Montgomery Motorcycles
Encyclopedia
Montgomery Motorcycles was a pioneering British motorcycle
manufacturer. Originally based in Bury St Edmunds the founder William Montgomery was an innovator and is credited with the invention of the sidecar
. Following the first war manufacturing moved to Coventry
. Like Brough
, Montgomery made use of the best proprietary
components from other specialist companies and concentrated on the production of frames and forks in-house - and Montgomery supplied a number of frames and its own sprung fork to George Brough. In an advert from the time Montgomery claimed "These Montgomery machines are for the men who prefer a distinctive mount in appearance and performance. That extra degree of soundness – those little touches which distinguish the 'super' machine from the mere motorcycle, come naturally to the Montgomery and at a price that is amazingly low."
engine. The First World War halted production, which did not resume until 1922 in Coventry Montgomery continued to experiment with sidecar design and actually competed himself in the 1923 Isle of Man
TT sidecar race. The entire Montgomery works was destroyed by fire in 1925 but were able to eventually recover and by 1930 were a leading producer of quality two-stroke and four-stroke motorcycles. The top of the range was the Greyhound, finished in a special grey enamel paint. The Second World War brought an end to all production and Montgomery ceased trading in 1939.
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...
manufacturer. Originally based in Bury St Edmunds the founder William Montgomery was an innovator and is credited with the invention of the sidecar
Sidecar
A sidecar is a one-wheeled device attached to the side of a motorcycle, scooter, or bicycle, producing a three-wheeled vehicle.-History:A sidecar appeared in a cartoon by George Moore in the January 7, 1903, issue of the British newspaper Motor Cycling. Three weeks later, a provisional patent was...
. Following the first war manufacturing moved to Coventry
Coventry
Coventry is a city and metropolitan borough in the county of West Midlands in England. Coventry is the 9th largest city in England and the 11th largest in the United Kingdom. It is also the second largest city in the English Midlands, after Birmingham, with a population of 300,848, although...
. Like Brough
Brough Motorcycles
Brough Motorcycles were made by William E. Brough in Nottingham, England, from 1908 to 1926.Brough motorcycles were flat-tanked motorcycles that used a variety of engines...
, Montgomery made use of the best proprietary
Property
Property is any physical or intangible entity that is owned by a person or jointly by a group of people or a legal entity like a corporation...
components from other specialist companies and concentrated on the production of frames and forks in-house - and Montgomery supplied a number of frames and its own sprung fork to George Brough. In an advert from the time Montgomery claimed "These Montgomery machines are for the men who prefer a distinctive mount in appearance and performance. That extra degree of soundness – those little touches which distinguish the 'super' machine from the mere motorcycle, come naturally to the Montgomery and at a price that is amazingly low."
History
The first bike from Montgomery Motorcycles was a flat twin produced in 1913 with a Morton and WeaverCoventry-Victor
Coventry-Victor was a British motorcycle and car manufacturer. OriginallyMorton & Weaver, a proprietary engine manufacturer in Hillfields, Coventry, founded in 1904, the company changed its name to Coventry-Victor in 1911...
engine. The First World War halted production, which did not resume until 1922 in Coventry Montgomery continued to experiment with sidecar design and actually competed himself in the 1923 Isle of Man
Isle of Man
The Isle of Man , otherwise known simply as Mann , is a self-governing British Crown Dependency, located in the Irish Sea between the islands of Great Britain and Ireland, within the British Isles. The head of state is Queen Elizabeth II, who holds the title of Lord of Mann. The Lord of Mann is...
TT sidecar race. The entire Montgomery works was destroyed by fire in 1925 but were able to eventually recover and by 1930 were a leading producer of quality two-stroke and four-stroke motorcycles. The top of the range was the Greyhound, finished in a special grey enamel paint. The Second World War brought an end to all production and Montgomery ceased trading in 1939.
Models
| Model | Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Montgomery Anzani | 1924 | 996 cc 8-valve, 57 degree, V-twin |
| Montgomery Greyhound | 1930 | 680cc (70 x 88mm) ohv JAP V-twin |
| Montgomery De Luxe 350 cc | 1934 | JAP JAP Jap or JAP may refer to:* Journal of Applied Physics, scientific journal published by American Institute of Physics* Journal of Applied Physiology, scientific journal published by American Physiological Society... engine |
External links
- Montgomery motorcycle review
- http://www.nationalmotorcyclemuseum.co.uk/conference/news-detail.php?id=24Montgomery at the National Motorcycle MuseumNational Motorcycle MuseumThere are National Motorcycle Museums in a number of countries. Some of the better known are:*National Motorcycle Museum , Solihull, West Midlands, England.*National Motorcycle Museum , Anamosa, Iowa, USA....
] - Montgomery sales brochure 1939