Iris motorcycles were produced from 1902 to 1904 in Brixton, London by Legros and Knowles.
1902 The machine was fitted with their own make of 2½ hp water-cooled engine, fitted into a diamond bicycle frame. The belt drive had a free-engine pulley to act as a clutch. It also had a hand starter. The front part of the tank acted as the radiator for the cooling system, with air tubes running from the front and exiting along each side.1903 Added to the previous model was a 5hp water-cooled V-twin, with the engine fitted into a loop frame but all the other features retained.
November 1903 listed as Iris Motor Co of Holland Street, North Brixton.
1904 The models continued, the radiator was improved and air-cooled models were also listed.
1906 Produced 25-30 and 35-40 h.p. shaft-drive models.
1911 Directory lists them as Iris Cars Ltd., Scrubs Lane, Harlesden, London NW, and as motor manufacturers
Report from the 1903 Stanley Show
The Iris Motor Co, of Holland Street, Brixton, will be showing at the Stanley a range of their well-known water-cooled motor-bicycles. This exhibit will comprise the 5 h.p. double-cylinder water-cooled motor-bicycle, fitted with friction clutch, 1.25 inch non-stretching flat belt, and hand starter. The water tank has an ingenious little radiator on each side, and carries sufficient water for a run of 200 miles. This machine, as well as the other models, is fitted with 2.25 inch Swain voiturette tyres. The cover on the back wheel is firmly fixed, as are the tyres on large cars, by three security studs, which prevent any possibility of the tyre creeping, or coming off when deflated. The cylinders are nickel-plated, in order to show the cleanness of the casting. The whole machine, although water-cooled and having two cylinders, weighs 160 lbs. The carburetter is a new type, with automatic mixture adjustment, and the only lever is for the throttle.
Notes: There was also an Iris brand of sidecar of Highbury Station, London, in the mid 1920s.
Source: Graces Guide
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