Brief History of the Marque: Excelsior
The Excelsior factory produced a wide range of machines with engines
from most major manufacturers. In the early years they used Minerva, De
Dion, MMC and possibly a Condor 850cc single. After the Great War the company
was taken over by R. Walker & Sons and moved from Coventry to Tysley,
Birmingham, next door to AKD, where they continued
building motorcycles with power units by Blackburne,
JAP
and Villiers. During the interwar period they
obtained considerable competition success, particularly with perhaps their
most famous model, the Manxman, introduced in 1935 and available in capacities
of 246cc and 349cc. There is also evidence of a MAG-engined
1934 Powerplus.
During the war they produced the Welbike for the armed forces, a tiny
folding motorcycle designed to be dropped by parachute for use by special
forces. (See also Corgi)
In the lean years following the second war racing and luxury machines
were sidelined in favour of relatively inexpensive two-strokes, the flagship
being the Talisman twin powered by a 243cc 4speed Villiers.
Their best seller in this period was the Consort, achieving a peak production
of 10,000 units annually.
In 1957 Excelsior produced the 98cc Skutabike, and in 1959 released
the Monarch, a rebadged DKR scooter with an Excelsior 147cc engine. It
was withdrawn in 1960, and production slipped from low to zero by 1965,
the company continuing with the manufacture of car and motorcycle accessories.
Other products of the post-war era included outboard motors and marine
engine gearboxes, and Villiers-powered industrial trolleys.
Berkeley SE328 and T60 Sports Cars also used Excelsior Villiers engines.
Both the United States and Germany built motorcycles bearing the Excelsior
badge, but these were not related to the British marque.
More information at the Wikipedia
Tue Jul 27 2010
sf.tattooist<at>gmail.com
year and model of my bike
Excelsior unsure
frame number F4512425
Engine number 652A111
New Zealand
Tue May 11 2010
l.c.jones<at>btconnect.com
excelsior consort 98cc villiers
need manual to find out colour ect may thaks
newport tf109dj
Try Books
and Manuals
Sun Feb 21 2010
nigellewis7
aol.com
excelsior
excelsior 54/f4
i'm trying to register my bike with the original plate but can't find
an owners club to verify it please could you help many thanks nigel
Try Classic
Motorcycle Clubs at Bikelinks
Tue Mar 16 2010
Misslizab<at>hotmail.com
Excelsior 1950 125cc / Knee pads
Good morning, I am writing from Sydney Australia. Can you help
me with getting some knee pad that sit on the side of the petrol tanks
for an Excelsior motor bike, made in 1950? I hope you can help me
or if not, point me in the right direction. Many thanks for your
help. Liza
Sydney Australia
Try Classic
Motorcycle Dealers at Bikelinks
Wed Jan 13 2010
terry.liversidge <AT>sky.com
Excelsior motorcycles new book
Excelsior all
i will be publishing a complete history of the Excelsior marque soon.
watch this space for details.
...........
March 1010
glad tidings I have at last managed to finish the manuscript of my
book on excelsior motor cycles from the early days at Coventry until they
closed in1964 at Birmingham. the manusc ript is at present with the
publishers. so I hope to be in print in aprox six weeks. shall let you
know exactly when I have a date. hope that this email is of some
use to you. terry
Fri Jan 01 2010
hamzaali53live.com
c.1961
i have a bike excelsior viller which i want to check carpettor which
is a little faulty please reply soon your sinserlliy consumer
karachi.pakistan
Thu Nov 26 2009
johncrouch39tiscali.co.uk
wrong engine
excelsior Talisman twin
WHY does everyone exclude the 328 British ananzi engine
london
Wed Jun 10 2009
hidadiinet.net.au
1951 roadmaster
excelsior roadmaster R1
since last post I finally located a tool box for the 51. could not
locate an excelsior item but an old norton one looked the right shape and
even the bolt holes lined up so they were likely made in the royal tool
box factory for a number of british marqs. enclosed is pic of the finished
bike along with the just finished 49 roadmaster. I have fitted nicad battery
packs for the lights so they work (magneto lights were woeful)6v headlamp
for a VW works well.The brakes on the second bike are as pathetic as the
first,just as well they are not fast bikes,but they are loads of fun to
ride.
regards
Bill
Wed Jun 10 2009
hidadiinet.net.au
1949 roadmaster
excelsior roadmaster R1
well 18 months after my lastpost the 49 is all done and on the road.
