Bennett & Barkell Motorcycles
Encyclopedia
Bennett & Barkell or B & B motorcycle
s were manufactured in Australia from about 1910 to at least 1917 by Bennett & Barkell Ltd. of 234 Pitt Street and later 124-132 Castlereagh Street, Sydney
.
As was the case with most early Australian motorcycle companies, their machines were manufactured primarily from British parts. The B&B machines used JAP engines and Chater-Lea
frames. They included 2.5 hp., 3.5 hp. 4 hp. (500cc), 6 hp. (770cc) and 8 hp. (1000cc) machines. Two piece tubular frame with engine as a stressed member. Used Druid forks and had large diameter (26 inch) wheels. Notable for a unique suspension system coupling the seat to the footboards (from ~1916).
In 1911 they asserted that the machine was built for Australian conditions with a key differentiating feature that they were "lighter in weight than the usual type of heavy-duty machine, but much heavier than the usual light-weight 90 or 100 lb. motor cycle". They further asserted that "the frame is scientifically constructed, too, and though lighter in weight than many higher-powered machines, will stand a greater road strain". This machine had a JAP engine of just 2.5 hp however "owing to the light construction of the frame it accomplishes as much as, if not more, than the cycles which are encumbered with a superfluous amount of metal".
From ~1916, B&B offered, as an option on the larger models, a patented suspension mechanism involving a sprung seat pillar; the "B. & B. Spring Frame Attachment".
In 1917, advertising promoted the combination of Australian Workmanship and English Material, together with success in the NSW Motor Cycle Club's Reliability Trial on 9th June 1917.
Motorcycle
A motorcycle is a single-track, two-wheeled motor vehicle. Motorcycles vary considerably depending on the task for which they are designed, such as long distance travel, navigating congested urban traffic, cruising, sport and racing, or off-road conditions.Motorcycles are one of the most...
s were manufactured in Australia from about 1910 to at least 1917 by Bennett & Barkell Ltd. of 234 Pitt Street and later 124-132 Castlereagh Street, Sydney
Sydney
Sydney is the most populous city in Australia and the state capital of New South Wales. Sydney is located on Australia's south-east coast of the Tasman Sea. As of June 2010, the greater metropolitan area had an approximate population of 4.6 million people...
.
As was the case with most early Australian motorcycle companies, their machines were manufactured primarily from British parts. The B&B machines used JAP engines and Chater-Lea
Chater-Lea
Chater-Lea was a British bicycle, car and motor cycle maker with a nine-storey factory in Banner Street in the City of London and, from 1928, premises at Letchworth, Hertfordshire. It was founded by William Chater-Lea in 1900 to make bicycle components. It made cars between 1907 and 1922 and...
frames. They included 2.5 hp., 3.5 hp. 4 hp. (500cc), 6 hp. (770cc) and 8 hp. (1000cc) machines. Two piece tubular frame with engine as a stressed member. Used Druid forks and had large diameter (26 inch) wheels. Notable for a unique suspension system coupling the seat to the footboards (from ~1916).
In 1911 they asserted that the machine was built for Australian conditions with a key differentiating feature that they were "lighter in weight than the usual type of heavy-duty machine, but much heavier than the usual light-weight 90 or 100 lb. motor cycle". They further asserted that "the frame is scientifically constructed, too, and though lighter in weight than many higher-powered machines, will stand a greater road strain". This machine had a JAP engine of just 2.5 hp however "owing to the light construction of the frame it accomplishes as much as, if not more, than the cycles which are encumbered with a superfluous amount of metal".
From ~1916, B&B offered, as an option on the larger models, a patented suspension mechanism involving a sprung seat pillar; the "B. & B. Spring Frame Attachment".
In 1917, advertising promoted the combination of Australian Workmanship and English Material, together with success in the NSW Motor Cycle Club's Reliability Trial on 9th June 1917.