Two 1920s Questions

[Wali.Badger.Taylor]

Firstly, what was the last year of V twin production? Secondly, in 1925 the W&P powered bikes had the handlebars in two halves, split at the four bolt central clamp, what year was this firstly done and why?

[markus.nikot]

re 1st question, as I know 1924.

Markus

[Roger Gwynn]

1st v-twin was in supposedly in 1905-06 and was a race replica with JAP engine, at least one was built. Next in 1913, a 1000cc probably with an Abingdon engine, probably none made, certainly no survivors known. 1914-16 with Abingdon 670cc twin in std singles frame, increased to 800cc in 1919, made until 1923. From late 1920 it was in a taller frame designed for MAG engine when ordered with chain drive. Last v-twin was the MAG engined 1000cc made 1922-24.

For the 1925 season only a curious method of providing an adjustable and quickly detachable handlebar was fitted. The handlebar was in two pieces, a left half and a right half; the two halves were locked into the central clamp by bolts that engaged in grooves in the end of the handlebar half, thus ensuring that they could not fall out. A solution looking for a problem.

[Wali.Badger.Taylor]

Thank you Markus and Roger!

[Vincent.vanGinneke]

The 1st Vtwin, a 1905 racer, Wonderfull machine!

Adrie can tell you all about it, tell us Adrie !

[nevhunter]

Looks later than '05 IMHO. Nev

[adrie.degraaff]

I have given mij documentation away, so i am not sure but think this is the second model after the Isle of Man winning but could be the same year.

[Roger Gwynn]

I am fairly sure that this photo of John Campbell was taken in Dourdan, France before the cup race held in June of 1905, the engine is the same but the cycle parts have changed.

[klaus gerhard]

What do you think about this one. Is it a later version?

[Roger Gwynn]

Caption for this photo from the forthcoming book.
The only known evidence of an Ariel-JAP machine other than the John Campbell racer is this one, showing proud owner Tom (Tosh) Straker, from Hull. The saddle position and un-sprung duplex forks date it to between 1905 and 1907. In order to find room for the tall engine, the tank has been shrunk and the lower tank rail raised; additional containers have been provided for the parts evicted from the tank. The engine is a 6 h.p. JAP of 730cc.