Melen were motorcycles produced by F. and H. Melen of Cheapside, Birmingham, from 1912 to 1913 and from 1922 to 1926.
1911 Company registered by G. F. Melen and H. C. Melen. To carry on the business of cycle carriers, cycle handcart, truck, and trolley manufacturers.[1]
1912 The first machine, a combination, was exhibited at the late Olympia Show. It had a 6hp JAP V-twin engine, Roc two-speed gear and belt drive. The wicker sidecar had a four-point attachment.
1913 The enterprise was short-lived and did not last beyond that year.
1913-14 Produced a light car with 1103cc 2-cylinder Alpha engine
1913-1917 For a list of the models and prices see the 1917 Red Book
1922 The Melen resurfaced on a tradesman's motor carrier tricycle, in the form of a conventional motorcycle with the exception of the front. This had two wheels and a closed-top delivery box positioned between them. It therefore resembled the rather out-dated forecar of yesteryear, and was powered by a 292cc two-stroke Union engine.
1924 By now, the Union engine had been replaced by a 343cc Villiers, but otherwise the design was virtually unchanged.
1926 Production continued until this year and then stopped.
1927 F and H Melen Ltd. Express Works, Sparkbrook, Birmingham.
London Showrooms: 314 Grays Inn Road, WC1
See Also
Sources of Information
- ↑ Bromsgrove & Droitwich Messenger - Saturday 17 June 1911
The British Motorcycle Directory - Over 1,100 Marques from 1888 - by Roy Bacon and Ken Hallworth. Pub: The Crowood Press 2004 ISBN 1 86126 674 X