Douglas 4hp 1920 on ebay (UK)

[davebarkshire]

Ebay # 120283452175




AUCTION RESULT

Highest Bid: £5,100.00
Auction Ends: 24-Jul-08 22:30:00 BST
Item Location: South Manchester, Lancashire, United Kingdom
History: 6 bids
Seller: twosheds03
Seller's Description:

I am reducing my collection of Classic, Vintage and Veteran Motorbikes and this fine machine is the next to be offered for auction ( 12 already sold over the last 6 years, all via eBay and all to satisfied Buyers ).

This bike was "Declared Manufactured* in 1923 but the timing-case cover, the frame number, engine number and type relate to 1920.  The V5 notes the date of First Registration as 1997 (!!) and I have spoken to the DVLA about this and they have written back to me explaining that this was due to their system changing to computerised records. If a new custodian wishes to correct this anomaly then the DVLA suggest that a Dating Certificate be obtained and another application made to correct the V5. I have the original buff logbook.

This fine machine is a delight and potentially quite powerful ( I am advised that, fully fettled, this model is quite capable of doing 60mph and staying there ). It fires very readily via either a scoot-push or a part turn of the rear wheel ( when in gear, but being a 600 this method is not for the weak or faint hearted!!) and is incredibly smooth. This model has a conventional clutch. The kick-start on these is very weak ( totally under-sized ratchet for a 600 and the shaft is just not up to the job) and the teeth wear, as this has done.

This bike was restored about 1996 and some of the work was good whilst some no so good. The tank was new and superbly finished but on my many travels to and from shows, with up to 6 bikes, the tank ended up with a score in the rear top from a lever on my Scott Super Squirrel that decided to lean a bit too much on the trailer. Some of the nickled parts were not pre-finished to a high enough standard prior to plating so do not have a smooth finish and over the last 10 years some of the paintwork has degraded due to poor base work ( mainly the front wheel hub and brake plate ). The bike also has the odd scrape through regular usage.

Generally, however,  the presentation of the machine is very good. The bike had full wheel re-builds so it has good rims and spokes. The tyres, which look new are now old rubber so would benefit from being replaced. The magneto was replaced with a fully rebuilt one about 7 years ago. When I checked the bike over, this week, the clutch was dragging and on disassembly I found that the operator push rod adjuster had worn excessively and whilst I have made a new part this could do with being re-made with a phosphour bronze insert to reduce wear.

Certain items are not correct to 1920 ( those of you who are savvie will have no doubt noticed ). The front wheel has a drum brake-hub which works well and is needed for the size and power of the machine when being used on todays roads. The original brake parts are included in the auction. The clutch was originally operated via a foot lever and this has been converted to conventional lever ( some of the original parts are included in the auction ).

I sympathetically converted the lights to battery with the cables running through what looks like gas hose. A battery ( 12 Volt rechargeable ) fits into the toolbox.

There is a new MOT and Road Tax.

Interested Bidders are welcome to view the bike and I am flexible about times ( day or evening - weekdays or weekend ). Just contact me through eBay.

The Frame number is : 13048

The Engine number is : 12039

The bike is auctioned for collection only but for anyone who may be interested in this bike but unable to collect : I MAY be prepared to deliver. Please ask about delivery before bidding .



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