Description
Göricke 1903 3 HP ca. 400cc aiv frame # 631 engine # 3550
The „Maschinenfabrik August Göricke“ was established as far back as 1874 and would become one of the most important bicycle factories in the city of Bielefeld, situated in the Ostwestfalen-Lippe Region in the north-east of North-Rhine Westphalia, Germany.
Initially Göricke traded in sewing machines but soon he stepped in the booming bicycle business and in 1897 he started to produce bicycles himself.
The company name was changed to „Bielefelder Machinen- und Fahrrad-werke Aug. Göricke”and from 1903 motorcycles were produced.
The first models were equipped with Belgian Antoine engines, produced by Veuve (= widow) Antoine et Fils in Tilff- Liege.
These engines were available in 2 ½ HP and 3 HP versions and they were the brainchild of the young engineer Paul Kelecom (1875-1951).
This talented designer would be involved in the engineering of the famous FN four cylinder machine of 1904 and he would be responsible for the design of many famous FN racing machines.
Göricke claims a top speed of 70 km/hour for the 3 HP machine, its weight is 65 kilograms.
Standard ignition system was battery-and-coil, this machine has been fitted with the practical magneto version.
This rare early Göricke comes complete with August Stukenbrok acetylene lamp and bulb horn.
It is unrestored and has a very charming patina.