On a visit to Whitewebbs Museum of Transport on 10th March 2015, I happened across this wonderful pioneer motorcycle known as the Holden and is possibly the earliest motorcycle I’ve ever drawn.
Designed by Colonel H.C.L. Holden this particular model dates from 1899 and was built by The Motor Traction Company Limited of Kennington, South East London. The company name alone shows that this was an early venture into motorised bicycles. Earlier versions of this motorcycle made in 1897 used air cooled engines that were prone to seizing and so a water cooled version was developed which you see here. Both designs use a flat 4 cylinder engine which drives the rear wheel directly trough connecting rods to the rear wheel, not unlike a steam locomotive. Control at low speeds was difficult due to the direct drive to the rear wheel. The venture was pursued until 1902 when the design was superseded by more successful implementations by other manufacturers.
Handle Bar detail showing the various controls and connections on this unusual veteran machine.
Not only did Holden create this forward thinking machine he also helped design the Brooklands track. This shows that Holden was heavily involved in the development of motoring at the turn of the 20th century.
This particular example is part of the Rex Judd collection and completed the Pioneer Run (London to Brighton) in 1938 ridden by Rex Judd himself a brave man who truly deserved the finishers plaque.
Detail of the timing gears and a pulley which drives a pump of some sort, the design is unlike anything I’ve ever seen.