Champion Cycle & Motor Works of 123 Charles Street, Launceston, Tasmania. (197 Charles Street in 1905 and 1907)
Established in 1901 by John King and sons.
John King bought his first motocycle, a Beauchamp, in 1901, and soon began building the Champion machines using Minerva engines.
John King and his wife Lucy had three sons, William, George and Herbert. Lucy was one of the first women to gain a motorcycle license in Tasmania.
Will set the Launceston to Hobart record on a Champion in 1904, and broke it many times over the following decade.
George also raced the Champion, and managed the extensive workshop facilities which included nickel plating, baked enamelling, lathes and milling machines, and brazing.
Herbert managed the showroom and spare parts business, which involved consigning packages by rail on a daily basis to towns all over Tasmania. He was also a keen photographer, and rode his motorcycle to often remote areas of the state to record the stunning wilderness views on offer. He and his wife Lucy Minna were among the first group of motorcyclists to ride to Cradle Mountain, in 1922. Herbert's works were exhibited internationally, and he became honorary photographer for the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery in Launceston for the years 1958 to 1962. Among the 340 of his works in the collection of the museum are aerial photographs dating from c1920. He photographed aeroplanes as early as 1914.
1907
Sole agents for Peugeot, NSU and FN motor Bicycles, and Montgomery sidecars. Daily Telegraph (Launceston, Tas.) Thu 3 Oct 1907
1911
Matchless, J.A.P., Champion Peugeot, Rudge, Douglas, F.N. Indian. B.S.A. and V.S. Motors.
Daily Telegraph (Launceston, Tas) Mon 18 Dec 1911
1919
Indian, Douglas, Rudge, Multi Motor Cycles and J.A.P. Engines; Goulding and Rock sidecars.
CHAMPION MOTOR AND CYCLE WORKS, 197 CHARLES-STREET.
This firm, of which John King is the proprietor, has not to date had a stand at the show, owing to the great number of orders in hand each year for the famous Champion bicycles, for which this firm is so justly popular. The standard of workmanship in goods turned out by the firm is very high indeed, as seen by the results these machines have gained.
...
The firm has also the sole agency for the famous Griffon motor cycles (with spring front forks, which dispense with any vibration in the handles), three of which are being landed this week to the order of well-known gentlemen of Launceston and neighborhood. This make of motor cycles holds all Continental records for speed and reliability, also in the last two hill climbs in Victoria "Griffons" secured first, second, and third places. There is also on view a "Griffon" motor cycle fitted to the Montgomery side-car, which forms a most comfortable and reliable motor tricycle, carrying two passengers.
As builders of motor cycles this firm has led from the start, producing the best models for speed and comfort yet made. As evidence of quality and speed, Mr W. King, of this firm holds the speed record for motor cycles, Hobart to Launceston, time 4hr 17min, also all track records to date...
Daily Telegraph (Launceston, Tas) Fri 6 Oct 1905
(Fitted with Peugeot or J.A.P. Engines.)
The Champion Motor-Cycles need no introduction to the public, being built locally, especially to meet Tasmanian conditions, strongly framed, saddle position very low, and with high engine clearance. They are fitted with large and heavy tyres, and finished in well-known standard style, in grey, with cream panel tints. Another great advantage is the complete stock of duplicate parts, so that the rider may replace any piece without inconvenience, a great advantage to the user.
(The article continues with information on Rudge and "Red Indian" motorcycles, Humberette cycle cars, and Champion bicycles.)
Daily Telegraph (Launceston, Tas.) Thu 16 Oct 1913
MOTOR CYCLES SIDE CARS, AND BICYCLES.
Messrs. John King and Sons, Limited. are the Northern Tasmanian agents for Indian, Douglas, Rudge, Multi Motor Cycles and J.A.P. Engines. The Indian organisation is the oldest in the world, and their latest Powerplus model is the world's master motor cycle, with the celebrated cradle spring frame. The number of Indians on the road is proof of the popularity-of the silent red motor.
There have been few Douglas motor cycles arriving lately, owing to the extreme difficulty in getting machines, but the firm are weekly expecting the Douglas 4 h.p. Spring Frame Motor Cycle to come to hand. At the firm's show rooms a lot of spares and accessories are carried for the above.
Messrs. John King and Sons, Limited, have secured the agency for Rock side cars. The strength, springing, high clearance, comfort, of these side-cars surpass anything yet attemped, while they will fit any make of motor cycle.
The firm are also agents for the Golding [sic] Spring Wheel Side Cars. Messrs. John King and Sons have done an enormous business in side cars, and have built several delivery vans for well known firms in Tasmania. The firm is in a unique position for catering for this class of Delivery Cars.
Messrs, John King and Sons, Limited, are the builders of the genuine up-to-date Champion Bicycles, which have proved their value in Tasmania over and over again.
Large stocks of Dunlop, Goodyear, Michelin, and Elnret [sic] Glass Tyres are stocked, and owing to the enormous business done customers can be assured of getting fresh stock.
The show room and garage of MESSERS. JOHN KING AND SONS, LTD., are situated at 123 Charles-street, where every accessory can be procured, and all repairs and refilling can be effected. All interested are cordially invited to inspect at their leisure.
Examiner (Launceston, Tas.) Thu 16 Oct 1919
N.B. "Golding" is Goulding, and "Elnret" is Barnet.
Sources: Trove NLA, et al
H J King was a registered conscientious objector during the Second World War due to his Christadelphian faith.
Moto Vecchia Cafe of Bellerive, Tasmania give a detailed and well-written account of the King family and the Champion motorcycle on their FB page.
See also King, Herbert John (1892–1973) by Margaret Tassell
N.B. The image of a thyacaline and Cradle Mountain is attributed: Herbert John King, c1935. QVMAG Collection, QVM:1983:P:1945.
Other marques using the Champion name: Disambiguation
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