Eli Motorcycles

Eli were motorcycles produced from 1911 to 1912, by Eli Clarke at Station Road, Bristol.

The make was first seen at the lat 1911 Olympia Show. Using Precision engines, he first fitted a 3½ hp engine but later listed 2½ hp, 3¾ hp and 4¼ hp models. All except the largest had a simple belt drive. The 4¼ hp model had chain-and-belt-drive.

Although the make was short-lived it had excellent mudguards and additional shields for weather protection.

Leader were motorcycles produced by Eli Clarke of Bristol, from 1903 to 1908.

• 1903 A machine was built and fitted with a 2hp Minerva engine hung from the downtube. To absorb road shocks, it had Preston Weir wheels built in two parts.

• 1904 Clarke entered his machine in the 1,000-mile trial and was an award winner.

• 1906 The same machine was still listed.

• 1908 The engines used were now mainly JAP - singles of 2½ hp, 3½ hp and 4½ hp; V-twins of 6hp, 7hp, or 9hp. There was also a 3½ hp Fafnir single. Little more was heard of the make after the end of the year.

Source: Graces Guide

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