiser 1982 Torker 280 complete 20" bike 1982 Torker 280x complete 20" bike, longer frame 1982 Torker serial numbers changed to begin with TZZ down to TAA in September 1982 Torker built the first freestyle specific frame and fork, the Haro Freestyler with a serial number ending in F 1982 Torker 280 and 280x frames had an oval gusset to prevent cracks with new decals 1983 Torker Pro-X frame with no classic gusset, machined head tube and bottom bracket, and Redline style head tube gussets. Serial numbers ending in P. 1983 Torker made Haro Freestylers were now made by Anlun (Taiwan) late 1983. 1984 Torker Micro Mini which was a smaller/lighter mini with an integrated seat post clamp and parallel double top tubes 1984 Torker TorkLite complete Micro mini bike 1984 Torker Freestylist, Designed by Martin Aparijo and not many produced due to the bankruptcy November 1984. 1984 Mini Pro, Made specifically for Craig Bark but was not mass produced due to the bankruptcy which was larger than a micro mini but smaller than a Pro-X 1984 Torker Magnum complete bike, low end version like the 280 1984 Torker filed for bankruptcy 1985 Torker name bought by Seattle Bike Supply 1986 Torker name bought by Tioga and Torker 2 Freestyle brand was introduced 1990's Torker name owned by Seattle Bike Supply and produced alloy 20 and 24" frame, forks, and complete bikes in 1997 - 1999
