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1914 Excelsior BS Big Single with 810cc Single Cylinder SV & 2 Speed Jardine

1914 Excelsior BS Big Single with 810cc Single Cylinder SV & 2 Speed Jardine
1914 Excelsior BS Big Single with 810cc Single Cylinder SV & 2 Speed Jardine
Posted by on June 22, 2024 in News, Uncategorized

1914 Excelsior BS Big Single with 810cc Single Cylinder SV & 2 Speed Jardine gearbox.

1914 British Excelsior BS Big Single with 810cc Single Cylinder SV & 2 Speed Jardine gearbox. Pioneer veteran antique motorbikeThis beautiful large-capacity Pioneer Veteran motorcycle is ideal for going on veteran runs. The engine is so large that it has a reputation for running along at 5 mph comfortably. In fact, Excelsior (British) were so confident about this that they proclaimed that the big single’s engine was so flexible that the machine could be ridden in circles on an ordinary roadway  at a speed of 3 to 4 mph  on full compression without the slightest sign of thumping.

The Company

There were two “Excelsior” motorcycle manufacturers. An American one, and this one. This Excelsior BS Big Single with 810cc Single Cylinder SV was made in Coventry, UK. Bayliss, Thomas & Co were the makers and can be traced right back to 1874 when solid tyre bicycles were made.

1914 Excelsior BS Big Single with 810cc Single Cylinder SV & 2 Speed Jardine gearbox. Pioneer veteran antique motorbikeBayliss, Thomas & Co made motorcycles and motor cars. They started production of their own “motor-bicycle” in 1986. In 1910, they changed the company name to Excelsior Motor Company. Reginald Walker (together with his son, Eric) took control of the company after WW1. They already owned a motorcycle company under the name “Monarch”. Like many early motorcycle makers, they migrated to Birmingham in the early 1920’s. “British Excelsior”, as it became known, made a wide range of motorcycles ranging from 98cc to 1000cc. They used a variety of engine makers, including JAP, Blackburne and Villiers. They even used an 850cc Condor engine.

They went on to concentrate on race machines. The sought-after Excelsior Manxman was one of their successful machines. Like many British motorcycle manufacturers, WW2 was a pivotal moment in their history. They struggled to regain the brand value that they had before 1939 and slowly dwindled towards demise in the 1950’s.

About this 1914 Excelsior BS Big Single with 810cc Single Cylinder SV & 2 Speed Jardine gearbox.

During 1914, British Excelsior offered a choice of three motorcycles. All of them were supplied with single cylinder side valve engines. They offered a 499cc, a 650cc and this one, a 810cc engine.
1914 British Excelsior BS Big Single with 810cc Single Cylinder SV & 2 Speed Jardine gearbox. Pioneer veteran antique motorcycleThe 5-6 H.P. 810cc BS (Big Single) was really offered-up as a sidecar machine. As already mentioned, British Excelsior were very proud of this machine’s ability to crawl along as extremely slow speeds. The Bore is 96mm and stroke,  112mm. It was apparently the biggest single cylinder motorcycle engine available at the time.
This Pioneer veteran was restored at some point in the 1990’s. It has the correct 1914 Brampton front  forks. It also has the correct Jardine 2-speed gearbox. I am told that a 3-speed Jardine transmission was available as an option. They stopped offering the 2-speed at the end of 1914. The carburettor is the correct type that would have come with the motorcycle in 1914. It’s a Senspray.
This 1914 Excelsior BS Big Single with 810cc Single Cylinder SV would have been fitted with a Brooks solo saddle. This saddle appears to be the correct type, although it is either a reproduction, or has had the leather top renewed. The badging type is correct. The BOSCH magneto appears to be of the correct type.
It comes with a nice carbide acetylene lighting kit and a bulb horn.
Overall, this 1914 Excelsior BS Big Single with 810cc Single Cylinder SV is an excellent representation. It is offered together with an original 1914 sales brochure and the original fuel tank. At the time when it was restored, it was deemed that the fuel tank was not worth restoring and a replacement was used. However, the new owner might decide to reverse this situation. The option is available.

What’s it like to ride?

This machine is solid and dependable. It is never going to set any speed records. But how many Pioneer veterans are likely to do that?
When we take a motorcycle to a rally, or event, most of us want a machine that actually works. We want it to start easily and get to the end of the run without drama. Well I have it on good authority that this particular machine has run very well over the last 450 miles. Prior to the current ownership, it had been stood in a collection for 20 years. The current owner spent the first 150 miles of running, sorting out the various small issues. It is now a reliable Veteran that is fit for use.
Like all veteran motorcycles, this 1914 Excelsior BS Big Single with 810cc Single Cylinder SV takes a little getting used to. Of course, the controls are in different places and when you have to juggle with the controls as you approach a junction, familiarity is the key. It has a foot clutch control which takes a bit to get used to. At least you have a clutch and it also leaves one hand free for lever controls.

1914 British Excelsior BS Big Single with 810cc Single Cylinder SV & 2 Speed Jardine gearbox. Pioneer veteran antique motorcycle

The lubrication system: Oil is led to a lug cast between the valves, from where a hole is drilled into the cylinder. This hole is at a level with the gudgeon pin when the piston is at the bottom of its stroke. Through this design, the oil reaches the small end bearing through the hollow gudgeon pin. The lug is also drilled down to the crankshaft bearing, from which it is lead by ducts to all the main bearings.
The previous owner has now used this motorcycle for over 500 miles and has attended many rallies with it.
I see no reason why a new owner should not enjoy it as much as the current owner.
Would I add anything? Yes, maybe a period-correct side car. As the machine was designed to be coupled with a sidecar, it would be a great addition and it means that one more friend can come on the rallies.
Registration: Dutch registered.

Shipping and transportation: Can be arranged.

Price: Contact me to discuss

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