Bradbury motorcycle and sidecar, 1914
Object No. B1174
Early motorcycles were cheaper to buy and run than even the smallest cars. Coupled with a sidecar, they were a popular form of family transport until the 1920s, even though they were unreliable. they were often fitted with pedals so the rider could get home if trouble struck. This Bradbury motorcycle and sidecar was built in England in 1914 by Bradbury and Co Ltd of Oldham. It is an excellent example of an early sidecar model in which the family man could transport his wife and children in the early decades of the twentieth century when cars were too expensive. The Bradbury was smaller and cheaper than a small car. Sidecars declined in use after the 1920s when women were socially permitted to sit astride the bike on the main seat behind the rider as pillion passengers, rather than sit side saddle which unbalanced the motorcycle. During and after WW1 the motorcycle rose in popularity. It was the most practical and cost effective choice for personal motorised transport. The motorcycle saw the beginning of mechanically orientated sport, offering a form of social congregation with the formation of clubs and sporting meetings. Christina Salopek, MAAS volunteer, under the supervision of Margaret Simpson, Curator
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Summary
Object Statement
Motorcycle and sidecar, engine No. 8239, frame No. 44851, twin chain, metal / rubber / leather / glass, made by Bradbury & Co Ltd, Oldham, England, 1914
Physical Description
Bradbury motor cycle with 3 1/2 hp single cylinder engine of 554 cc capacity, twin chain with hand operated 4-speed gear lever, vertical gravity fed petrol engine lever operated throttle and kick start motor. Finished in black with silver petrol tank. Sidecar black steel frame finished in maroon with pale green leatherette interior. Leaf and spring suspension. The Bradbury motorcycle is geometrically designed with a triangularly-aligned frame, engine and forks. The Juckes patent, 3.5 hp, single-cylinder, air-cooled engine has an 80 mm x 80 mm bore and stroke with a capacity of 554cc. The valves are mechanically operated, interchangeable and set side-by-side. The engine is set in a black steel frame. Petrol is supplied to the engine by vertical gravity feed, which is regulated by a lever-operated throttle and started by a kick start motor. Lubrication was through the front of the crankcase. Carburation was by a Brown and Barlow's carburettor. In accordance with a modern trend at the time (which has continued up to the present), the clutch is controlled from the left hand side of the handle bar and a hand-lever operated the four speed gears (Bowden Patent Control Lever No: 4). The gear ratios are 14.8, 8.4 and 5.1 to 1. Power was transferred to the rear wheel by chain drive. The gear box is not original and was added later. The rider's pan seat is of tan leather mounted on springs (made by Middlemore and Lamplugh). There is a carrier at the rear. Two panniers and a folding tool kit were also standard equipment. The rubber footrests were made by Triumph. The front wheel brakes are operated by handle cable and the rear brakes by a foot cable. The front brakes act on the front wheel rim using callipers, while the rear brake operates on a dummy belt rim. The 4 h.p., 3 speed Bradbury had internal expanding drum type brakes. There are black mudguards front and rear, with a splash guard behind the front mudguard. The petrol tank is attached to the frame with chrome straps and contains oil in the front section and petrol in the rear. It has a capacity for 1.5 gallons and 3 pints of oil. There are adjustable suspension Druid springs on the front fork. The motorcycle is fitted with Bosch electrics and the ignition is a high tension magneto type, all enclosed, with a variation of spark timing controlled by a lever on the handlebar. The front and rear tyres are "Weftless Cord", made in Australia by Dunlop. The wheels are or wire spokes. The bike is painted black with a silver petrol tank with green and gold lining. The sidecar has leaf and spring suspension. It has a "Peridiau" tyre which was made in Australia by the rubber manufacturer, Henry Perdriau, who had a large factory at Drummoyne. Specifications Engine: Juckes patent, air cooled, side valve Cylinders: 1 vertical Capcity: 554 cubic cm Power: 2.6 KW (3 1/2 hp) Clutch: cork inset, hand control Gearbox: 4 forward Wheelbase: 1350mm Track: 1220mm Top speed: 48-56 km/h
DIMENSIONS
Height
1200 mm
Width
1500 mm
Depth
2200 mm
PRODUCTION
Notes
The Bradbury is a fine example of the early and prolific British motorcycle industry. It was built in 1914 by Bradbury & Co Ltd at the Wellington Works in Oldham, England. The motorcycle and sidecar were restored to 'as new' condition in 1981 by Meridan Motor Cycles, Seven Hills, Sydney. Bradbury & Co was established in 1852 and made mechanical devices including sewing machines, machine tools and baby carriages. They began making motorcycles in 1902. The works included their own foundry where cylinders were cast for the motorcycles. The first motorcycles carried the name Peerless and were powered by a Belgian Minerva engine (as were most contemporary motorcycles). In 1904 the company began making its own engines which featured automatic outlet valves and coil ignition. They called their new machine the Bradbury. By 1914 a range of motorcycles were offered including twin cylinder machines. During the First World War the company worked on producing munitions and after the war did little to develop their motorcycles. In May 1924, following a reduction in demand and increasing competition, production of the Bradbury ceased.
HISTORY
Notes
The museum's Bradbury is an early sidecar model. The sidecar meant that the family man could transport his wife and children. It was smaller and cheaper than a small car and was the recognised holiday transport for thousands of the more prosperous working people. Sidecars generally declined in use after the 1920s, when women were socially permitted to ride astride on the main seat. Prior to World War I Bradbury motor cycles (many with side cars) participated in many hill climb and endurance races, including the Australian Great Road Race from Sydney to Melbourne, the London to Lands End Trial (completing 886 miles (1426km) in 38 hours 47 minutes and reducing the existing record by 2 hours), and the Transvaal Speed Championship. Bradbury won the latter with an average speed of 60 miles per hour over rough terrain. However, in the 1914 Scottish Six Days Trials the chassis of a Bradbury motor cycle broke, resulting in the company being excluded from the War Department Trials.
SOURCE
Credit Line
Gift of Fred Hodgson, 1953
Acquisition Date
9 April 1953
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