This light-weight model was very popular and was on the market between 1924 to 1926. The machine was designed in accordance with the legal possibility to ride a motorcycle without driver license when the machine weight was below 50 kg.
MACHINE DATA
MODEL R
Shipped as a solo machine, with or without electric lights. Standard equipped with Villiers patented flywheel generator. Mills head and tail lights.
Spring fork, brake on rear wheel,
Rims and tires Dunlop 26" x 2" embedded.
Overall length: 2000mm
Weight 49Kg.
ENGINE
Villiers MkIIIc 147cc 2-stroke 1 3/4 HP
Bore 55mm, stroke 62 mm
Oil mixed in petrol
GEARBOX
Albion 2 speed with lever on gearbox
MISC
Dry weight: 50 kg
The machine was built in the city of Halmstad, Sweden at the Rex factory, that introduced its first motorcycle about 1904. My Rex Model R was originally sold and used up to 1933 when it was put aside to be discoverd by my oldest brother and given to me a birthday gift on my 14th birthday 1n March 1965.
Restoration started directly, and just before my 16th birthday it was in running order. I managed to take my drivers licence on the machine and used it for about 6 months before it was hit by a car with an elderly driver just after Sweden changed from left to right hand drive traffic. After that a new period of restoration began.
Two speed Albion gearbox - High and low - still not intended for high speed.
Provided with kick start.
Villiers Mk VIII 2-stroke engine with integrated flywheel magneto and generator. This is a Villiers patented invention.
Carburetor in nickel plated cast brass.
147cc and 1 3/4 horsepower.
The air inlet filter is rather primitive and has to be seen as a function to sort out larger flying objects. The needle in the throttle can be adjusted while engine is running to provide the accurate mixture.
Primary transmision by chain.
Rear transmission is a standard V-belt and the only brake is a block that presses into the V-shaped rim on the rear wheel.
The oil leaking from gearbox and oil that penetrates the whole machine from the carburettor makes it virtually impossible to use the foot pedal to brake the if it is somewhat humid or wet.
The best way to stop the machine then is to put down both feet on the ground!
Courtesy Lennart Olsson
