Brief History of the Marque: Minerva
Prior to the Great War, Minerva was quite famous for its range of motorcycles
with 1.5hp to 8hp motors. These engines were also supplied to over 100
other manufacturers of motorcycles and motorized bicycles, and were licenced
for manufacture in other countries. The factory ceased production of motorcycles
in 1909 in favour of cars.
The 1907 Minerva was rigid framed (sans front suspension also) with
belt drive directly from the crank. In 1909, the final year of production,
the factory offered a range of motorcycles from 254cc singles to 855cc
V-twins.
A revival of the company was attempted in 1953 or 1954 with the production
of scooters under licence from MV, but this failed and the factory went
into final liquidation in 1958.
Manufacturers utilising Minerva engines included Bismarck,
the Australian Lewis,
Chater-Lea and Eysink
Minerva
Motocyclettes 1900-1909
Lewis c1904
with Minerva engine at the State Library of South Australia
Sun Feb 17 2008
ritchie.hamish<at>google.com (bounced - try gmail.com)
minerva motorcycles
minerva 3.5 hp
looking for more detail re the minerva bikes as seem to have a family
history of these bikes in new zealand. would be interested in seeing any
early photos or purchasing any parts particulary a motor .
new zealand
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share information or images of these classic Belgian machines, please contact
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