Ive included before and after pics. The next job is a 56 swingarm R6
Sat Jun 06 2009
atd2003_57hotmail.com
information
excelsior c4 1930 or 33
hello I am looking for information on a motorcycle excelsior model
c4 150 cc 4-stroke engine with brand excelsior ... Daniel
canada
Mon May 18 2009
kerrpcyahoo.com
Excelsior JAP 250 cc
I have an 80 year old motorbike and ride it regularly. I need a source
of spares. Please advise me.
sunshine coast australia
Fri Apr 24 2009
owlpubhotmail.com
chain link size
Excelsior Autobyk 1955
Hello and congratulations on great website! Can anyone in forums or
on the site tell me correct chain link size for the above machine, which
I have justt arranged to buy?
Thanks
Peter Ford
Sun Apr 05 2009
coolaroo12yahoo.com.au
parts neads
Excelsoir roadmaster 197cc 1946 roadmaster 197cc
Hello there i am looking for new knee pads and a new glass for my bike
if any one can help me please write back to my email
thank you very much
Robert
Wed Feb 25 2009
bennetts_tony
hotmail.co.uk
CAN YOU HELP ME
Excelsior (uk) unknown
hi can you help me find out what my bike is iv bought it about a year
or so ago and hae been trying since to find out what it is and were to
get parts from all i have been told about it is that is an excelsior about
1929 and thought to be a 98cc i know its has a villiers engine but what
model i dont and can find out as every were i look i think iv found it
but when i inspect the carb and exhaust posts head in the wrong direction
it has an albion 2 speed gear box hand change that it any information someone
anyone can give me would be great parts manuals model etc thank you very
much Tony
Manchester
Sun Dec 14 2008
benlangworthyhotmail.co.uk
villiers 6f starting
excelsior consort
My little 1959 excelsior consort has been my daily transport though
the summer but im having problems getting her to start with the kickstart,
starts quite easily when bump-starting though, can anyone suggest what
may be wong and what could i do to sort it?
devon
Difficult to diagnose problem
from information supplied. Is the fuel fresh? Is the sparkplug clean? Does
it have good spark?
Try the page on Troubleshooting.
Sat Oct 11 2008
sarthak_thhotmail.com
information
excelsior -
hi i found a bike owned by my grandad its an excelsior
villiers engine the engine number is i guess PATM 531639 can
you please give me information on this model thanku
kathmandu
Wed Mar 26 2008
skofic.jurijgmail.com
excelsior 350
excelsior 350 OHV two port sports model No. A11
complete catalouge 1930, 1931 + succsesses season 1929
Ljubljana
Tue Mar 11 2008
benlamgworthyhotmail.co.uk
excelsior consort
Iv just aquires an 1954 excelsior consort to learn to tide on (believe
it or not my 1955 james cadet was to er 'big' for me to learn on!)
does anyone know of anywhere i could get a luggage rack for this bike?
Sun Mar 02 2008
benlangworthyhotmail.co.uk
excelsiour consort
excelsiour consort
Hello im in devon in the uk, does anyone here have of know of and excelsious
consort for sale in the uk? im after one to learn on, I have james
but its engine is a bit to big for me to be allowed to learn on it. If
anyone know of a consort, of any small villiers powered bike under 125cc
for sale please let me know
ben
devon
Wed Feb 06 2008
parru.sheriffgmail.com
welbike
excelssior villers carb
i have a welbike unfortunately lost the engine and the handle, could
i get one from somewhare
bhopal india.
