Douglas Motorcycles Model Cw 1925
When they began production in 1907 the Douglas Engineering Company was considered to be an unconventional English manufacturer of motorcycles.
While rivals opted for making singles, Douglas plumped for producing the horizontally opposed twin until closing its doors in 1957.
This fore and aft installation made for a slim machine with a low centre of gravity. The design proved its worth in the early days of the Company’s foray into competition, with Douglas taking a 1-2-3 win in the 1912 junior Isle of Man Tourist Trophy race. Douglas was also quick to realise the advantage of a 3-speed countershaft gear box set up. The company’s 3-speed entries gained a team prize in the 1914 3-day trial, a conspicuous success which resulted in the firm obtaining a wartime contract for the supply of Military motorcycles.
The Douglas CW 350cc boasts a side-valve engine of a ‘fixed’ head type with external flywheel and magneto ignition. The transmission comprises of a chain primary drive, 3-speed gear box and chain final drive and is in fact the first of the all-chain drives for the 2¾hp models.
This bike is an older restoration and has a nice patina of age. It has very rare period optional extras fitted which include a Powell & Hammer Electric lighting kit and rear-view mirror. It has in the past been registered and warranted for New Zealand roads.