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.
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Posts Tagged ‘Motorcycles’
Motorcycles 1919-1926
Friday, August 7th, 2009Motorcycles: The Pioneering Years, 1898-1918
Friday, July 10th, 2009Both motor cycle and light car have a common ancestor in the de Dion-type tricycle with single-cylinder engine geared direct to the back axle: the 1898 Ariel was a successful British version, Two wheelers came later, their early form consisting of a simple bicycle frame into which were inserted a single-cylinder power unit, a fuel tank, primitive controls, and a plain belt drive with no gears or clutch. Components could be bought out – engines mainly from de Dion, Minerva, or M.M.C.
The 1903 Madison was a bicycle built by a small shop in Gillingham, dorset, fitted with a 200c.c. clip-on engine made in Derby. The Leicester-built 1903 Clyde was a similar machine sold on a regional basis. Many famous names started with bicycle-based types: in France the pioneers were Werner (a 1903 2 h.p. was ridden from John o’Groats to Land’s End in 653/4 hours), while in England there were the 1902 Matchless, 1903 Rover, and 1903 Triumph, this last using one of the first proprietary engines built by J.A.P., long a general provider to Europe’s motor cycle industry.
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