Description
1920 New Hudson 225 cc two stroke “Lightweight” frame 22458 engine 20T2441
New Hudsons were produced in Birmingham between 1909 and 1933.
After the war production of light motorcycles with Villiers engines was taken up again, but by then the New Hudson name was owned by the BSA company.
During the early vintage years light two strokes were popular machines. “Motorcycling” describes in its Olympia show report the 1921 model as follows: “Notable on account of their fine finish and general excellence of design the New Hudson two-stroke motorcycles exhibited on this stand are sure to attract attention.
The little 62 mm by 70 mm engine is well known as a giant in performance, and the ratios of the two speed gearbox , 5 and 9 to 1, give a satisfactory road speed with tremendous hill-climbing powers.(…) The riding position is very comfortable, and the saddle is but 25 ins. from the ground, to which desirable end the low built frame and 24 in. wheels are contributory factors.
The tank is tastefully finished in brown and has a capacity for 1 ¾ gallons of petrol and 3 pints of oil; as the petrol consumption is in the neighbourhood of 100 m.p.g., it will be realized that a full day’s riding can be accomplished on one tankful of spirit.”
This little new Hudson – an older restoration- has a two-speed gearbox without clutch, belt drive and is very suitable for vintage runs because of its low weight and easy handling.