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Fairy Motorcycles

Today in Motorcycle History

Barter Motorcycles 1902-1905


Barter of Aston Gate, Bristol were motorcycles produced from 1902 to 1905.

1902-5 The machines were designed by Joseph Barter. The engine had its drive pulley mounted on the camshaft so that, as it was larger than usual, belt slip was reduced. It was a primitive affair with the engine inclined above the frame downtube and only a few were built. Joseph Barter then moved on to a flat-twin engine design, firstly called Fee then Fairy, and the forerunner of the Douglas.

Barter-1902-Engine.jpg
Barter 1902

(L) View showing Contact Breaker and Exhaust Valve.
(R) View showing Pulley Side and Carburetter.

A NEW PRINCIPLE OF CONSTRUCTION.

The "Barter" Engine (Patent).

This engine, designed and patented by Mr. J. Barter, of Luckwell Lane, Bristol, differs from other engines now before the public (as will be seen from the illustrations) in that the timing cam spindle forms an integral part of the transmission gear, and is contained in the engine crank case. The general arrangement of the engine, as shown in the sectional elevation, follows accepted practice as far as the cylinder, piston, etc., are concerned, but the connecting rod has its lower end formed into pins, which engage in two flywheels. Each of these flywheels, heavily weighted with lead, runs on a hardened steel pin, which is secured to the crank case, and the crank pin end of the connecting rod couples them together. Each flywheel has a machine cut gear wheel pinned to it, which gears with corresponding wheels of double the size on the timing cam spindle, and the drive from the engine is taken through these gear wheels to the small chain wheel or belt pulley, which is fixed on either side of the spindle outside the crank case.

The timing cam is fixed to the spindle between the two gear wheels, and the spindle to the exhaust valve passes through a bearing in the top of the crank case.

THE ADVANTAGES OF THIS ARRANGEMENT, are obvious, for in the first place the spindle, from which the drive to the back wheel of the cycle is taken, is running at half the speed of the engine. Consequently either the driving wheel on the back cycle wheel may be reduced to half its usual size, or it may be reduced somewhat, and a larger wheel put on the timing cam spindle. In the second place, there is absolutely no loose nut, bolt, or pin of any description inside the crank case, and consequently nothing short of the actual breakage of any part can cause trouble in the crank case. In the third place there are no adjustments to be made in any way, and therefore the crank chamber can be opened up and the various parts taken out, cleaned, examined, and replaced by anyone without any fear of a mistake being made.

The question may be asked -

"WHAT ABOUT WEAR,

when no adjustments arc provided?" The answer to this is that with hardened steel pins and bearings, and the efficient lubrication provided in a crank case which is protected from dirt and dust, no appreciable wear will take place for a very considerable time, and when it does so the holes can be rebushed and new pins put in at very small expense. An engine which has just completed over 1,000 miles' run has been carefully examined, and shows no signs of wear, the tool marks of the machining not even being worn off.

The engine cylinder is 72 mm. by 72 mm., and it is fitted with standard 2¼ De Dion valves. It is provided with an exhaust valve lifter, and the wings of the radiators are drilled to give greater cooling capacity.

The engine and carburetter are being manufactured and put on the market by Messrs. Humpage, Jacques and Pedersen, Ltd., of Ashton Gate, Bristol.

Motor Cycling Magazine, August 27th, 1902.

THE INTERIOR OF THE " BARTER " ENGINE.

We give this week part sectional illustrations of the "Barter" engine, exterior views of which we gave in a recent issue. The piston and cylinder details are not shown, as these follow the lines of usual practice. A gear wheel is fitted to each (hr wheel disc, and these drive gear wheels of double the diameter keyed to the timing cam shaft. On to this shaft is also keyed the small chain drive sprocket for driving the back wheel. The fly wheels themselves run on dead or stationary axles, which are rigidly screwed to the crank case. The peripheries of the fly wheels, as will be observed from illustration, are filled up with lead, the idea being to secure steadier running.

Motor Cycling Magazine.

Sources: The Motor Cycle, et al.

Joseph Barter went on to produce the Fee & Fairy motorcycles.

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