The Robert Lusk Motorcycle Collection, 1936 Excelsior 250cc Manxman Racing Motorcycle

Although it had proved fast enough to win the 1933 Lightweight TT in Syd Gleave's hands, Excelsior's complex twin-cam, radial four-valve Mechanical Marvel proved something of a disappointment thereafter, and at the end of the 1934 season the Tyseley firm opted for a simpler design - the Manxman. Like the Marvel, the Manxman engine was built by Blackburne, though increasing friction with its engine supplier forced Excelsior to take over production themselves early in 1936. A single-overhead-camshaft, two-valve design, the Manxman was built in 250, 350, and 500cc capacities. Road and race versions were offered, though the 500 was only ever marketed as a sports roadster. Although it never won a TT, the Manxman enjoyed considerable success in international racing and the Manx Grand Prix, Denis Parkinson winning the Lightweight race three times on the trot between 1936 and 1938. Notable Manxman developments included the switch to a shorter-stroke 250 engine in 1937 and the adoption (also applied to the 350) of an aluminium-alloy cylinder head with right-hand exhaust port.

Purchased by Robert Lusk at Bonhams' April 2007 Stafford Sale and carefully stored since, this Manxman had reportedly been kept in museum storage for many years following the end of its competition career. Described by the then owner as featuring numerous Works components, including the long-distance fuel tank, racing carburettor, and Albion TT gearbox, the machine had been in the owner's custody for approximately 19 years and was described as being carefully restored as closely as possible to its original racing specification. (It should be noted that we have been advised by the Excelsior Manxman Registrar Ian Pollard that the frame is a standard road going frame.)

Mechanically, the bike was also described as being in good condition in all departments, with work including refurbishment and overhauling of the front fork, and rebuilding of the wheels.

The history file includes a substantial quantity of paperwork. Notably, the file contains a copy of The Book of the Excelsior Manxman by Mitchell Barnes, which states:
"Excelsior built race machines in small batches for both the TT and Manx GP. For the 1936 Manx GP, seventeen machines were built numbered BRAR100 to BRAR116 and produced 23 bhp at 7,300 rpm. BRAR108, ridden by Dennis Parkinson, was the winning machine. Power on the dynometer was very consistent, with no more than 0.2 bhp difference at any speed for all seventeen engines."

Prospective buyers should please note that whilst Robert actively started and maintained his collection, all machines are offered as requiring recommissioning to a greater or lesser extent.
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