Large was a motorcycle produced by Large and Co, of Chorlton-cum-Hardy in Manchester in 1903.
Only one machine is known to have been constructed, and was fitted with a De Dion four-stroke AIV engine. It was unsprung, had unbraced forks and direct-belt drive. It was entered in the Paris to Madrid Race of 1903 which started at Versailles on May 24th before an enormous crowd. Spectators of the day were unfamiliar with the great speeds attained, and there were many accidents, some fatal.
The Large had an accident en route, the rider of that name broke bones and the machine was returned to England. It was sold in 1909, and its history from then is unclear.
The Large still exists and is discussed in some detail in The Early Motor Bicycle Issue 21, June 2022, edited by Martin Shelley of the VMCC.
Sources: Graces Guide; Martin Shelley.
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