British

Today in Motorcycle History

Beau Ideal Cycle Co

Frederick Street, Heath Town, Wolverhampton

Beau-Ideal motorcycles were produced from 1903 to 1907.

Charles Richards started the company in about 1890, and was very successful. The showrooms were at Gresham Chambers in Lichfield Street.

1896 The company, Richards' Beau Ideal Cycle Co, was registered on 20 July, to take over the business of Charles Richards and Co.

At the 1903 Stanley Show motorcycles with Clément-Garrard, Minerva, and J.A.P. engines were presented. The following year they exhibited three motorcycles, which were powered by 3½ h.p. German Fafnir engines. All of the models were single speed, fixed gear machines and had all of the rider's controls on the right-hand side of the handlebars. Only a few were made, and the company decided to concentrate on bicycle manufacture.


Richards Beau Ideal Motor Cycles

are shown fitted with Clément-Garrard, Minerva, and J.A.P. engines. (Stand 100.)

Stanley Show 1903

N.B. Howard Burrows has discovered a photograph of a motorcycle with "The Richards" on the fuel tank.

Sources: Graces Guide, The Motor Cycle.


If you have further information or a query related to this page, please contact us