Thu Dec 20 2007
aedg87<aT>hotmail.com
NECESITO AYUDA
EXCELSIOR 1939
QUISIERA SABER SI ALGUIEN EN EL PORTAL ME PUEDE AYUDAR A CONSEGUIR
EL OPTURADOR DEL CARBURADOR (AGUJA,TUERCA Y EMBOLO) PARA MI MOTO EXCELSIOR
1939 MI CORREO ES
mi nombre es Angel Eucario
GRACIAS.
Spanish
Mon Dec 10 2007
marisa_vellamuskatyahoo.it
ricerca tipo di moto
?
sono in possesso di un telaio di una vecchia motociclettina che credo
sia una EXCELSIOR, potete darmi indicazioni?
roma
Sat Nov 17 2007
freds32sbcglobal.net
Pearls of not necessarily wisdom
Excelsior (early 1950's)
When stationed near Wheelus AFB in 1953, I and many others bought Excelsior
125cc motorcycles from a British dealer in Tripoli, Libya. There were hundreds
on the base and out at our tent city (580th ARC Wing), because engines
larger than 125cc were not allowed on base. Some of us stripped the bikes
of unnecessary weight,e.g. fenders, put on larger rear sprockets and raced
them. We had an organized competition group which held flat-track, scrambles,
hill climbs and drag events. The Alkies (a la AlkaSeltzer) were great machines.
When I left for March AFB in California a year later, I sold mine to an
officer who needed a machine for his houseboy. The motor was on its second
rebore/piston, but it still popped (two stroke) along nicely. Hope the
houseboy didn't harm himself.
Tehachapi,CA
Fri Oct 26 2007
miguelguedemgap.com.pt
[bounced]
looking for history books and spare parts
Excelsior power plus 500cc 1934 model D11 M.A.G. engine
I'm looking for informations about a motorcycle I just bought, and
would like to know if someone can help me to find story books, spareparts
and maintenaince books for this Bike . Is a EXCELSIOR Power Plus 500cc
year 1934, model D11 , engine M.A.G.
OPORTO
Mon Oct 22 2007
sunriseacreslook.ca
1952 Excellsior Roadmaster
I'm in Toronto, Ontario Canada and need info on how to get this bike
running. Any suggestions and info would be appreciated. Mike
On. Canada
Sat Oct 13 2007
walternielsenhotmail.com
jap 1930 250cc engine
excelsior model 9 1930
do you have any information about jap engine 250cc ohv 2 ported single
cylinder 1930
denmark
Sun Aug 26 2007
paulanddagmarbigpond.com
Excelsior information
1930 ?
I have what I think is a 1930 twin port single cylinder Villiers model,
but I have no further information. Does anyone have any literature ie,workshop
manual or parts listing. Anything will be a start
Australia
..........
I have three photo's, one of the bike as I found it, another a close
up of
the tank and finally a close up of the motor. I hope they can be used
to
source some information for me.
Thanks
Paul C
Thu Aug 16 2007
prabhat_cyahoo.com
Excelsior with Villiers engine
Excelsior LO17 rigid girder fork
I have an Excelsior with girder forks and rigid rear end. It has LO17
stamped on the top of the forks and a single port Villiers engine, Can
anyone help with literature, magneto parts, hand gear change parts or general
information on restoration? Thanks. P Chandra
India
Thu May 17 2007
earth2ogmail.com
My great aunt Margaret
Excelsior- pre WW I
Hi- thought you might like this, I never knew Margaret, but she rode
that bike all over Britain. Must have been quite a gal.
