Lincoln Elk were motorcycles produced by James Kirby, at Broadgate, Lincoln, from 1902 to 1925.
1905 The model now had a 2.24hp engine fitted into a loop frame with braced forks and belt drive. Following on from that, the firm made their own engines of 3hp and 3.5hp and also used Druid forks.
1912 An ingenious two-speed gear appeared. This had a chain-driven counter-shaft with two clutches, one on either side of the machine, to engage either a belt drive to the rear wheel, or a chain, and thus giving two ratios.
1914-1916 A 6hp V-twin was added, to join 2.25hp and 4.25hp singles.
Post-War. There were three sv models: singles of 349cc and 597cc, and a 771cc V-twin that ran on until 1925.
1922 The smallest model had the option of a direct-belt drive.
1924 All three models had all-chain drive.
1925 With James Kirby now well into his eighties, production came to an end.
A LOW-PRICED MOTOR BICYCLE.
KIRBY and Edwards, Broadgate, Lincoln, an old-standing firm of cycle manufacturers, and who have been making motor cycles for some years, have introduced a new model of considerable merit. Realising that many people have only a limited amount to spend on a motor cycle, they have laid themselves out to supply a motor bicycle at the price until recently charged for a high class pedal bicycle. The machine is of 3 h.p., and the engine is placed low down in a special cradle, an extra loop being made in the frame to ensure additional strength.
The dimensions of the cylinder are 79 mm. x 79 mm., and the engine gives off sufficient power to enable all the hills in Lincoln to be surmounted by local riders who use them. The entire machine, engine, and frame, is made on the premises before mentioned. The wipe contact is driven by a worm gear in the right hand side of the crank case, and the same gear works the exhaust valve cam. the result beinp that the engine is compact. The inlet valve is automatically operated, and accumulator ignition, with a two-way switch, is fitted as a standard.
The transmission is by a 7/8in. Stanley-Dermatine belt and among other standard fitments are Palmer tyres of 26in. wheels, Brown and Barlow carburetter, Basset Michel trembler coil, and Bluemel's twenty ampere hour accumulator. The machine is stated to be able to attain a speed of about forty miles an hour, and to mount an ordinary hill without pedal assistance. It is the work of an old-established firm, well known in Lincoln, and with such a machine at the hitherto unheard of price of £19 10S. there should be several recruits to the pastime.
The Motor Cycle, March 4th, 1908.
Source: Graces Guide
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