Description
Rover 1919 499 cc side valve 3 ½ HP frame# 45128 engine # 9059 R
The Rover safety bicycle had created a breakthrough in bicycle design at the end of the 19th century. A
t the end of 1903 the company presented its first motorcycle, which was much ahead of its time: a well- designed side valve engine with mechanically operated valves, spray carburettor, strong frame with double front down tubes and excellent finish.
It created a lot of interest and a thousand or so were sold in 1904.
However, in 1905 a serious slump in motorcycle sales started because public confidence in the motorcycle had waned considerably due to the marketing of many inferior and badly engineered models.
Rover didn’t want to risk its good name and stopped motorcycle production entirely, to concentrate on the bicycle business.
In 1910 the motorcycle’s future seemed rosy again and designer John Greenwood (later of Sunbeam fame) was commissioned to draw up a new engine.
The 85×88 engine had spring loaded tappets.
The Bosch magneto was placed high and dry behind the cylinder barrel and it was driven by a silent “ inverted tooth” chain. Carburettor was by Brown & Barlow and Druid spring forks were fitted.
At the end of 1914 a 3 speed countershaft gearbox was added, and from then on till 1924 little changes were made.
After WW1 the management decided there was more future in car production and the motorcycle production was moved to other premises in Coventry.
There was a choice between chain and belt secondary transmission: this specimen has chain-cum-belt and is a good runner.
It currently has Dutch registration papers but was sold new in Stockholm.
The machine featured in the film “ Så vit som en snö” (“As white as in snow”) made in 2001 by Jan Troell.
It’s a well-cared for older restoration that comes complete with Lucas acetylene lighting system and bulb horn.
https://youtu.be/EZB3KKJoX3w