Duzmo Motorcycles

Today in Motorcycle History

Duzmo Motorcycles

Portable Tool and Engineering Co of Enfield Highway, Middlesex
  • Duzmo were motorcycles produced from 1919 to 1924
  • 1919 The Duzmo was designed by John Wallace and was an uncompromising sportsman's machine. His engine, advanced in design, was a 492cc ohv single-cylinder with a detachable head, aluminium piston and pressure lubrication. It had direct belt-drive and conventional cycle parts.
  • 1920 A prototype 8hp ohv 50-degree V-twin in competition trim was built that year, and was a double-up of the single. The machine's success soon swamped the original company and they sold out to Wallace, who continued alone apart from assistance in development from his old friend, H. le Vack. A Duzmo was entered in the Senior TT, without success.
  • 1921 The engine had design changes and in the autumn of that year the production V-twin arrived. It had all-chain drive and a Sturmey- Archer gearbox but, surprisingly, a single-speed belt-driven option was also available. Once again two machines were entered in the TT, but both retired early.
  • 1923 Le Vack had, by now, moved on to JAP and the Duzmo name (said to be the corruption of 'Does More', as in mph) began to fade from the limelight. Only the single survived.
  • 1924 The revised-frame version of the single continued with the engine sloped slightly forward. It had a dropped top tube and a three-speed Sturmey-Archer all-chain set up. Wallace was then forced into liquidation but the Duzmo name ran on for a while as D. J. Shepherd and Co became sole manufacturers at the Enfield Highway address from February.
Sources: Graces Guide

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