Lot 150: Zenith 680cc V-twin

The name Zenith was associated with quality motorcycles from 1904 to 1950, the earliest model being curiously marketed as the Zenith 'Bi-Car', powered by a 3hp water-cooled Fafnir engine. These engines powered the earliest Zenith motorcycles, although other engines later adopted by the company included Green, Green-Precision, Bradshaw and JAP, while the smaller offerings used the ubiquitous Villiers two-stroke engines. During the 1920s particularly, JAP provided the widest range of engines for Zenith motorcycles, ranging from 250cc singles to the mighty 1,100cc V-twins. In pre-Great War years Zeniths, equipped with the Gradua gearbox, made their mark in competition. Freddy Barnes was the mechanical wizard behind Zenith's racing successes, while George Himing had a native wit which took Zenith to the winners podium on a regular basis. Other notable Zenith star riders included Bert Le Vack, Tom Allchin, Joe Wright and Pat Brewster. This fine touring machine is powered by a 680cc, side-valve, V-twin engine, with bore and stroke of 70mm x 88mm, with a three-speed Sturmey Archer hub gear and final drive by chain. The machine is correctly liveried in black with red tank panels and gold lining and lettering. Note particularly the engineering quality and detail of this machine, especially the cast alloy chain cover and the 2 into 1 fishtail exhaust. Drum brakes are fitted front and rear while the girder fork and coil spring front suspension is assisted by an adjustable suspension damper. Sidecar lugs are fitted to enable a chair to be fitted if required  a common feature with 1920s Zeniths. The bike is equipped with a practical luggage carrier and large leather tool pannier. Fittings throughout are nickel plated. This is a handsome and practical machine, nicely able to hold reasonable station in modern traffic and it comes with a Swansea V5 registration document and a photocopy of the brochure for the 1925 Zenith range. It appears that this machine was perhaps actively last used in 1996.