1914 Douglas - Originality and Price

[Douglas52]

Gents

I'm interested in the douglas at the following link:

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Classic-vintage/auction-202005382.htm

Not too sure how original it is and what is a fair price.
Any comments or guidance would be appreciated.

Cheers

Steve Mckenzie

[Chris]

Hi Steve
      For some reason I cannot get the other pictures, apart from two, to display but from what I can see it has front forks not introduced until 1916.    Chris.

[Alan Cun]

Yes Chris, You are right those forks on our colonial models probably did't come out in Aust till 1919 I can't see the tubular triangle at the front top of frame at the bars either suspect the frame as late as 23 /24 A good number check required on frame of this one.??? buyer beware regards Alan

[MRD]

Hi Steve
I have been able to look at all the pictures, I would not say that this was original.
The engine crank case is of the earlier type with the stepped timing chest, but the rest of the engine suggests to me that its from a latter model e.g. the fining on the barrels around the induction pipe, the carburettor is a latter edition. The flywheel is also later with its narrower rim.

I would say that this is a later frame but pre 1923 as there are no signs of saddle mounting on the the top frame tube but after 1918/19.
Which has an 1913 or 1914 crank case which just happens to be interchangeable with the latter engine parts.
Hope this help
Regards        Martin

[eddie]

Hi All,
          Comparing this bike with original publicity shots, it looks to be a 1920's TS model - maybe even as late as 1926. The frame hasn't got the bracing to the top of the steering head, so is probably post 1918 - also the upper rear stays are bolted at the rear end, just above the wheel spindle (pre 1915 frames had the stay welded). Another dating point is the rear stand pivot being bolted to plates under the rear stay instead of into the side of the tube. Also, that design of rear carrier doesn't seem to have been used on 2¾ HP models before 1919.

                                        Eddie.

[MRD]

Steve
I have also noticed that there is no front brake at the wheel or a lever at the handlebar.

Also as an observation why is there a leather strap round the saddle frame linked to the top tube on the bike frame, Is the saddle fitted properly?
Regards       Martin

[Douglas52]

Thanks gents

Think I'll let this one go through to the keeper.
The vendor had mentioned about the frame only.

We get a lot of this sort of stuff (i.e. bitzas) over here - but nearly always claimed to be an original model and priced accordingly.
Not that theres anything wrong with an honest bitza.
Looks like the EW350 will have to wait a bit longer for a stablemate.

Thanks again & regards

Steve McKenzie

[Daren W Australia]

Hi see what happens when you have your location listed rapid help from all over the world saving a fellow Douglafile from buying a bike that did not fit his criteria well done all. Regards Daren

[ste]

Hi all,
The bike mentioned in this set belonged to my wife. We put the bike on trade me and advertised it as a "bitza", built in Dunedin in the 1960's. The motor's crankcase was oringinal 1913, but we put the barrels off the other motor after it threw a rod and split the crankcase. We also stated that the frame was a later one. I wasn't trying to pull the wool. I was trying to be up front and honest.
It is interesting however, to hear all your comments.

Regards,
Stephen