British

ALP Motorcycles

A Brief History of the Marque

Made in High Street Alperton, Middlesex, between 1912 and 1917, the firm built small capacity V-twins and a 199cc single.

The motorcycles were of Swiss design with limited production, built under licence from Moto-Reve, in Middlesex. Its main purpose was to fill a need for transport during the early years of World War I. It had a 2hp 199cc four-stroke V-twin engine with an overhead inlet valve. The exhaust pipe ran from the rear of the engine. There was no sign of the machine in 1915, but it made an appearance in 1916 - probably with a 3hp two-stroke engine.

A WELL-DESIGNED LIGHTWEIGHT.

A remarkably cheap but well-finished lightweight is being marketed by the Moto-Reve Co., Ltd., Alperton, Middlesex, known as the Alp. A 3 h.p. four-stroke engine of 62 x 85 mm. bore and stroke, 257 c.c. with overhead inlet valve, supplies the driving power through a Wata-Wata belt. 26in. x 2in. Hutchinsons, Druid forks, and magneto ignition are used, and the general outfit of the little machine, which scales 106 lb., is quite excellent.

The Motor Cycle, August 27th, 1914.

ALP.
Engine - 2 h.p. Alp, 257 c.c., overhead inlet valve, four-stroke.
Iqnition - Alp magneto, placed behind engine.
Carburetter - Automatic Alp.
Transmission - Belt, 1 1/16 in., over adjustable pulley.
Dimensions - Height of saddle from ground, 30in. Ground clearance, 10in. Wheelbase; 51in.
Lubrication - Internal hand pump.
Other Features - Druid forks. Footrests. Foot-operated brake. Tyres 26 x 2, Weight, 106 1b.
Price - 23 guineas.

Moto-Reve Co., LTD., Alp Eng. Works, Alperton, Essex.

British Lightweights, 1914

Sources: Graces Guide, Henshaw, Eric Tindall, The Motor Cycle.



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