It is not often that an old motorcycle has a primitive connection to another, after all many were scrapped after the World Wars and failed to come out the other side. What are the chances then, to find two motorcycles of the same breed – each a ladies and gentleman’s model, that are one number apart on the plates? It is a rare scenario in modern times, but it is one that Chris Perryman made happen. In order to tell the story, let us start with some of the history of the UK Excelsior marque.
The Excelsior Motor Company Ltd of King’s Road in Birmingham was a key pioneer of the motorcycle scene in the UK. In 1896 the company came up with their first Minerva-powered motorcycle which was exhibited at Crystal Palace show, where clients were offered trial rides on the Palace ground. It was an important time in the history of the motorcycle, as it was the first time that a British company had built, run, displayed and sold a motorcycle in the country.
In 1910 the firm became the Excelsior Motor Co Ltd and as time went on, they created an assortment of motorcycles. Excelsior could see the benefit of a simple and cheap motorcycle that could transport people from A to B, and in 1923 they introduced a 147cc Villiers-powered model. It was described as an attractive low-priced motorcycle, which was tried and tested by THE column of the time – The Motor Cycle.
Miniature Solo Mount of Light Weight and Low Price Introduced.
The basic model was available at a modest price of £28 10s. with a little more on top once accessories such as lamps were added.
Although many people consider that so small a machine is something of a toy, nevertheless, from personal experience, we may state that this example is a thoroughly practical little machine, well suited to the needs of an enormous number of people. Gear ratios of 6 ½ to 1 and 13 to 1 enable the little engine to maintain a steady speed of well over the legal limit if necessary, and to climb any hill which is likely to be encountered by the average rider. Added to this the little engine is beautifully balanced, and is almost vibrationless, slipping along quietly and without fuss. The Villiers Flywheel magneto is, of course, a feature, and the engine is supplied with gas through a Mills single lever carburettor, from which excellent results have been obtained. A ½ in x ¼ in. motor cycle chain transmits to the drive through an Albion two-speed gear box, the final drive being by three-quarter inch belt. 24in. x 2in. Avon tyres are fitted. In spite of the small proportions of this little machine no essential details have been omitted; the mudguards are of sensible width, and half valanced in front; a deeply flanged top chain guard is fitted; Druid forks are employed, and the saddle is of sensible proportions. The weight is approximately 1101b.
The small, somewhat under-powered machine was provided with an extra boost of testosterone when Excelsior sent a team to the Isle of Man for the 1923 Lightweight TT, where they were able to achieve ninth and tenth positions. The race bikes were 250cc, compared to the 147cc mounts featured in this article, however the competitive streak demonstrated a propensity for speed, nimbleness, and drive, and this will have in no doubt propelled the smaller models in a positive direction.
Excelsior was also a company that offered an open frame motorcycle to the market, and it wasn’t long before the 147cc featured in their chassis.
At the time these bikes were marketed as being suitable for motor cyclists of either sex, however they were primarily marketed as a lady’s motorcycle, as the open loop would allow one to use the machine without having to alter their style of dress. It was move in the right direction and Motor Cycling featured a regular column for the lady motorcyclist, conducted by Muriel Hind, who in her time was a well-known and successful trials competitor. Hind reported on the many women then taking up the new sport, and on the new models as they were released by manufacturers.
Now to the story of these two bikes, which are as follows according to their plates:
OR 1546: 1923 Excelsior 150cc “Ladies” model
OR 1547: 1923 Excelsior 150cc “Gents” model
OR 1546 and OR 1547 were both registered at the same time in 1923 by the same person and owned by them/ the family until the late 1950s, when they were purchased by a father-and-daughter team – Jesse and Heather, both who were well considered in the biking world and featured in many publications of the era. In fact, here are a few snippets of Heather in various articles of the era, with her Excelsior.
Heather used her newly acquired motorcycle on numerous runs around the country and continued to use both of the Excelsiors after her father passed. In 2009 the bikes were sold and ended up being separated – sacrilege we hear you say!
A couple of years back, Chris Perryman spotted OR 1546, the ladies’ bike in an Auction. The acquisition led to some research into the absent counterpart, and after some homework he was able to track down the Gents bike, and reunite the Excelsiors after a period apart. The machines both now reside with Chris in Truro, Cornwall. Chris is still in touch with Heather who will often send photos and information about her beloved machines which are now in safe hands. And to round this article off nicely, here is a recent photograph of Heather with her old Excelsior, a bike that will have generated many fond memories.
Thank you to Chris Perryman for his invaluable input on this wonderful story.
See below for a short clip of both machines at the Goodwood Breakfast Meet in 2024:
an article by The Girder Club
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