The David Plant Collection, 1904 Kynoch 2¾hp

The history file contains photocopied research notes and articles relating to the Kynoch motorcycle, including a detailed account of the marque's origins and development. An article explains that Kynoch (pronounced 'Ky-nock'), better known as a large munitions manufacturer based in Witton, Birmingham, briefly entered the motorcycle market in the early years of the 20th Century. The firm already possessed substantial engineering capability and cycle production facilities, making the move into motorcycles a logical progression.

While many historic sources suggest Kynoch began producing motorcycles in 1912, the aforementioned article notes that a Kynoch motorcycle had already appeared by 1904, using a design closely related to the contemporary Humber. The design incorporated the patented engine-as-frame-member concept developed by Phelon & Rayner (P&R) - later known as P&M and eventually Panther - where the engine effectively formed the frame's front down-tube.

P&R had licensed this patented design to Humber, who paid royalties believed to have been 7 shillings and 6 pence per machine, and Humber subsequently sub-licensed the arrangement to several other manufacturers, Kynoch being one of them. The Kynoch motorcycle was reportedly displayed alongside Humber and other machines at the Stanley Show in London, the forerunner of the later Earls Court motorcycle exhibitions. The article further records that P&R later took action against Humber over the use of their patent, resulting in disputes over royalty payments. Within a year Humber introduced a revised design that avoided the P&R patent, effectively ending the arrangement. Official accounts suggest that Kynoch withdrew its products from the motorcycle market citing ignition and carburation problems, although it is also suggested that the firm may simply have wished to avoid association with the patent dispute.

The Isle of Man features prominently in the history of the marque. Kynoch products were distributed on the Island, where Frank Hughes of 19 Great Nelson Street and Fred Gash of 9 Strand Street were both advertising Kynoch motorcycles and cycles in 1904. Contemporary reports, including one in the Monas Herald, record both men riding Kynoch motorcycles in a local hill climb.

Copies of period photographs are on file showing the machine, or a closely related example, outside a motor depot, the images clearly dating from the early Edwardian period. Later references suggest the machine may have been stored in Crosby on the Isle of Man, possibly from the 1950s, before reappearing in the Murray Motorcycle Museum where it was displayed in incomplete condition for many years. Following the museum's closure, the motorcycle was acquired by its present owner, who subsequently carried out extensive refurbishment.

Also on file is email correspondence dated October 2021 from Robert Dixon, who provides additional information relating to early Kynoch motorcycles. Dixon notes that in 1904, motorcycles were produced by Kynoch for F Hayden of Cheltenham, including a design in which the frame also functioned as a fuel tank, with oil carried in a reservoir near the bottom bracket. These machines reportedly used a vertically mounted Simms 2¾hp engine with magneto ignition and FN carburettor, driving the rear wheel by belt, and it is believed that at least two examples were constructed.

Dixon further notes that the marque reappeared around 1912, when Kynoch produced motorcycles fitted with 3½hp JAP or Precision engines, with BSA two-speed or free-engine transmission and Druid forks. By 1913 machines were listed using JAP engines only, either a 4hp single or 6hp twin, driving through a Sturmey-Archer three-speed hub gear with belt final drive.

The file also contains earlier correspondence from the vendor discussing the rarity of surviving Kynoch motorcycles and noting that very few examples are known to survive, with most production believed to have taken place between 1912 and 1914. Also on file is a Pioneer Certificate dating the machine to 1903.

It should be noted that the Isle of Man registration 'MN-70' displayed is being retained by the vendor. A suitable replacement Isle of Man registration will be issued, with the registration number to be confirmed. If purchased by a UK resident, the Isle of Man Registration Document will need to be submitted with a DVLA application (V55/5), along with a valid MOT certificate to the DVLA to obtain a UK Registration Certificate.

The machine has been restored, although minor finishing work is still required, and it should be noted that at time of cataloguing it had not been possible to test for compression (there is a piston in place).

The file also contains a brief technical description of the Kynoch, including:

Twin top-tube rigid frame, with a 2¾hp engine forming the front down tube

Bicycle-type rigid forks with additional bracing

IOE (inlet-over-exhaust) engine, with automatic inlet valve and mechanically operated exhaust valve

Trembler-coil ignition with accumulator

26" wheels with beaded-edge tyres

Front contracting-band brake operated by hand lever

Rear bicycle-type calliper brake

Surface-vapour carburettor originally fitted (later Longuemare carburettor)

Tank-mounted throttle and ignition controls, with carburettor air adjustment

Handlebar-mounted exhaust valve lifter

Direct chain drive with no clutch or gearbox, starting by pedalling

Lubrication by hand pump and oil can

Following a period of inactivity, this motorcycle will require recommissioning and/or restoration to a greater or lesser extent before returning to the road and thus is sold strictly as viewed. Prospective purchasers should satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's completeness, history, authenticity, originality and mechanical condition prior to bidding.

If purchased by a UK resident, the Isle of Man Registration Certificate must be submitted to the DVLA with a V55/5 application to obtain a UK Registration Certificate. Motorcycles over 40 years old may be registered without an MOT upon submission of form V112 (Vehicle of Historic Interest declaration). Prospective purchasers must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy and completeness of the documentation and will be responsible for any subsequent registration formalities with the DVLA.
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