Description
Edmund ca. 1919 2 ¾ HP 292 cc JAP sidevalve engine# 19/ 2063
C. Edmund and Co. Crane Bank, Chester, produced motorcycles from 1911 (or perhaps earlier) to 1924.
Charles Edmund used various types of engines in his machines, these included JAP, MAG, Barr&Stroud, Blackburne, Green, Villiers and Fafnir.
This early postwar machine has the 2 ¾ HP JAP engine with bore and stroke dimensions of 70×76 mm, Best and Lloyd drip feed lubrication and Enfield two speed gear There was an alternative model with 2 speed Burman gearbox and chain cum belt transmission.
The Edmund’s most interesting feature probably is its unusual sprung sub frame.
The weight of the rider is supported by two long leaf springs that stretch from under the saddle to the rear carrier stays.
Short coil springs fitted to the bottom of the stays act as shock absorbers.
The top frame tube, which is pivoted at the steering head, moves vertically with the saddle and footrests are fixed to the extended saddle pillar which passes through the seat tube.
This construction is not a true spring frame but it was an improvement on a conventional saddle because the footrests are sprung in unison with the seat, and so the angle of the rider’s knees does not alter.
This rare Edmund – complete with acetylene lighting set – is in fine condition, the tank still has its factory finish.
The machine hasn’t run for some 30 years, so some re-commissioning will be required.
See “The Classic Motorcycle” November 1990 for a road test of a 1914 Edmund.