These were prosperous years for the British motor-cycle industry, a flourishing proprietary-engine business (led by J.A.P. and Villiers) allowing smaller firms like Coventry-Eagle to concentrate on frame design with their 1926 J.A.P. engined 200 c.c. B33. In the early 1920s belt drive was still in evidence on light weights as typifued by the 1921 2 1/2 h.p. Wooler also used belt drive, though this one has a foot-operated infinitely-variable gear. Chains and multi-speeds, however, featured on even the little 1925 “round tank” 2 1/4 h.p. B.S.A., long the transport of G.P.O. messenger boys.Unit construction of engine and gearbox was gaining hold, on Royal Enfild’s 1919 inline four cylinder prototype, retrieved for exhibition from a forgotten storeroom after 35 years. Sunbeam’s 1925 Light Solo had proper chain cases, and superior finish which justified a price of $88 for a touring 500.
Pioneer of advanced ideas was the 1921 transverse flat-twin A.B.X. Its cradle frame was sprung at front and rear, and brakes were internal expanding, but lack of finance killed it. By 1926 machines like the race bred 348 c.c o.h.v. A.J.S. American motor cycles grew more sophisticated: both the 1920 1-litre V twin Indian and the 1924 Henderson had electric lighting as standard (acetylene still sufficed in Britain). The Henderson, a monstrous 1.3-litre vertical-four, could be had with a reverse gear for sidecar work.
Uniformity was a long way away. Scott’s excellent 1923 3 1/2 h.p. with its open triangulated frame and water-cooled twin-cylinder two-stroke engine was possessed of an unmistakable exhaust note: it also had telescopic front forks, a kick starter, and foot instead of hand change. The 1921 Ner-A-Car, an American design also made in Britain, featured friction drive, a presser-steel frame, and really effective mud guarding which made it ideal for ladies and clerics.
In 1919-21, the scooter made a brief first appearance. Most were primitive, though of 1919’s crop the A.B.C. Skootamota was a substantial affair with chain drive, the 269 c.c. Autoglider had multi-leaf springing at both ends, and the Mobile Pup featured a modern-type welded chassis a folding steering column, and front-wheel drive.
Motor cycles were identifiable by their house colors: red on Indians, dark blue on Hendersons, black and gold on Sunbeams, and green and cream on B.S.A.s. The yellow Woolers were nicknamed “Flying Bananas” on account of their tank shape. Though saddle tanks – a first step to streamlining – had yet to come, by 1926 Triumph were marketing a straight-forward, modern chain drive 500 (the Model-P) at $43 all on.
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