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Motorcycle Discussions => British Bikes => Topic started by: Albion EJ on May 10, 2026, 06:04:08 PM

Title: Albion gearbox BF436 - where used?
Post by: Albion EJ on May 10, 2026, 06:04:08 PM

Does anybody know where this gearbox (2 gears?) was used?

As it is not equipped with a kickstarter it might be a stationary engine.

Thanks!

Title: Re: Albion gearbox BF436 - where used?
Post by: R on May 10, 2026, 11:19:40 PM

i see BF456  ?

Not that it makes much difference in identifying them by number from the gazillions of types ....

Title: Re: Albion gearbox BF436 - where used?
Post by: Albion EJ on May 11, 2026, 05:16:37 AM

Could be a “5”.

Does BF mean something?

Title: Re: Albion gearbox BF436 - where used?
Post by: cardan on May 11, 2026, 08:05:32 AM

There were many variants of Albion boxes! This is the 2-speed + clutch variant. In the 1931 catalogue for "Albion Midget Gear Boxes" this model (identical?) was referred to as the BJ. I know nothing, but maybe BF was an earlier model, say 1927?? In 1931 the EJ gave 3 speeds + clutch + ks.

Anyway, no reason it couldn't go into a bike from the 1920s, although Australian made stuff (for example, I'm thinking Waratah) tended to offer 2-speed no-clutch for a base model, or fancy 3-speed + clutch + ks. Although by 1927 maybe even the basic 2-speeder needed a clutch.

Also, chain final drive was taking over from belt around 1927.

Leon