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14-20 September 1914

Electric Lighting for Motorcycles

Henderson motorcycles were joining other American manufacturers in producing motorcycles with the option of being supplied with electric lighting. For the British this was still a far off luxury.

Competitions

Hill climbs races and club events were still taking place. Some entries were reduced slightly because of those volunteering. Clubs were however urged to arrange map reading courses  and even rifle practice to increase the skills of their members. This was at a time when there was still a need to manage the risk of an invasion.

 Some however did not think it was right for club activity or any sporting events to continue:

It is nothing short of national disgrace that there should be married civilians enlisting while unmarried shirkers of their duties lounge at street corners or amuse themselves in idling about the country or attending sports meetings.

7 -13 September 1914

Well Known Rider Invalided Home

TT Winner Vernon Busby was sent home after being shot in the leg. His reports of life at the front give us a vivid picture of the first six weeks of the war. After recovery, Busby became a motorcycle trainer and later a pilot.

Ambulance Sidecars begin to make their Mark

First developed by the Red Cross in June 1913 manufacturers were begining to develop sidecar ambulances. One of the first to be seen on the streets of Bristol was the Dalton developed by H. J. Dalton and Co, Croft Road, Coventry.

31 August to 6 September 1914

Where are all the Sidecars

It was reported that so far very few sidecars have been pressed into service by the Government, which is surprising in view of the small amount of room they take up on the road, their speed on the level and uphill compared with low-powered cars, and their economy in petrol consumption compared with an ordinary two-seater.

In reality a lot of sidecars were going to be ordered together with solos for the use of Officers and civilian services such as the police.

Olympia Show

The motorcycle press were suggesting that the motor Car and Cycle shows be amalgamated because only British manufacturers would be available. The reality was that the venue (Olympia) was being used as a holding centre for Aliens and that no show would subsequently take place.

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23-29 August 1914

More calls for Volunteer Motorcyclists

The only machines suitable are 34 h.p. single-cylinder machines, of well-tried and approved make. They must have variable gears and 26in. wheels. Horizontally opposed twins of 2 h.p. and 3h.p. are the twin-cylinder type favoured.

Applicants with machines outside this category should still fill in this form, as it is useful in compiling a register of motor cyclists ready to serve. Having completed this form, motor cyclists will be asked to attend, at their own expense (paragraph 7, War Office Order, June 19th, 1913), at Fulham House, Putney Bridge, where they and their machines can be inspected and official waiting list forms filled up. It should be borne in mind that desirable applicants should have satisfactory physique to endure the rigours of a campaign, machines in perfect condition, and, wherever possible, previous service or military training.

 Only a limited number of motor cyclist vacancies are open, and; applicants not eligible are reminded that they can render satisfactory discharge of the duty that they owe their country by joining the ordinary Forces of the Crown and shouldering a rifle. Non-acceptance as a military motor cyclist does not relieve the individual of his responsibility towards his country. He should enlist in some other branch of the Service.

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17-22 August 1914

From today this Blog will appear on a weekly basis

Advertising

One of the first adverts to feature military personnel on motorcycles appeared this week. The advert featured a Douglas motorcycle and would soon be followed by Scott and many others.

 

Generous Patriotism

In what was even at the time a very generous offer the Stepney Spare Motor Wheel, Llanelli, S. Wales, announced that they offered to pay 30 shillings a week to all employees going on active service. One wonders how long they were able to maintain the payment.

Anti- German Paranoia

A suspicious man was arrested in a motorcycle agency in London after asking for a Harley Davidson Instruction Book and a key for the toolbox. Unable to give a good reason for the request the German waiter, who had previously stolen a Harley was later handed over to the police. The report concluded “Irrespective of the offence he had committed he was liable to prosecution for riding a motor bicycle, as motor bicycles are, of course, forbidden to persons of German nationality.”



Sunday 16 August 1914

There is a lot of activity on the streets. Many civilian motorcyclists are being stopped at check points particularly in the East of England. There are many military motorcyclists travelling around the countryside. Many are part of the Territorial Force that are now billeted in schools close to secret strategic locations. They are on the look out for any suspicious behaviour.