Offered from The Forshaw Speedway Collection, c.1947 Excelsior-JAP 500cc Mk II Speedway Racing Motorcycle

Frame no. 230 Engine no. JOS 79556/4

• Updated Excelsior Mk II to meet the challenge of the post-war era
• Incorporated an Excelsior designed clutch
• An important land mark in the evolution of the Excelsior speedway frame

In April 1939 Max Grosskreutz placed his £1,000 order with Excelsior for production of what was to become the Mk I Excelsior speedway machine - but it is not known how many were delivered in the five months before the outbreak of war in the following September. Perhaps it was the last of this batch which became the Mk 1 Excelsior still available in 1946 but was now a dated design. Exactly the same with its heavyweight lugged frame, the 'Five Tuber' still had the down turned handlebars and knee hook favoured by the likes of Colin Watson - one of the last leg trailers. Around 1947 the Mk II was introduced. Although still a lugged frame, the lower tubes below the fuel tank were removed now leaving a single top rail. The Mk II also stands out with the upturned handlebars which were becoming popular with the now generally accepted foot forward riding style. The telescopic front forks still retained the pre-war feature of bracing tubes. The forks were adjustable to suit the weight of the rider and trail could be adjusted within moderate limits. The Mk II incorporated an Excelsior design of clutch and was designed for the general rider, robust enough to be able to withstand a considerable amount of rough usage. The overall machine was an update to meet the challenge of the post-war era.

There is no record as to when this MK II Excelsior joined the Forshaw collection but it remains an important land mark in the evolution of Excelsior speedway frame production. Accompanied with a small amount of relevant literature, the mechanical condition is not known and therefore we recommend re-commissioning and/or restoration to a greater or lesser extent.
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