Vaclav Klement was born in 1868 in Velvary, which is even closer to Prague than Mlada Boleslav. The present Czech Republic is part of the former k.u.k. Monarchy of Austria-Hungary. His father is a simple worker in agriculture, road services or as a coachman. At age 10, Klement loses his mother and can not deal well with the new wife of his father. Obviously he learns at an early age stand up to difficulties. He is talented, has, through the intercession of his teachers more than just 5 years of primary school and an apprenticeship as a bookseller in Slany, almost a neighbor place. He probably won here his knowledge the later always press him to leave home and the company is very beneficial.

In his profession he makes very quick career, soon leads the branch office of a bookstore in Mlada Boleslav (then Jungbunzlau). Soon, he is considered to be very pleasant-natured and efficient not least because of his hobby, cycling, for he makes powerful advertising. Even at age 22 he took over the business, where next books are sold a lot of other articles. He has now the offer extended to bicycle parts. Nine years, the store, later led by his wife, will complete the lack of income of the newly formed company Laurin and Klement, until its sale proceeds definitively will flow to the development of a new motorcycle model.

Vaclav Laurin was born in 1865 in Turnov, some 30 km further from Prague than Mlada Boleslav. Here he is, when he visits after elementary school and apprenticeship the trade school. Early age on him is to recognize a certain down-to-earth and thereby the associated disposedness for accuracy and (new German) sustainability. Of course, the skill and practical understanding, too without a craftsman is screwed in any case.

Interesting how two very different personalities come together by twist of fate. But is also evident at Laurin an ambition for a larger scope. After all, he and his first business partner Kraus have equal rights with the manufacture of bicycles, although this later presumes too many rights and Laurin thus consequences of the essence.