Frederick Street, Heath Town, Wolverhampton
Beau-Ideal motorcycles were produced from 1903 to 1907.
1896 The company, Richards' Beau Ideal Cycle Co, was registered on 20 July, to take over the business of Charles Richards and Co.
At the 1903 Stanley Show motorcycles with Clément-Garrard, Minerva, and J.A.P. engines were presented. The following year they exhibited three motorcycles, which were powered by 3½ h.p. German Fafnir engines. All of the models were single speed, fixed gear machines and had all of the rider's controls on the right-hand side of the handlebars. Only a few were made, and the company decided to concentrate on bicycle manufacture.
Richards Beau Ideal Motor Cycles
are shown fitted with Clément-Garrard, Minerva, and J.A.P. engines. (Stand 100.)
The Richards Beau Ideal Cycle Co., Ltd., Wolverhampton
(Stand 107)–
At the time of our call three Beau Ideal motor bicycles were on view here. These were all fitted with the well-known Fafnir engine of 3 h.p. In addition to the usual tank below the top tubes, compartments are fitted behind the diagonal to contain the electrical apparatus, giving room for two batteries. The control levers are all arranged on the right-hand side of the frame, and, in addition to the usual three, there is a fourth for controlling the lift of the inlet valve. The belt is retained for driving purposes, and the machines appear to be good sound representatives of their class. A forecar with water-cooled engine was to be staged later.
Report on the 1904 Stanley Show, The Motor Cycle, November 28th, page 1165.
N.B. Howard Burrows has discovered a photograph of a motorcycle with "The Richards" on the fuel tank.
Sources: Graces Guide, The Motor Cycle.
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