MEC

[murdo]

I met a bloke at a rally last weekend who said he had part of an old belt drive bike and the only identification on it was the letters MEC on the engine casing. Have any of you gentlemen ever heard of an MEC bike or engine maker. I googled it and only found an engineering company in Melbourne Australia (Melbourne Engineering Company) that may have had something to do with engines or bikes. Any ideas?

[R]

Melbourne was the centre of quite a large motorcycle manufacting industry between about 1900 and 1930.

You, or he, probably need to get in touch with Rob Saward, who wrote the book on them.
He has over 500 makes listed, and more are always turning up - many used imported engines,
but some were locally made. MEC is not listed, at a glance anyway.
http://ausmc.zzl.org/azamm.htm

[murdo]

Thanks R. Have emailed him reguards purchasing a copy.

 Unfortunatly the email bounced back as unknown address so will chase up via other methods.

[cardan]

Sorry to inform that Rob is unwell at the moment and won't be responding to emails/phone/letters for some time.

I'll put my thinking cap on re MEC, but it would be easier if there was a photo or description of the motor and other remains.

Cheers

Leon

[cardan]

Are you sure it doesn't say MAG?

Leon

[murdo]

The bloke I was talking too said it was MEC. Side valve engine with a belt pulley on the left side.
I did not write his name down but will no doubt see him at the next rally. Will quiz him some more then.

[murdo]

Never did find that bloke again, so made my own with bits I had lying around.
Modified Suzuki trail bike 21" front wheels, made frame and forks to drawings in the book 'Motor Bicycle Building' first published in 1906 and used a modified Sachs two stroke stationary engine with belt drive. Fuel tank is exhaust tube with pressed ends and seat, handlebars and other small bits from evilbay.
It is not a 'real' bike but it goes and can be ridden around. Took to a bike show in Coffs Harbour last year and a lady from the local club made me an offer ($$$) I couldn't refuse as she wanted to put in her collection, so it now lives in Coffs.
For anyone interested in how I built it look to https://2fiftycc.com/index.php?threads/15-m-e-c.8351/#post-84554
And why MEC? well Murdo Engineering Construction. 

[Rex]

Nice work...

[murdo]

Thank you.