British

Today in Motorcycle History

New Era Motor Co

New Era motorcycles were produced between 1908 and 1911, by the New Era Motor Co of Lonsdale Road, West Kilburn, London. They also had an address in Earlsdon, Coventry. After the first war the firm was re-established in Liverpool.

1908 Late in the year the company launched their Phenomobile tricar, which was a strange looking contraption that bore a strong resemblance to an invalid cariage which was built in Germany by Phanomen. It was fitted with a 7hp V-twin engine over the front wheel, which it drove by chain. The handlebars stretched back to the driver, who sat beside the passenger. The seat, fitted out as a car body, went between the rear wheels with luggage space underneath.

1911 Another model, called the Cyclonette appeared late that year. It was fitted with a vertical-twin engine and the exhaust-valve caps had extended radiators attached to them. This too was a German production, built by Cyklon.

The New Era firm moved to Liverpool in the early 1920s.

New Era Motor Co (Liverpool)

New Era motorcycles were produced from 1920 to 1922 by the New Era Motor Co , now based in Liverpool.

The company first listed a 318cc two-stroke with an Albion two-speed gearbox and chain-cum-belt drive. In came in two forms - with or without clutch. They also listed a 499cc four-stroke with either a fixed-belt drive or with a three-speed Burman gearbox and chain-cum-belt drive.

Production continued for a couple of years and ceased in 1922.

Wheatcroft

Wheatcroft motorcycles were produced in 1924 by the New Era firm. Arthur E. Lynes appears to be the owner Wheatcroft and both versions of New Era.

Two models went on the market. One was a lightweight with a 318cc Dalm two-stroke engine, the other had a 545cc sv Blackburne single. The cycle parts of each were fitted to suit.

The venture was very short lived.


Source: Graces Guide

N.B. The New Era Autocycle Company of Dayton, Ohio operated between 1909 and 1914. They had an open frame and a double-wide footboard, so that the riding position was similar to that of a scooter. There appears to be no relationship between the US and UK firms. See woodlandautodisplay.com.
Information courtesy Graham Clayton.


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