Humber 1913 500 cc 1 cyl sv

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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.