British

Today in Motorcycle History

Wilkinson

Wilkinson was a motorcycle produced from 1939 to 1962, by Frank Wilkinson, of Nottingham.

This machine was a special, designed and constructed just before the onset of World War II. What singled it out from the rest were the mechanics, as the engine was a 592cc V4 with overhead camshaft mounted transversely. This engine drove a home-made three-speed gearbox bolted to it, with a bevel box to turn the drive to suit the rear chain.

The first layout was not as successful as expected, so, in the 1940s, the machine was modified to mount the engine along a military Ariel W/NG frame to drive an Albion four-speed gearbox by chain. The camshafts were still driven by vertical shafts, with bevel gears at the bottom and skew at the top, with hairpin valve springs later changed to coils. Ignition was by a BTH magneto from an aircraft, adapted to suit the V4, and there was a carburettor on each side of the vee.

The machine was continually revised and modified until the designer died in 1962. It then lay untouched for many years before being discovered and returned to working condition, with the addition of twin open-megaphone exhausts.

Source: Graces Guide




subject: Wilkinson TMCs
Email: tim<at>scotttim.co.uk
message: Dear Sirs

I would be interested in purchasing a Wilkinson TMC and would be grateful if you could let me know if you are aware of any for sale, ideally 1912, 1913 or 1914 models.

Indeed, if you know of any in existence and are prepared to put me in touch with their owners or let me have their details, I would be also be grateful.

Regards

Tim Scott


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