British

Today in Motorcycle History

Booth Motorcycles

Booth of Putney, London produced motorcycles from 1901 to 1903.

1901 The first models were manufactured using De Dion and Minerva engines. They were mainly built to specification and included a ladies' model for a Mrs Hulbert. It had an open bicycle-frame and other revised details to suit.

1903 Frank Hulbert rode a Booth in the ACU 1,000-mile trial. Also riding in that trial was S. Bramley Moore who took over the firm and, using the existing range, changed the name to Hulbert Bramley Motor Co. They then changed to using a 2¾ hp Minerva engine.

Mrs. Hulbert on her motor cycle.

This lady is well known in Putney for her sporting proclivities, while her husband is celebrated in the skating world as the holder of the diamond badge for English figure skating. Both are now devoting a great deal of time to motor cycling. Mrs. Hulbert has ridden her motor bicycle some hundreds of miles without a breakdown of any description, and at the present time, when lady motor cyclists are distinctly rare, her appearance always creates quite a sensation. She is very fond of motorcaring, but regards the bicycle as a more sporting and even more enjoyable pastime. Her bicycle was built by the Booth Motor Co., of Putney, and special arrangements have been made for the suitable disposal of the petrol and oil tanks, coil. etc.

The Motor Cycle, April 8th, 1903

The Booth Motor Syndicate, Ltd.,

are showing on Stand 5 several specimens of their motor bicycles. These are fitted with 2¾ h.p. Minerva engines. The principal features of note are the large capacity of the petrol and oil tanks, which occupy the space between the upper and the lower horizontal tubes. The coil and accumulators are carried in separate cases beneath the lower of the two horizontal tubes, and in rear of the engine cylinder. The lady motor cyclist is catered for, and an example of a type of machine suitable for her is shown. This is fitted with a 2 h.p. Minerva engine. The petrol tank is placed between the bottom tube from the head to the bracket, and that running from the top of the head to the horizontal diagonal between the down and seat tubes. The accumulator and coil are both carried in a metal case located in the rear of the seat tube. Belt drive is employed, the belt being efficiently protected by a metal case. A 3½ h.p. engined bicycle is shown in the centre of the stand fitted with a forecarriage. (Stand 5.)

The Motor Cycle November 25th, 1903. p848
1903 National Show, Crystal Palace

Sources: Graces Guide; The Motor Cycle.


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