So, is it actually an engine assisted bicycle?

Pardon my ignorance on matters of such early bikes, but were they all like that back in the day?

 

I'm guessing many were like that

 

OK, got it. You just have to pedal your **** off to get them started.

Got to say I'm glad that that method of starting has gone by the way.

I couldn't imagine I would ever have enough puff in me to ever get the CBR started, especially up my steep drive.

 

Yeah now TK sometimes you just have to a whopping big hill to get going instead


Hey Seb

I've been trying to compare it against stuff in this site
Maybe a Norton ?

If ya look at the head of the engine - that distinctive shape is more like
Peugeot bikes - but it's still got me

 

Getting warmer

IMO it's a single cyclinder Triumph

Link


not sure tho

 

I have got it Sprock - I was on the right track earlier. Look at the method of suspension on the front forks and the engine layout (sloper) with the horizontal head fins.

It is a 1912/13 2.5hp Motosacoche. Single cylinder

Motosacoche was founded in 1899, by Henri and Armand Dufaux, in Geneva, Switzerland.
Motosacoche was once the biggest Swiss motorcycle manufacturer, known also for its MAG (Motosacoche Acacias Genéve) proprietary-engines used by other European motorcycle manufacturers.
From 1900 Motosacoche produced a bicycle auxiliary engine, in a sub-frame that could be installed into a conventional bicycle. This looked like an engine in a bag, hence the Motosacoche name, meaning "engine in a bag".

In 1912, a complete lightweight motorcycle 'for gentlefolk' was produced. Fitted with engine shields not present on this 1913 example, company advertising boasted 'no oily dirt, no noise, no gymnastics'. This exhibit is a regular competitor in the Epsom Downs to Brighton Pioneer Run.

Find Link Here







Page 311 can be found via the link above - it was giving me grief!

You can owe me that beer now

Cheers, SB

 

Virtual beer, I've already had it for you.

Good sleuthing skills Craig, you're in danger of becoming the official CBRF historian (and also the 'go to guy' for nasty insect bites).

 

Yeah I was thinking that RI might have been Rhode Island but upon closer inspection I think it's a R1 which makes sense as back then 2 letters were probably not needed and I'm betting license numbers were shared on all vehicles without class being a factor. If it had Been a R.I. plate I could have done a local search on it.

Great find man!

 

That's the bike alright. I pieced the two photos.

The RI could be Republic of Ireland.
I was going to say that the whopping 2.5 hp wouldn't knock your hat off but by the looks of the video, that 1909 Trumpet had a tall final drive.

 

Excellent job, 'Bear