Douglas 1917

[Michel H]

Hello everybody, Tomorrow I'll have the opportunity to examine one Douglas from 1917 here in Belgium. It was probably import in Belgium during WWI. Do you know the number range for the engine, the frame and the gearbox to check ? Thank you for your help.

[David Lawrence]

Hi Michel,
If the bike you are looking at is a 2 3/4HP the frame number will be in the region of 30000 to 35000 the engine number will be in a similar range but should not be the same, Douglas did not match engine and frame numbers in this era. Depending on its history the engine number could vary as you are probably aware the 2 3/4 frames can be fitted with a wide time span of engines! The gearbox data we have is very variable but generally they again had a 5 figure number without letters, the later machines had various gearboxes available, these if fitted will have CG or G with varying numbers, other gearboxes have also been fitted, the notation indicating the type of box.
There is considerable evidence that the factory repaired bikes during and shortly after the 1st war using whatever components they could salvage.
If the bike turns out to be a 3 1/2 or 4 HP the frame number shouild be  3000 to 8000 with engine numbers in the same range again not matching. The data we have on the gearboxes again is rather indecisive but generally  a four figure number without any letters.
Enjoy your day!!
Dave

[Michel H]

Thank you Dave. Meanwhile, I found the forum "identification Douglas".
The vendor said the bike is complete but in his genuine condition and need full restoration (in french we say "dans son jus" english translation "in his juice" funny image, isn't ?). What's the price range for this kind of model ? Greeting from Belgium. Michel.