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Birmingham motorcycle manufacturers

dwilly

dwilly

master brummie
Some time ago I had a thought of putting together a list of all the old motorcycle manufactures that were in Birmingham. The idea never got further than in my head. It maybe something that this forum could now help with. Thinking could list the manufactures with the head office address, maybe a photograph or etching of the old factory. Then could add, via goggle maps or something similar a picture of what’s there now. Think there is some way of loading this info onto Google maps.

The idea started because as a lad I remember there used to be a run round the Outer Circle and bikes used to pull up at various points. I remember they used to stop in Stechford, just down the hill past the railway station. At the time I thought it was just a convenient place to stop but then when I moved to Stechford I discovered it was the site of the old Levis motorcycle company. All that’s left now is an industrial park which may or may not carry the name on.

Who knows maybe one day the outer circle run might return and they can visit these old sites. Think the tester’s run comes close to some of these sites.
 
I did list many Motorcycle Factory locations in Birmingham in my Industrial Heritage book, but some location were brief and odd new locations are found in archive sources from time to time.

As for the Levis, after 1945 the factory made HEC Power Cycles, does any body remember this type of vehicle?

Ray Shill
 
dwilly said:
Some time ago I had a thought of putting together a list of all the old motorcycle manufactures that were in Birmingham. The idea never got further than in my head. It maybe something that this forum could now help with. Thinking could list the manufactures with the head office address, maybe a photograph or etching of the old factory. Then could add, via goggle maps or something similar a picture of what’s there now. Think there is some way of loading this info onto Google maps.

The idea started because as a lad I remember there used to be a run round the Outer Circle and bikes used to pull up at various points. I remember they used to stop in Stechford, just down the hill past the railway station. At the time I thought it was just a convenient place to stop but then when I moved to Stechford I discovered it was the site of the old Levis motorcycle company. All that’s left now is an industrial park which may or may not carry the name on.

Who knows maybe one day the outer circle run might return and they can visit these old sites. Think the tester’s run comes close to some of these sites.
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here's a link to a page listing all of the Birmingham motorcycle manufacturers plus some history. Doesn't give addresses but it is a good base from which to start. Good luck.

https://bikemeet.net/index.php?topic=6237.0
 
To add to Bob's post.....

My Great Grandfather manufactured the 'Metro' motorcycle just pre WW I in a small garage in Ladywood, (now a grassy knoll !), and like many of the 100 or so similar Motorcycle and Cyclecar Manufacturers assembled these from 'bought in' bits. In the turmoil of post-War economics. he sold out to a London based Engineering firm, and the 'bikes became the Metro-Tyler. Most of the smaller makes disappeared in the 20's, victims of the Wall Street Crash. A few soldiered on until WW II, but went under / changed manufacturing product / amalgamated or otherwise ceased trading. Some were driven by strong men, like 'Black' Ernie Humphries and Edward Turner,or had competition success to fall back on, like Norton & Velocette. Others continued more by luck than judgement !
To see what REALLY happened, and how Management stupidity and greed, (The Dockers for example), caused the collapse of the Industry, read Bert Hopwoods book, "Whatever happened to the British Motorcycle Industry". An insider at the front line of the Norton / BSA / Triumph powerhouse from the 30's through to the 70's. he tells the truth. Its a real eye opener. The 750 3 cylinder was ready to go in 1963, a whole 6 years before Honda started the Superbike trend with the CB750/4,or how about the OHC Bonneville in 1959 ? a spitting image of the Kawasaki 650 now on sale ? The preponderance of Accountants and Consultants draining the Industry, and non-motorcycling Managers stopping the buying Public being listened to doomed this Industry to failure.
 
Certainly a comprehensive account of factors that led to the demise of the motorcycle industry. Some accounts have mentioned managements slowness to react to competition, others are critical of union power and others still have recognised the lack of investment. There seems to be a wide range of factors that led to that demise and no single cause. Of course cycle buyers have in more recent times have been able to buy Triumph Motorcycles, which are now made in Hinckley. Efforts to restart Norton Motorcycles have not been so successful.

Ray Shill
 
Matchless said:
Hi, Unfortunately, the link doesn't work anymore. Can you supply an alternative link listing all the Birmingham motorcycle manufacturers' please.
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Hi, the owners of the website are updating the forum. I suggest you go to the website via the link and navigate to the 'home' page, from there you can monitor when the page you are looking for, returns.
 
Brookfields Lad said:
Hi, the owners of the website are updating the forum. I suggest you go to the website via the link and navigate to the 'home' page, from there you can monitor when the page you are looking for, returns.
Click to expand...
As the link does not work (404 error) this links to the home page
bikemeet.net

BikeMeet - Road tests and discount shop

BikeMeet is the UK's friendliest motorcycle forum and one of the oldest online. Reviews, road tests, discount spares, tyres and accessories shop.
bikemeet.net bikemeet.net
 
I have an interest in motorcycles produced by the Excelsior Motor Company whose factory was in Kings Road, Tyseley. I own, and am restoring, a 1951 Excelsior Roadmaster motorcycle which is not quite as old as me. I have searched in vain for photographs of what the old factory looked like in its heyday. Can anybody help? The old building is currectly occupied by Simple Storage at 272 Kings Road.
 
Excelsior motor Co, started off making vehicles in Coventry before moving to King's Road, Tyseley in 1921. Have you tried 'Britain from Above' ? You just might get an exterior view.
 
I know what the building looks like now as I can see 272 Kings Road on Google Streets. As I said in my post, I’d like to see what the factory looked like in its heyday. I also have a small book on Excelsior so am familiar with its history.
 
Brookfields Lad said:
Excelsior motor Co, started off making vehicles in Coventry before moving to King's Road, Tyseley in 1921. Have you tried 'Britain from Above' ? You just might get an exterior view.
Click to expand...
Sorry, I'm not familiar with 'BritainfromAbove' although I am now. I have discovered the following image which shows the Excelsior works in Kings Road directly opposite the Girling Brake Lining factory and Hay Hall Road. Thank you for the tip off. https://britainfromabove.org.uk/cy/image/EAW029661
 
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