Elgin were motorcycles produced from 1908 to 1909.
The machine was first exhibited at the Stanley show late in 1908 and was a 1¾ hp lightweight. The 143cc two-stroke engine had drip-feed oil lubrication and drove the rear wheel by belt. It was available in both ladies' and gents' models.
Elgin.
No. 313 Gilbey Halt.
The Elgin motor bicycle is a lightweight model, weighing unladen about 60 lbs. It is made in two patterns, for ladies and gentlemen, the first model being battery ignited and the other provided with a Ruthardt magneto machine, chain driven. The engine is of the two-stroke variety, with a bore of 45 mm. and a stroke of 90 mm. The gas is induced through an automatic inlet valve at the base of the cylinder, compressed in the crank chamber, and driven up to the combustion head from ports in the cylinder walls. A baffle plate on the top of the piston deflects the incoming gas, and prevents it mixing with the exhaust gases. The crankshaft has ball bearings.
The transmission is by an ordinary ... leather V belt without jockey pulley. There is a petrol tank capacity of 100 miles. The oil compartment communicates by means of a pipe and tap with the cylinder, the feed being regulated by the rider, who has under his control a small tap under the tank. In the case of the battery ignited machine the speed is controlled by means of a combined compression release valve and advance spark to contact breaker. The magneto ignited machine has the compression release valve only. Two brakes are fitted - a rim brake on the front wheel, and a back-pedalling coaster rim brake on the rear wheel.
A complete engine set is also sold for fitting to roadster pedal bicycles.
Stanley Show 1908
The Motor Cycle, November 1907
Elgin motorcycles were presented on the stand of Victoria Trading Co. 47 Lamb's Conduit Street, Theobald's Road, W.C. at the November 1908 Stanley Show.
Victoria Trading Co.
47 Lamb's Conduit Street, Theobald's Road, W.C. Stand No. 313.
This is an interesting stand, and it contains some marvellously cheap cars. The Piccolo chassis, with air-cooled engine, two-cylinder 6-8 H.P., is priced at £132 15s., one of the. cheapest two-cylinders yet made. The engine cylinders are set V-shaped, air-cooled by fans at front and rear, driven off the main shaft. A complete two-seater is shown with the same, chassis at £140 with cape hood. There is also a four-seater, enamelled green, with cape hood, of 12-16 H.P., 4 cylinders,. which is also air-cooled, and the engine cylinders are set in V- fashion in two couples. This is priced at £245. All the cars appear to be of remarkably good value, but probably the fact of their being air-cooled only detracts from the apparent cheapness. Two Elgin motor-cycles are shown, lady's and men's. These are priced at £21 l0s. each. The engines are of the two-stroke variety, and are of 13/4 H.P. Samples are also on view of the finished parts to produce these engines.
Source: Graces Guide
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