classic motorcycle forum

Motorcycle Discussions => Identify these bikes! => Topic started by: Kerryhillbilly on November 14, 2007, 07:12:50 AM

Title: 1902/3 Bike ID please
Post by: Kerryhillbilly on November 14, 2007, 07:12:50 AM

I've come across this picture while tracing my family tree. Can anyone help me identify the bike please. I think the photo is about 1902.

Title: Re: 1902/3 Bike ID please
Post by: Martin_UK on November 14, 2007, 09:01:29 AM

Its a Triumph but not as early as 1902/03.more like 1908 - 1910.

Title: Re: 1902/3 Bike ID please
Post by: Kerryhillbilly on November 14, 2007, 05:42:14 PM

Thanks Martin. The reason I thought it might be earlier is that I believe the young girl leaning confidently against the side car with her grandmother inside was born in 1897. But she probably is older than 5! Certainly with such an air of confidence. Any idea how much a bike like that would cost in those days? Does the CY on the registration mean it was registered in Coventry?

Title: Re: 1902/3 Bike ID please
Post by: TriSpec on November 14, 2007, 06:01:44 PM

In 1902 Triumph were using Minerva engines. Triumph's 'own' engine was produced for 1905.
The front fork spring didn't come in until the 1906 models, and the fuel tank was deeper in those early years. I would place it as a 1908 model.
CY was a Swansea registration.

Peter C.
(VMCC Triumph specialist)

Title: Re: 1902/3 Bike ID please
Post by: Dirt_Track on November 14, 2007, 07:08:06 PM

G'day all
Peter...what about the "Triumph" motor produced in 1904 with Triumph cast into the cases?
If triumph did not make it who did?
Howard.

Title: Re: 1902/3 Bike ID please
Post by: V.twin.14 on November 20, 2007, 12:39:33 AM

Hi,
  I would put your bike at about 1911 or12. I once owned CY 491 which was a 1910 AC Sociable. The Swansea records are still in existance and you can contact the record office at West Glamorgan Archive Service, County Hall, Oystermouth Road, Swansea SA1 3SN Phone 01972 636589 or Fax 01972 637130. Another Swansea bike I had wes CY 4917 which was 1922. Hope this is helpful. Best wishes Tim R-R

Title: Re: 1902/3 Bike ID please
Post by: Kerryhillbilly on December 03, 2007, 10:36:01 PM

Many thanks to you all for your help which goes to painting a bit more detail into the family. Clearly a bit of an adventurer it turns out. William Lott the rider emigrated the States some years later.

Simon

Title: Re: 1902/3 Bike ID please
Post by: Kerryhillbilly on December 04, 2007, 06:48:59 AM

I've just heard from the person who sent me the photo and he's pretty certain the girl in the photo who was born in 1897 was about 9 in this picture. Is there any possibility this bike could in fact be 1906 or earlier?

Title: Re: 1902/3 Bike ID please
Post by: Dirt_Track on December 16, 2007, 04:50:53 PM

G'day all
NO....the earlier bikes had a deeper tank.
Howard.

Title: Re: 1902/3 Bike ID please
Post by: Dirt_Track on December 16, 2007, 04:52:42 PM

G'day all again
Having just taken a good look at the bike...where is the carburettor?
Howard.