NOW SOLD
1914 Excelsior Big Single 810cc Single Cylinder SV & 2 Speed Jardine gearbox.
Located in Netherlands, Europe.
Dutch registration.
This 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 Excelsior 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.
About Excelsior motorcycles
There were two “Excelsior” motorcycle manufacturers. An American one, and this one. This Excelsior Big Single motorcycle has a 810cc Single Cylinder SV and 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.
Bayliss, 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 Big Single motorcycle.
The 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.What’s it like to ride?
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.
Shipping and transportation: Can be arranged.
Other motorcycles for sale: TheTimingChest is currently offering a few interesting motorcycles. Our main interest is in pre-war, vintage and veteran motorcycles. Please see the current selection here.
If you are interested in early motorcycles, you might consider joining the Vintage Motorcycle Club. It’s a worldwide organisation and offers members who can offer advice and assistance.
