At the age of 12 Bruno Rossati began working eleven hour days.
"Now, approaching 91, I find myself reminiscing about my youth, still riding my motorcycle every day.
Letter re Ladetto
The workshop address is given as Sandyford Lane, circa 1923.
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.
1909 Dene Models.
The Dene Motor Co., Newcastle-on-Tyne, are specialising for this year upon the production of a big twin machine. The specification includes 8 h.p. V Jap engine, with Blic magneto behind engine driven by chain from engine shaft. This design is a distinct "breakaway" from standard, and brings the contact breaker to the right hand side — a great convenience in sidecar machines. Transmission is by Renold chain through Sturmey-Archer three-speed countershaft gear.
Chains are enclosed in cast and machined aluminium cases. Back wheel quickly detachable and fitted with buffer drive to eliminate shock. Dunlop tyres, 28in. x 3in. Brooks saddle. The hubs are carried on Hoffmann journal bearings. The brakes are of the belt-rim type with compensating shoe operating inside the rim. The price will be £130. The firm also markets a 4 h.p. chain-cum-belt-drive model, the price of which is £95.
The Motor Cycle, May 8th, 1909.
Sources: Graces Guide, The Motor Cycle.
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