Wales
Tue May 08 2007
chrislodgetalktalk.net
EXCELSIOR CONSORT 1958
I have a 1958 Excelior consort with a viliers 6f (I think) engine -
it is missing quite a few engine parts and also I dont think the tank is
correct- any ideas where I can get hold of some parts
Sheffield England
Sat May 05 2007
jc306hotmail.co.uk
wiring diagram
98cc excelsior consort
Does anyone have or know where i could get a wiring diagram.I have
all but restored it just canrt find a wiring diagram please help many thanks
John
Leeds
Fri Apr 13 2007
trekronorzonnet.nl
Excelsior UK 350 ohv single 1931 sports
any info on this bike
I am interested in an info on this bike
Amsterdam NL
Fri Apr 13 2007
ray.holdenblueyonder.co.uk
Trying to identify
Excelscior U1- maybe.
In the early 50s my Dad owned what I think was a U1. It had three rubber
bands damping the girder forks.Can anyone confirm identification.Sorry
no photo.
Birmingham UK.
Sat Mar 31 2007
bikerdrum
go
1934 excelsior power plus 500cc
I imported this bike from Switzerland,(ex. Geneva motor museum),I have
been unsuccessful in discovering any information about ths model and would
much appreciate some.The bike is in mint museum condition.NIk Ramsay-Whale.
spain
Sun Mar 11 2007
kandddaveyhotmail.com
[bounced]
Excelsior 1948-9 Roadmaster 197 cc
I am currently restoring (with lots of help) what I believe is a 1948/9
197 cc Roadmaster. I was wondering if there is somewhere on the frame and
engine that I will find the numbers that identify the model and year.
Regards Kevin
South Australia
Thu Feb 15 2007
christosttpyahoo.com.cy
[bounced]
Front light
excelsior roadmaster
require for the front 6" light-glass,reflecror,ring
CYPRUS
Fri Jan 26 2007
jezc.intntlworld
Excelsior Motorbike
Hi, hope you can assist. Back in my youth I had a n excelsior motorbike
with a 150 cc villiers engine. Telescopic front end & std shocks to
rear. This was a full-seated model & I recall the speedo was in the
headlight assembly. 3 speed box & believe it was a universal model
U?
Please can you confirm these & if possible direct me to a phot
of one -as I would love to show some new bike friends my first bike- they're
too young to have heard of it! Think I still have the fuel tank if anyone
needs one?
Southampton
............
...thanks for the quick response & link, however not mine- too
early.
But on digging around on your site I found an early advert that looks
like the one!
If I'm not mistaken it was/is an _Excelsior universal U9 _that
would have been around the 1963/4 date. Difficult to read the advert, but
has the 150 lump with the right /double/ seat ( sorry I said full seated)
& all the other points I remember. So, if there is any chance of a
photo of this model anywhere- I would be indebted.
Yours sincerely
Jez Caesar UK
Sat Jan 20 2007
william.mccluneyntlworld
Villiers engines
Wolf
I'm interested in finding a Villiers engine or parts. I'd especially
like a 98cc two-speed unit for my Excelsior Consort project.
Belfast
Fri Jan 19 2007
steve12z3msn
what bike have i got??
excelsior
i have a excelsior bike but i have no details of the model, year etc
etc. u have a picture of it in your excelsior pictures, it is the last
one of the pics,EXCELSIOR MOTORCYCLE WITH VILLIERS ENGINE is the title.
if the is any info you could pass on would be very greatfull as i
have just got it running again and need to get all the paper work sorted.
many thanks.steve
cambridge
If this is the bike you refer
to, Steve:
www.cybermotorcycle.com/gallery/excelsior/Excelsior_with_Villiers_engine.htm
then I suggest you write to http://www.nationalmotorcyclemuseum.com.au/
who will have more information, I'm sure.
