British

Today in Motorcycle History

W and G Motorcycles (WAG)

Wright and Gasking built their motorcycles at Woods Garage, Rea Street, Birmingham, from 1923 to 1925. 1

The machine had a 494cc 60-degree V-twin two-stroke with mixture compessed using a method other than crankcase compression. 2

Exhaust pipes exited at the sides of the cylinders, front right and rear left, and fed into a large cylindrical aluminium expansion chamber at the front of the engine. Ignition was by chain-driven Bosch magneto mounted above the exhaust chamber. A single B&B carburettor supplied fuel. Drive was delivered to the rear wheel by chain via a three-speed gearbox.

Two W.A.G. machines were entered in the 1924 Scottish Six days trial ridden by J. L. Gasking and W. V. Wood3, the latter receiving a silver medal for his performance. There were other appearances in competition.

The unconventional motorcycle failed to achieve commercial success, and few were built. It appears that none survive.


Notes:

1. Conflicting production dates are given of 1923-25 and 1926-27; the former is likely correct.
2. Descriptions of the method of compression exist but are all but incomprehensible.
3. The name is also reported as F. V. Wood

Sources: Graces Guide, motorsportmagazine.com, Tragatsch p294, ssdt.org



If you have further information or a query related to this page, please contact us