Pre-WW1 The first motorcycles produced in 1902 used
Minerva engines. Models using 2.75hp and 4.5hp
Automoto engines were soon added, as was a 3hp model with an engine made by Acme. From 1904 the Automoto engines were produced under license by Acme. In
1908 two machines were entered in the
Isle of Man TT, but both retired on the first lap. After this no further machines were entered into the TT Races.
Post-WW1 After a break during the
First World War production resumed in 1918 under managing director George Henry Hemingway. The post-war models used engines from
JAP and also Acme built 350 cc
side-valve single and 997 cc
V-twin engines. In 1920 a 976 cc V-twin
combination was introduced with 8hp JAP engine, a three-speed
Sturmey Archer gearbox, Brampton Biflex
forks and
chain drive. The engine was produced to Acme's specification with the
magneto drive on the left to allow better access to the
ignition points. ==References==