Watson Cycle and Motor Works of Ashford, Middlesex produced a 3hp Fafnir-powered machine in 1904.
Greyhound were motorcycles produced from 1904 to 1906 by a firm based in Ashford, Middlesex.
The company first listed a forecar called the Greyhound. It had a 3hp Fafnir engine, two-speed gear, chain drive and Bowden brakes. It was designed to offer modest performance at a modest price. A second model had a 3½ hp Antoine engine and an Oppermann three-speed gearbox.
They also produced motorcycles with the same engines or a 2¾ hp Bowden. After 1906, the make was no longer listed.
Source: Graces Guide
A Brief History of the Marque
Built in Ashford, Middlesex in 1904 and 1905, these machines were assembled using 3.5hp engines supplied by Minerva and Fafnir.They produced tricars and a forecar called the Greyhound that was powered by either a Fafnir or Minerva 3hp engine. The rider had a bucket seat and the passenger sat over the front axle in a wicker seat - this construction was typical of the era.
It was only suitable for use on level ground as it had no gears or pedals and was unsuitable for hills. This make was very short-lived.
The Ashford Motor and Cycle Works, Ashford, Middlesex (Stand 121), are exhibiting two forms of tricar, one having a frame of the drop pattern. The engine is a 3 h.p. Fafnir, and the transmission is by a chain running direct from the engine to the back wheel. The two-speed gear is the latest production of the Bowden Syndicate, and is constructed on the epicyclic principle. Spacious footboards are provided for the passenger's feet to rest on, and beneath this two boxes are carried with sliding lids, one for the coil and accumulators, and the other for tools and spare parts.
A light bucket seat, which is mounted on springs, is fitted for the driver’s use, and a similar type in larger proportions is fitted for the passenger. The other tricar has an ordinary diamond-frame and the motive power is applied by means of a 3½ h.p. Antoine engine (80-85 mm.) with mechanically operated inlet valve. The transmission is by a chain from the engine to the gear-box, which is mounted on the bottom bracket, giving three speeds, and is of the sliding type. The chains run from the secondary shaft to the back wheel. The clutch is operated by a Bowden foot lever. Three band brakes are fitted, the one on the rear wheel being of ample size in diameter. The steering is particularly effective—no toggle joints are used, but plain angles which give a compensating movement. The mudguards are made in the same way as those used on cars.
The bicycles shown on this stand consist of one fitted with a 3½ h.p. Antoine-engine of latest pattern, a 2¾ h.p. Bowden machine fitted with that company's well-known handle-bar control, and a 3 h.p. bicycle with a Fafnir engine and belt drive.
Report on the Stanley Show, The Motor Cycle, November 28th, 1904.
Sources: Henshaw, Graces Guide, The Motor Cycle.
Other marques with the Watson name: Disambiguation
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