A pre-War bike?

[awa355]

For my family history, I would like to be able to get a rough identification of the bike my father is riding. I would appreciate any help, thanks.

[unstuck]

For my family history, I would like to be able to get a rough identification of the bike my father is riding. I would appreciate any help, thanks.

Dunno, but it looks cool.

[T.W.R]

First thought was a Harley pea-shooter but the tank & top tube are the wrong shape and it's got a front brake

Could be either a Grindlay Peerless, Rudge, or a Velocette all early mid 1920s from what can be seen of the bike

[fridayflash]

looks to me like a stripped down excelsior, im trying to find a pic of my mates pre-war one to compare

[jellywrestler]

alldays and onions maybe or a matchless single, tank looks indian prince like but doubt it's one of those

[swarfie]

alldays and onions maybe or a matchless single, tank looks indian prince like but doubt it's one of those

Definitely not a Velocette..Outside flywheel and very light gauge frame so probably a lightweight two stroke. Clutch looks the same as my Dads late 20's James 197 which has an Albion gearbox. The top frametube above the fuel tank dates it pre mid 20's...best I can do.

[Grumph]

I agree outside flywheel and light gauge frame but i doubt if it's factory built. Did the old man ever try speedway ?
There were a lot of home built specials made in the early years of dirt track and that to me is what it looks like.
The tank looks like a saddle tank jammed in under the top rail. Most flat tanks aren't as curved as that.

But, hey, i could be wrong....

[Ocean1]

alldays and onions maybe or a matchless single, tank looks indian prince like but doubt it's one of those

Isn't that a big M on the tank?

[awa355]

Dont think any of the family ever did any form of racing. The bike may well have been modified but probably from economical necessity than any desire to play. It may well have been some class of racing bike. Was worth asking about tho.

[T.W.R]

Definitely not a Velocette..Outside flywheel and very light gauge frame so probably a lightweight two stroke.

Think if you care to check Velocette made 344cc, 217cc, & 247cc 2strokes And google a 1924 Velocette 247 TS and the only clearly recognisable difference apart from the bike being stripped of guards & other shields is that the primary drive chain runs externally of the flywheel otherwise their pretty damn close.

Matchless used the complete name on their bikes tanks until 1931 when AJS took ownership of the Woolwich factory off the Collier brothers

[T.W.R]

Been doing a bit more digging and going on comparison of frame layout, tank shape, girder fork style & flywheel style
without being pedantic searching the two bikes closest in design are either
Grindlay Peerless circa 1923 either a 147cc or 247cc 2stroke or a Coventry Eagle 123cc 2 stroke (early 20s)

[swarfie]

Think if you care to check Velocette made 344cc, 217cc, & 247cc 2strokes And google a 1924 Velocette 247 TS and the only clearly recognisable difference apart from the bike being stripped of guards & other shields is that the primary drive chain runs externally of the flywheel otherwise their pretty damn close.

I am well aware they made two strokes, and in fact most of their early products were two stroke powered. Several of my friends including my Dad have various different models of Velo two strokes. The clutch is the reason I said it wasn't a Velo.

[T.W.R]

Definitely not a Velocette..Outside flywheel and very light gauge frame so probably a lightweight two stroke.

I am well aware they made two strokes, and in fact most of their early products were two stroke powered. Several of my friends including my Dad have various different models of Velo two strokes. The clutch is the reason I said it wasn't a Velo.

Excuse me ??