Humber Motorcycles Camshaft Sports 1928
This offering is from a company far better known for its car production than for its motorcycles.
As with many car companies it started life making bicycles, in this case in 1868. The company made its first motorcycle in 1896. This was a very early motorised two wheeler and was simply a bicycle fitted with an engine.
Humber made its first car in 1901 and it was the car side of the business which left them open for takeover by the Roots Group in 1930 whereupon motorcycle production ceased. The 350cc engine was made in side valve, overhead valve and overhead cam versions. This overhead cam machine is the last model made by the company and was made up until their takeover in 1930. The machine features the totally unnecessary twin exhaust pipes which were a fashion accessory of the time.
This bike still has its first English registration book (Surrey 24/11/30 1st registered) plus the original owner’s instruction book and a spare parts catalogue (cost £1). It is thought to be the only model of its type in NZ. It is a sweet, sedate and very quiet bike to ride.
Purchased from Graham McCosh, Palmerston North in 2012.