Bradbury and Co: Motorcycles
Note: This is a sub-section of Bradbury and Co
They produced motorcycles from 1901 to 1924 and introduced one of the earliest forms of variable gearing, using manually adjustable pulleys.
1901 The firm started out by hanging a Minerva engine from the down tube of a standard bicycle.
1902 Late that year they produced machines built to the Birch design. This had the crankcase cast around two of the main frame tubes. In other respects they were similar to the new Werner design and were fairly primitive. The principal model, listed as the Peerless, had a 2.5 hp engine. A lightweight was also listed and this had a Clement-Gerrard engine inclined above the frame down tube. It drove a counter-shaft which was mounted ahead of the bottom bracket, it then went to the rear wheel and both drives were by chain. Other than that it was no more than a heavy-duty bicycle.
Peerless motorcycles were produced from 1902 to 1905. Some of the early Bradbury and Co machines were sold under this name. Built in the same factory, they were identical and featured the same Birch design with the crankcase cast round the two main frame tubes.
1903-1908 The model continued with a few modifications and the crankcase cast to the frame. Various power outputs were available as well as a tandem backseat frame. This was a pillion seat with handlebars. There was also a forecar with a 4hp water-cooled engine and chain drive.
1909 Still of the same construction, but now with sprung forks, the firm standardized on a 3.5hp model - followed by transmission models.
1912 Variable gearing was introduced.
1913 Late that year 3.5hp flat-twin model appeared. This had its magneto mounted on top of the crankcase, a three-speed chain-driven gearbox, the choice of chain or belt final-drive and drum rear-brake.
1914 A 6hp V-twin model was added. This had a three-speed gearbox, all-chain drive and drum rear-brake.
1915 The models continued and the single was rated at 4hp.
1916 The V-twin and the single, with various transmission options, were available that year. Throughout World War I those models remained in production for service use.
1919 After the war, that line still continued with the addition of a 2.75hp, two-speed single with chain-cum-belt drive.
1920 Just three models were available, as the 4hp single was dropped.
1922 The smallest model had transmission options.
1923 That model was now only available with three speeds and chain drive.
1924 They were now down to just two models, both of which had been redesigned and enlarged. Early that year the firm failed and production came to a close. The stock was sold on to an ex-employee who, for some years, sold spares and built machines from those parts.
- Note: The original machines were badged Peerless.