Clyno 1921 Sprung Eight 1000cc 2 cyl sv

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Description

Clyno    1921  “ Sprung eight”  8 HP   1000 cc  V- twin combination  frame #   17421   engine # SFM/174/21

The Clyno Engineering Company entered the motorcycle market at the 1909 Stanley Show: exhibited then were  a 3 HP single  and a 744 cc 5/6 HP V-twin, both powered by proprietary engines  made by the Stevens Motor Manufacturing Company. 
The limitation of a single fixed gear and belt drive were apparent in 1910, and with the increased manufacturing facilities at Wolverhampton – Clyno had bought the old Stevens factory-  a two speed, chain driven machine was evolved and it is thought to be the first to enclose chains in pressed aluminium cases.   
It was this machine that Frank Smith drove so successfully in all the important trials in 1911, he also embarked on a programme of attacking hitherto unclimbed and what were considered unclimbable hills, all with the 5/6h.p. chain driven motorcycle and sidecar. 
The question of a suitable sidecar frame was given careful attention: hitherto sidecar frames were very light flimsy affairs,  generally clipped to the motorcycle frame in three places. 
They were quite unsuited to strenuous trials and other use. 
The Clyno engineers designed  a very robust sidecar frame: it was  attached to the machine in four places by taper plugs secured into appropriate sockets that were  solidly brazed to the motorcycle frame. 
This design was a great success and  remained virtually unaltered for many years. No wonder that the authorities chose Clyno combinations as the favourite machinegun carriers in World War One.
In 1919 the 8HP Sprung Eight was  announced and although  deliveries started only in 1921  it became a popular choice in the sidecar-market.
This Sprung Eight de Luxe  is equipped with Clyno’s own 1000cc V-twin engine, 3 speed gearbox  and  leaf-sprung rear suspension, as for instance used by the “PowerPlus” Indian.
The luxurious, roomy sidecar features a door, wind shield and interior lining and is fully sprung.  
The wheels are fully interchangeable and the rear chain is enclosed in a fine aluminium casing.  
The electric lighting system was a very costly extra at the time. This machine made an appearance in the British tv series “House of Elliot”. 
A rare and fascinating combo, one of only  2 known survivors in the Clyno register.

More interesting Clyno information can be found on:

http://www.historywebsite.co.uk/Museum/Transport/Motorcycles/Clyno.htm