27 douglas red devil

[desmobikes]

I have recently purchased 27 D2 douglas known as red devil, does anyone have any info on this bike. There is some doubt as to engine size, I have roughly checked stroke to be 74mill. I also need to know tyre size,I believe it to be a 20" rim, it measures 20 5/16" extreme outside dia. and 2" overall width. 




Larger view

[Alan Cun]

Hello There,

Yes I remember that bike the owner came from somewhere west of Sydney I think it was and the owner insisted it was a 28 DT Douglas and no amount of information could convince him it was a 1928 D 28 350 OHV. For some unknown reason he also decided it was to be red and ignore the correct colours.

This was back in 1982 his name escapes me but maybe Howard or others from Sydney may remember him. I think his surname started with P.

The tyres should be 26x3 beaded edge. Yes very rare bike and well worth putting back to its correct colour scheme.

I believe the gent lost his way on this resto.

regards Alan

[Dirt Track]

G'day all.
How are you going Alan?
Yes this is a D28, I remember going out at night with my old mates Len Masser & Jack Cannell to view this bike...the owner at the time was Barry Purtell and he would have been well into his late 60's.
He wanted $20,000 for it way back then and was convinced it was worth every penny.....the tyres were rock hard and would have needed to be cut off with a hacksaw. I believe it would have been just after meeting Len because we went out to Barry's to see if he had any bits for Len's 4HP.
I have often thought about this bike and what had happened to it and now it has come out of hiding!
I have spoken to the owner when he was referred to me some time ago.
It will be nice to see the bike back on the road.....rare machine indeed.
No doubt you are still having a ball with your machines Alan....I would have stuck with Douglas had I not had you as competition! All the best.
Howard.

[Alan Cun]

Yes Howard,
It was Barry Purtell and by the way the Len Masser 4 hp is among my collection. The shed is hardly closed these days with many visits from all wanting to see the bikes. Kept busy with visits from Ulysses recently when they had their AGM at Maryborough.

Had a phone call today. Will have to shake the moths out of the wallet. More later when the deal is done.

regards Alan