Lea-Francis: Motorcycles: Difference between revisions
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[[Image:Im1920Cov-Lea.jpg|thumb| 1920 | [[Image:Im1913LeaFran3h25-2.jpg|thumb| 1913. 3.25 h.p. Exhibit at the [[National Motorcycle Museum]]. ]] | ||
[[Image:Im1913LeaFran3h25.jpg|thumb| 1913. 3.25 h.p. Exhibit at the [[National Motorcycle Museum]]. ]] | |||
[[Image:Im1920Cov-Lea.jpg|thumb| 1920. ]] | |||
''Note: This is a sub-section of [[Lea-Francis]]'' | ''Note: This is a sub-section of [[Lea-Francis]]'' | ||
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'''Lea-Francis''' motorcycles were produced from 1912 to 1924, in Lower Ford Street, in Coventry. | '''Lea-Francis''' motorcycles were produced from 1912 to 1924, in Lower Ford Street, in Coventry. | ||
1912 Lea Francis is perhaps better known as a car manufacturer but in the very early days the firm gained a reputation for the excellence of their bicycles. The prototypes of their motorcycle were produced in time for the 1912 Show. The machine was very well received, and featured all-chain drive in oil baths, multi-plate clutch, quickly detachable rear wheel, 2 speed gearbox with kick-starter, and particularly efficient mud-guarding. used [[J. A. Prestwich Industries|JAP]] engines | |||
1912 Having already dabbled with cars since about 1904, the firm turned to motorcycles and introduced one model, in August. It had a 3.25hp [[J. A. Prestwich Industries|JAP]] V-twin engine with chain-driven [[Bosch]] magneto, a two-speed gearbox, plate clutch and fully-enclosed chain final-drive. There were also [[Druid]] forks and dummy-rim brakes on both wheels. It was offered as a reliable and comfortable tourer. | |||
1913-1917 For a list of the models and prices of motorcycles see the [[1913-1917 Motor, Marine and Aircraft Red Book: Motorcycles| 1917 Red Book]] | |||
1914 It was joined by a prototype combination using a 6-hp V-twin [[Motosacoche|MAG]] engine, but the project was dropped due to the outbreak of war. Meanwhile, the other model was uprated to 3.5-hp [[J. A. Prestwich Industries|JAP]] V-twin engine. | |||
1915-1916 The 3.5hp model continued, with a three-speed gearbox. | |||
1919 After the War, the same model reappeared, but with only two speeds. | |||
1920 That model was joined by one with a 3.5-hp [[Motosacoche|MAG]] engine. | |||
1921 The 3.5 bh-p model, plus another with 5hp, were given three speeds. Engine capacities were 495cc and 592cc. | |||
1922 Those models ran on, together with a stripped sports version of the 3.5hp. | |||
1923 The 592cc machine was given a [[Burman and Sons|Burman]] gearbox. | |||
1924 The above model was the only one listed that year, after which motorcycle production ceased. | |||
* ''Note:'' | * ''Note:'' | ||
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** Graham Francis's son, Gordon, would go on to co-found [[Francis-Barnett]]. | ** Graham Francis's son, Gordon, would go on to co-found [[Francis-Barnett]]. | ||
[[National Motorcycle Museum]] exhibits:- | |||
* 1913 Lea Francis 3.25 hp V-Twin | |||
== See Also == | |||
<what-links-here/> | |||
==Sources of Information== | ==Sources of Information== | ||
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* [http://www.motorarchive.com/] Yesterday's Antique Motorcycles web site | * [http://www.motorarchive.com/] Yesterday's Antique Motorcycles web site | ||
* [http://www.cybermotorcycle.com/euro/british.htm ] CyberMotorCycles web site | * [http://www.cybermotorcycle.com/euro/british.htm ] CyberMotorCycles web site | ||
{{DEFAULTSORT: }} | |||
[[Category: Town - Coventry]] | |||
[[Category: Motorcycles]] | |||
Revision as of 16:29, 19 July 2019
Note: This is a sub-section of Lea-Francis
Lea-Francis motorcycles were produced from 1912 to 1924, in Lower Ford Street, in Coventry.
1912 Lea Francis is perhaps better known as a car manufacturer but in the very early days the firm gained a reputation for the excellence of their bicycles. The prototypes of their motorcycle were produced in time for the 1912 Show. The machine was very well received, and featured all-chain drive in oil baths, multi-plate clutch, quickly detachable rear wheel, 2 speed gearbox with kick-starter, and particularly efficient mud-guarding. used JAP engines
1912 Having already dabbled with cars since about 1904, the firm turned to motorcycles and introduced one model, in August. It had a 3.25hp JAP V-twin engine with chain-driven Bosch magneto, a two-speed gearbox, plate clutch and fully-enclosed chain final-drive. There were also Druid forks and dummy-rim brakes on both wheels. It was offered as a reliable and comfortable tourer.
1913-1917 For a list of the models and prices of motorcycles see the 1917 Red Book
1914 It was joined by a prototype combination using a 6-hp V-twin MAG engine, but the project was dropped due to the outbreak of war. Meanwhile, the other model was uprated to 3.5-hp JAP V-twin engine.
1915-1916 The 3.5hp model continued, with a three-speed gearbox.
1919 After the War, the same model reappeared, but with only two speeds.
1920 That model was joined by one with a 3.5-hp MAG engine.
1921 The 3.5 bh-p model, plus another with 5hp, were given three speeds. Engine capacities were 495cc and 592cc.
1922 Those models ran on, together with a stripped sports version of the 3.5hp.
1923 The 592cc machine was given a Burman gearbox.
1924 The above model was the only one listed that year, after which motorcycle production ceased.
- Note:
- It is recorded that some 1,500 machines were made, of which around two dozen remain today.
- The Lea Francis story was recorded by Ken Hallworth in “OLD BIKE” number 18, summer 1996.
- There is a Lea-Francis Owners' Website [1]
- Graham Francis's son, Gordon, would go on to co-found Francis-Barnett.
National Motorcycle Museum exhibits:-
- 1913 Lea Francis 3.25 hp V-Twin