Kerry and Kerry-Abingdon Motorcycles

Kerry

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Kerry 1902

Kerry 1905 Motorcycle

Kerry Motorcycles

Kerry motorcycles were produced from 1902 to 1915, and again from 1960 to 1967.

In the early days these machines were sold by the East London Rubber Co, of Shoreditch. They were built by Sarolea and fitted with Belgian CIE (Pieper) and FN engines, in a loop frame with curved downtube. As a high-built primitive, it had belt drive and braced forks. Engines were of different sizes and there was also a ladies' model.

Report from the 1902 Stanley Show

Stand 29c. East London Rubber Co, London, show a bicycle fitted with the Kerry engine, in a loop which allows the engine to be placed low, and at the same time efficiently forward to get a good length of belt drive, an automatic carburetter is fitted. The main feature aimed at has been to produce a neat machine, coupled with cheapness, 38 guineas retail. At the same time, nothing has been sacrificed as to strength and simplicity.

Motor Cycling, 26th November 1902

1906 onwards. After the death of Alfred Kerry the parent company, East India Rubber, was acquired by Abingdon and the firm added V-twins to the range. Soon, using those engines, they were sold as the Kerry-Abingdon, and models included those fitted with a 3hp single and a 6hp V-twin. It is unclear when the ties with Sarolea were broken, if at all they were before production ceased after the outbreak of war.

1910 Cycle and Motorcycle Exhibition
East London Rubber Co., Ltd.
Gt. Eastern Street, London, E.C. Stands No. 51 and 202.
This firm show the well-known "Kerry " motor-bicycles for next season. There is the " Standard," fitted with a 3½ H.P. engine and a greatly improved petrol tank which will be appreciated by the more experienced motor-cyclists. Then there is the "Tourist Trophy" model, which follows much upon the same lines, having a motor of the same power. The saddle is placed low and the handles are brought still further back.

Olympia Show 1910

1915 Having continued in the same vein for some years, due to the war production halted in December 1915.

1960-1967 The name reappeared on a range of imported mopeds. These were sold as the Kerry Capitano.

Source: Graces Guide

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