Fri Dec 08 2006
borgrodonvol.net
excelsior consort 98cc
I have an excelsior consort 98cc and it is missing a lot of parts.
i really would like to restore it to it's original condition. Can you help
me out where to order parts from? Thanks a million
malta
Wed Nov 08 2006
neilmac1hotmail
villiers execelsios 1947
hi i am restoreing villiers execelsios 1947
and there are parts that are missing but have not got to that stage
yet i am soon reddie to refit the bike but the electric wireing loom is
a mistrey can some one help it is the miller type i cant get a diagram
to see how it done and cant gess just what else i need to find out thanks
neil in the uk
essex (uk)
Tue Sep 19 2006
bobmcgrath21hotmail
Excelsior Photo Gallery
1930 148cc Excelsior
This is neither 1930 nor 148cc. It is a 98cc 2 speed Model O first
shown in the 1932 catalogue. The one shown has very neatly been altered
to an open frame ladies version but it is the same bike as shown in the
Dutch ad below it. I have 2 Excelsiors from that period and am fairly familiar
with them. Cheers, Bob
Australia
Mon Sep 18 2006
kriss2011fastmail.com.au
Excelsior
Hi there, I am writing to see if you can help me in finding out the
year and make of this bike? i was told it was about a 1949 Excelsior motorbike,
if you could give me any help on this and where i might be able to get
spare parts for the bike, this would be of a great help, thankyou very
much
Kriss
Melbourne, Australia
...............
thankyou for taking the time to tell me about the bike.
Engine No as I read it,
TX3
9
B7095/1
Frame No,
WDS/5570
Gear Box Cover No
Pat No 631639
Thanks again for your Help
Regards Kriss
Tue Aug 22 2006
darrensweet_770hotmail
Excelsior AutoBuk
1951 98cc
I have just began restoring the Excelsior and need a new ignition coil
(the type that works off a magnetic fly-wheel) any ideas where I can get
one??
England
Sat Aug 12 2006
teppo.porkolanetti.fi
EXCELSIOR TALISMAN TT 1 1952
http://kuvablogi.com/blog/2092/0/
kauhava - finnland
Sun Aug 06 2006
ianindiuyahoo.co.uk
excelsior-nepal
I have a friend in Katmandu he has an excelsior m/c eng :652A18360
Fr F9489693
2 Speed grip change
1" tubing 19" fr & rear tyres
forks: Mcferson or Girder
can you please tell me the make of the bike I think it is a 98cc.
it is only missing a chain
thankyou
nepal
Can anyone identify this Excelsior?
Ed.
Mon Jul 17 2006
stmangoldbluewin.ch
Excelsior ~1930
Hi everybody. im looking for any information about my Excelsior (pics,
books, spares etc.)
Thanks for your help.
....
On the "Vehicle Registration Doc" my Excelsior is declared as an 2-axle-rigid
body scooter combination with a cyl.cap. of 148cc, Manufactured 1930.
Frame No. 7111 Engine No. BZ744
I think, that all parts of the bike are complete exept. the front Light,
but if there was one? I'm not sure.
Thank you very much for your help.
Regards, Stefan
Zürich
Sat Jul 01 2006
hidadiinet.net.au
restored bike
Excelsior roadmaster R1 1951
just got this little bike licenced it was assembled at the same time
as a 1949 model I'm doing, apart from the 49 being rigid rear , the two
bikes are pretty well identical. I have a few bits left over and loads
of advice.I am still missing a tool box for the 51.regards Bill Fildes
Perth Western Australia
Thu Apr 27 2006
arquitectonirohotmail
Excelsior Talisman 250cc
I am Ruben from Argentina. I am looking for a complete "cranck shaft"
[crankshaft] for my excelsior talisman, I really don´t Know
the real translation of it, in spañish the name of this part is
"cigüeñal".
I want to know some mail adresses where I can buy it.
Thanks a lot.
Argentina
Thu Apr 13 2006
chrisframpton1986.fsworld.co.uk
Spares list
1934 excelsior pioneer
can you tell me where i can find a spares list
Bristol
Sat Feb 25 2006
abutchercfl.rr
Excelsior Talisman motorcycle -- logo
I am helping my brother restore an Excelsior Talisman Twin Sports motorcycle
-- dated sometime 1949-1952. We need a very clear (large if possible)
photo of the Excelsior logo that is painted on the fuel tank so that we
can have an artist paint it on our tank. Can you help us? Please
let us know ASAP. Thank you very much! Anita Butcher
Florida, USA
You might like to try the Badges directory at Bikelinks
- several of the firms listed there supply a large range of classic bike
stickers - yours may well be available.
