Dene

Dene were motorcycles produced from 1903 to 1924 by J. R. Moore in Haymarket, Newcastle-on-Tyne.

• 1903 Having left the Jesmond Cycle Co, Moore then formed Dene and launched a machine using a 3½ hp Fafnir engine, Chater-Lea spring forks and direct-belt drive.

• 1906 Advancements were made and soon all-chain drive was in use, with a Dene two-speed counter-shaft gear working on the elliptical principle and with a clutch.

• 1908 A two-speed hub gear was patented.

• 1910 The machines had become typical of the era and were now fitted with Precision engines, belt drive and sprung forks. There was a gradual move from a three-speed rear hub to a two-speed gearbox. Singles and V-twins were built.

  1914 A two-stroke was produced.

  1915 There was some production that year but the war that would be over by Christmas wasn't, and manufacture came to a halt.

  1921 Advertised a large range of parts for BSA, Triumph, Douglas and others, but no mention of their own motorcycles in the catalogue. Address given was Handyside's Arcade, Percy Street, Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

  1922 One model was listed. It had an 8hp JAP engine, three-speed Sturmey-Archer gearbox and all-chain drive.

  1924 During that year production came to an end.

Sources: Graces Guide

Notes: There is an excellent article on the marque in the magazine Old Glory Steam and Vintage, March 2014.

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