All British Company Motorcycle

The ABC Motorcycle (All British Company) was a pioneering albeit short-lived, British motorcycle brand that produced advanced Motorcycles between 1919 and 1923. Designed by the prolific Granville Bradshaw, the 1918 / 1919 398 OHV (Overhead Valve) air-cooled flat-twin (horizontally opposed four-stroke engine) was exceptionally innovative featuring a transverse flat-twin engine layout, often cited as a precursor to the BMW boxer twin, though it did suffer from reliability issues.

The ABC was made under license by the Sopwith Aviation & Engineering Co. (of Sopwith Camel fame) at Brooklands.

In 1919 the machine was exhibited at the annual Motorcycle show arousing considerable interest, not only for the engine, but also for the innovative front and rear leaf spring suspension; expanding drum brakes and a four speed gearbox with H-Gate selector. It was also one of the first motorcycles to be designed with a duplex cradle frame.

One thing it did not have was any form of starting mechanism, so the rider had to "paddle" or bump start bike to get the engine running.

About this vehicle

The engine used in this motorcycle was also used in the Collection’s English Electric Wren. This exhibit was donated by Mr John James in March 2015.

Specification