Motorcycle
Decals
Mon Feb 06 2006
adrian-paulinehotmail
Excelsior Universal U1 Rigid
I have just finished a total restoration on this model. I will help
with any enquieries.
It's a 1949 Excelsior Universal U1 Rigid. Thanks for your reply. Your
website is an inspiration to all of us who try and keep the old motorcycles
from disappearing for ever!
Kindest Regards,
Adrian.
New Zealand
Mon Dec 05 2005
rollsa210yahoo.com.au
Excelsior
hello im looking for some information on my excelsior motor bike, it
has a villers 2-stroke engine and a 3 speed burman gearbox. this bike means
alot to me as it has been in the family for 3 generations now. i have photos
if this will help with my inquiry
I'm unsure of the model, but i do have the engine capacity and the frame
number if that's any help, the engine capacity is 250cc Villers and the
number on the frame is G4 603. if anyone could help me with any info it
would be really helpful
Thank-you,
Nov 1st 2005
subject: seeking advice
Email: mags4373hotmail.co.uk
message: Hi sorry to trouble you, I have come accross two old ladys.
The first being a 1930's excelsior auto bike with a villious engine but
know paperwork. And the second being a 1948 excelsior minor with paperwork!
Could you advice me of a realistic price to be paying for these old ladies!
Regards Darren
Fri Sep 16 2005
tharpellsympatico.ca
excelsior motorcycle
I have an old Excelsior bike that has been sitting in a closet for
close to 40 years. I believe it is 1930 or earlier. I would like to find
out the date of manufacture, any suggestions? thank you Tom Harpell, Kingston,
Ont, Canada
Wed Sep 07 2005
christineascottonetel
Excelsior 125cc
In reply to "Milt":- (message to you on Aug 7 2005) I had an excelsior
125cc with a villiers engine in 1954. The gear lever came up through a
slot centrally positioned in the petrol tank. It had twin exhuast ports,
the forks were, I believe, pressed metal. It was sold in 1957. The registration
number was `FAY 21'.I, also, have never seen another, either in the flesh
or a photograph and am unable to find any information about this model.
Would be most interested to have any information.
Sun Aug 07 2005
mcontellaconsolidated.net
Late 40s Excelsior 125 cc
In the early 50s a friend of mine had a Excelsior motorcycle. It had
a Villiers 125 cc engine and had chrome plated fenders and gas tank.
The gear shift lever came up through a slot in the gas tank. It was
a beautiful little machine. I have searched the web in vain attempting
to find an image of the machine or, in my wildest dream, finding one for
sale. Anyone out there ever seen or heard of such an Excelsior??
I did find an Excelsior image in the link below which is close in appearance
to the bike I spoke of, but I don't believe it had rear shocks. (The second
bike on the page)
Thanks,
Milt
http://www.nationalmotorcyclemuseum.com.au/e.html
That rear end is referred to as a "sprung
heel", "springer" or "plunger" rear suspension. They're not really shock
absorbers, just springs with dampers. Ed.
Tue Aug 02 2005
urielperezargentina
excelsior 125cc 1938
quisiera recibir informacion de esta moto "excelsior 125cc 1938 de
paracaidistas" desde ya muchas gracias, esta muy buena la pagina
Robotrans: it wanted to receive
informacion of this motorcycle "excelsior 125cc 1938 parachutist bike"
since already many thanks, this very good one paginates it
Thu May 26 2005
rknight1vtown.com.au
excelsior sprint mk11
is there much information on these little machines ?
If you have a query about Excelsior motorcycles, or wish to share some
pearl of wisdom about these classic British machines, please contact
us!
