Description
Humber 1913 3 ½ HP 3 speed Sturmey Archer hub gear and clutch frame # 3157 engine # 2611 X1 A 283
A Coventry firm with its roots in the Victorian bicycle industry, Humber began experimenting with powered transport in the closing years of the19th century, introducing its first successful motorcycle -a built-under-license P&M – in 1902 .
Because of the need to increase car production motorcycles were discontinued after 1905.
For the 1909 model year Humber came on the market again with a 3 ½ HP motorcycle, now fully of their own design and manufacture.
The engine had bore/stroke dimensions of 83×90 mm and was available with hand starting, footboards and 2 speed gear.
An unusual feature of the machine was that the exhaust system was incorporated in the front down tube of the frame.
This typical silencer arrangement was abandoned the next year, but the system of starting the engine with a hand crank was a Humber feature for several years.
This sturdy veteran tourer is an older restoration and comes complete with acetylene lighting and bulb horn.