Produced from 1911 to 1912, by Eli Clarke at Station Road, Bristol.
The make was first seen at the late 1911 Olympia Show. Using Precision engines, he first fitted a 3½ hp engine but later listed 2½ hp, 3¾ hp and 4¼ hp models. All except the largest had a simple belt drive. The 4¼ hp model had chain-and-belt-drive.
Although the make was short-lived it had excellent mudguards and additional shields for weather protection.
Leader were motorcycles produced by Eli Clarke of Bristol, from 1903 to 1908.
1904 Clarke entered his machine in the 1,000-mile trial and was an award winner.
1906 The same machine was still listed.
1908 The engines used were now mainly JAP - singles of 2½ hp, 3½ hp and 4½ hp; V-twins of 6hp, 7hp, or 9hp. There was also a 3½ hp Fafnir single. Little more was heard of the make after the end of the year.
The E.L.I. Motor Mfg. Co., Bristol, will show at Stand 54 an example of their motor bicycle which is named the E.L.I. The machine has a Precision engine. The same exhibit will also include a Superbe sidecar with sprung axle and special luggage carrier, several samples of a new registered spring front fork, a provisionally protected sidecar stand, and the E.L.T. mudshields.
The Motor Cycle November 16th. 1911. Page 1220
E.L.I., No. 54.
The E.L.I. Motor Mfg. Co., Station Road, Bristol. – Several interesting accessories, including the E.L.I, mud shields, the invention of Mr. Eli Clarke, specially designed to protect the front wheel. The side shield is made of metal and lined with leather, and is strapped over the front mudguard. Additional side flaps are provided for very bad weather, which lie at right angles to the machine, while a semi-circular piece clips over the end of the mudguard, preventing mud from being thrown back. These flaps may be folded back out of use when not required from the front wheel. A well-made sidecar frame is shown with tubular luggage carrier underneath. It is fitted with lamp bracket and Chater-Lea spring wheel. A sidecar stand for home use is made of cast iron, and is provided with two legs on which a cross member of the sidecar frame rests. The A.J. sidecar stand is designed to be clipped on to the sidecar axle, when pressed down by the foot, and the sidecar pulled towards the rider, the combination is jacked up. There is no necessity to disturb the passenger. This is the invention of Mr. A. J. Sproston. There is also a new type of link motion spring fork, and a 3½ h.p. E.L.I, motor bicycle fitted with Precision engine. This machine has a B. and B. carburetter, belt transmission, and 2¼ Dunlop tyres. The engine has mechanically operated side by side valves.
1911 Olympia Show - The Motor Cycle November 23rd, 1911. Page 1265
Sources: Graces Guide, The Motor Cycle.
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