New here and asking for help

[David1300]

Hi Everyone.  I'm new here (riding a Yamaha FJR1300), but the reason for joining this forum and this thread is that earlier this week I found a piccie of my Dad on his motorbike, that would have been taken in Johannesburg (South Africa) in the mid/late 1930's before he enlisted for WW2. He would have been in his mid 20's at the time.

Someone on the FJR forum suggested it is a Douglas, and looking at the front suspension and exhaust he could be right.  Can anyone identify the bike (make/model, etc).  Many thanks.
 


Larger view

[Doug]

David,

It is a 1932 Douglas C32, or Bulldog. A 500cc side valve based on the 350cc crankcase, but fitted with bigger barrels and detachable plate heads. Possibly a B32 model of 350cc, but if the catalog illustrations are to be believed the A32 and B32 had a slightly different rear parcel carrier. Otherwise I can not think of any other way to tell the 350 and 500cc versions apart visually.

-Doug

[David1300]

Thanks for that info, Doug.  If anyone has any other relevant info and details I'll be pleased to get that to.

David