Excelsior frame number C1/326 - which model?

[Cavesurfer]

Hi, all.

I post a post on the 'Identify these Bikes...' area of the forum with a bunch of picture of a frame I have inherited, which I believe to be an Excelsior. 33d6 very helpfully came back suggesting it was an Excelsior Courier. However, I can't find any pictures on the internet which match the specifics of the frame and fork arrangement I have.

So, just wondering whether there are any other Excelsior owners out there who have a bike with frame number starting with the prefix 'C1'.

Logic would dictate that the C1 might refer to the Courer C1 (which rather confusingly seems to have been released for sale after the Model C2 Courier), but I note that the C2 models seem to have a frame number with the prefix 5PC, so I'm not sure that the logic of the C1 prefix referring to the Courier C1 necessarily follows.

Sadly the VMCC doesn't appear to have any information about Excelsiors in their library.

Any help much appreciated.

[R]

Sadly the VMCC doesn't appear to have any information about Excelsiors in their library.

That would be very surprising.
Excelsiors were quite a large manufacturer, for a number of years, with quite a wide range of models,
some of them quite innovative.
Have you contacted them ?

This advert is currently on fleabay, not a very helpful view though.
Any relation ?


Sheldons also has this, also a C2 for 1952

[Cavesurfer]

Hi, thanks for the reply.

I haven't contacted VMCC directly, just looked in their library. They have records of frame numbers for a number of British makes, but not Excelsior.

The frame I have is superficially similar to the C2 in the pictures you've posted (telescopic rather than girder forks, plunger rear suspension) but specifics of the forks, triple clamps and frame are different. Part of the difficulty is that there were so many Excelsior models with the same basic layout at that time; Roadmaster, Consort, Universal, Courier, Talisman and so on. It's only when you look at the specifics that you start to notice the differences. Hence the plea for anyone who has a bike withe C1 prefix in the frame number.

Still searching...
Cheers

[R]

Googling for Courier C1 brings up the following words in a Bonhams auction.
Unfortunately, the auction detail doesn't seem to be available.

"The Courier first appeared in 1953 as the C2 with Excelsior's own 147cc engine,
For 1954 a direct-lighting C1 version joined the battery-electrics C2, ..."


Perhaps the 1954 models were different again ?

[iansoady]

I'm quite sure the VMCC will have more than you imagine. For a start, they have complete indexed bound copies of The Motor Cycle and Motor Cycling.

When you say you "looked in their library" I take it you didn't actually go to Allen House which is where all the material is, together with helpful and knowledgeabl;e staff.

[Cavesurfer]

In reply to iansoady, no I haven't been to Allen house though it sounds like a visit would be very worthwhile. Whilst motorcycling isn't new to me, VMCC and this forum are new so I'm still finding my way around.

In reply to R, the Bonhams add is potentially quite useful. It implies that the C1 was essentially the same as the C2 Courier except for the lighting circuitry. If this is the case, then what I have is not a Courier as the frame and forks differ from that shown in pictures of the C2 Courier that are available on the net.

Seems like a trip to Burton-upon-Trent is on the cards, but if anyone has a similar frame number on their Excelsior then I'd still be very interested to know.

Regards

[Cavesurfer]

If anyone has read my other post on the "Identify these bikes" area, you'll now know that I have an answer. The bike is an Excelsior Condex C1, probably from 1956 but I'm still working on that.

Thanks for help ideas.

Now in search of a tank, wheels or just hubs (2.5"x19"), head lamp lense and chrome surround, rear lamp and seat.

Regards

[darloman]

Is the shape of the tank different to the consort F4S model

[Cavesurfer]

Not as far as I can tell. I think a lot of common parts were used across a wide range of models. At worst the mounts might be in a different position. Do you have such a tank?

[darloman]

I do have this Excelsior tank.

[Cavesurfer]

The tank shape looks the same, as do the front mounts. Is it for sale?

[darloman]

hiya Paul these might do the job. will check the size later today and let you know.

[Cavesurfer]

Hi, Bud. Yeah, that looks about right. And you have the back plates and shoes as well?
Many thanks
Paul

[Cavesurfer]

Hi Bud.

Is there any chance you still have these wheels available for sale?

Many thanks
Paul

[Rex]

He's been a long time checking those wheel sizes...