LOT 653

c.1965 DMW 247cc Hornet Racing Motorcycle Frame no. 2H00 Engine no. 2225H P2078 S1552:9

Sold for £3,450 inc. premium

Lot 653

c.1965 DMW 247cc Hornet Racing Motorcycle
Frame no. 2H00 Engine no. 2225H P2078 S1552:9

The Winter Sale - including The National Motorcycle Museum Reserve Collection - Bicester Heritage|12 December 2020, 10:00 GMT|Bicester, Bicester Heritage

c.1965 DMW 247cc Hornet Racing Motorcycle
Frame no. 2H00
Engine no. 2225H P2078 S1552:9

DMW was established by Leslie Dawson just before the war, and soon after it began production of motorcycles, initially with competition machines, before turning to manufacturing road bikes utilising Villiers two-stroke engines of varying sizes. Capacities ranged from 98 to 324cc and included off-road competition and road racing variants. The Hornet model name was first used by the company in 1954 for a 125cc four-stroke racer which was very short-lived. It reappeared in 1964 when DMW utilised the Villiers Starmaker competition engine in another racing bike. It was fitted with Metal Profiles forks (manufactured by DMW) and became a popular mount for club racers of the period. Indeed, Bill Smith rode one with some success in the mid-sixties, notably winning the Southern 100 in 1964. When purchased in 1997, the preceding owner suggested that the frame number (2H00) may have indicated that the bike was a pre-production or prototype. It is certainly different to others of the period, having a six-speed gearbox, whereas later Hornets were equipped with a five-speed unit. The standard front brake is double-sided, and a later Amal Mk II Concentric carb is fitted. When purchased, the bike was in running order, but has been standing for the past 12 years, and will therefore require re-commissioning and safety checks before returning to the track. A racing fairing accompanies the bike, and whilst the vendor has lost his CRMC registration document, he believes the Hornet should not present a problem for a new owner to re-register.

Footnotes

As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness, and originality prior to bidding.

Saleroom notices

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Additional information

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