Calthorpe Motorcycles

Today in Motorcycle History

Calthorpe Motorcycles 1920-1921

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3 h.p. Calthorpe 1920

One of the variety of lightweight sidecars in the Show - the 3 h.p. chain and belt-driven Calthorpe.

The 1920 Olympia Show.

CALTHORPE. (Stand 112.)

  • 3 h.p.; 75x79 mm. (350 c.c); single-cylinder two-stroke; drip feed lubrication; B. and B. carburetter; Sturmey-Archer gear; chain-driven magneto; chain and belt drive; Dunlop 26x2-in. tyres. Price £115 10s., with sidecar and lighting set.

Calthorpe Motor Cycle Co., 16, Barn Street, Birmingham.

One of the most interesting of the new lightweight sidecar machines is the 3 h.p. two-stroke Calthorpe. This model, which is fitted with the Calthorpe 350 c.c engine, is noteworthy as being a very complete outfit at an extremely moderate price. It is capable of averaging well over 20 m.p.h. on give-and-take roads with a passenger, and will reach a maximum of nearly double this figure. It is to be observed that in an effort to prevent the ruthless overloading to which so many lightweight machines are subject, the makers have built the rear mudguard without any form of carrier. A Maglita set is fitted, but if it is desired to dispense with electric lighting, an allowance of ten guineas is made. Generally, the outfit has a thoroughly workmanlike appearance. For solo use, the machine is fitted with the Enfield two-speed gear instead of the Sturmey-Archer, and it has lighter tyres. Otherwise the specification is similar. The price of the solo machine is £68 5s.

  • 2¾ h.p.; 70x76 mm. (292 c.c); single-cylinder four-stroke; side-by-side valves; drip feed lubrication; Amac carburetter; chain-driven magneto; Enfield two-speed selective clutch gear; chain and belt drive; Dunlop 26 x 2in. tyres. Price £73 10s.

This machine, which embodies the well-known 2¾ h.p. J.A.P. engine, remains practically as it was last year, and should appeal especially to those who have not yet overcome a feeling of uncertainty as regards two-strokes.

The Calthorpe models generally appear especially clean and neat - a point which even now does not receive the attention it should in all makes.

Olympia Show, 1920

The Motor Cycle, December 2nd, 1920.



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