1930 OEC-JAP 750cc 'Duplex'

"Undisputed star of the 1930 London Show, the big supercharged duplex-steering OEC v-twin stood on its spotlight plinth while the crowds surged forward to gaze at it in awe. 'The World's Fastest' ran the painted legend below it and the Osborn Engineering Company's placards told how, just a few days before, Joe Wright had arrowed the part-faired monster along the Carrigrohane Straight, just outside Cork, to establish a new world motorcycle speed record of 150.736mph. It was the first time any bike had topped the 'ton and a half'." - On Two Wheels, Volume 5.

Best remembered for its curious 'duplex' form of steering gear and its various record-breaking exploits with Joe Wright and Claude Temple, the Osborn Engineering Company commenced motorcycle manufacture in 1914. The Gosport-based firm began by making motorcycles under contract to engine manufacturer Blackburne before marketing machines under its own name from 1920. OEC also made its own engines under the 'Atlanta' name but mainly relied on proprietary power units, mostly from Blackburne during the 1920s. As well as the patented duplex steering, introduced in 1927, the firm offered rear springing from 1929. An option at first, this looked like a 'plunger' arrangement but in fact used a pivoted fork. By the late 1930s the rear springing was standard and the duplex steering optional. Blackburne, JAP and Matchless engines were used in the early/mid-1930s, then AJS engines from early 1937 onwards. There were also some Villiers-engined lightweights.

Writing in his Second Vintage Road Test Journal, in relation to a 500cc single OEC, Titch Allen said 'The overall impression is of comfort and stability far in excess of any contemporary or much later two wheeler.......... The OEC will always be remembered for a steering layout which broke away from the pedal-cycle fork and achieved a stability not matched for another decade'.

A previous owner had planned to build a Joe Wright replica, but it never happened, and in 1977 the vendor's father purchased the OEC frame with the characteristic duplex forks and front wheel. He owned an engineering works and was able to make various items including the fuel and oil tanks, exhausts, chain guards, etc. A 750cc Jap v-twin was acquired and fitted. Since completion in 1980 the OEC has participated in numerous Irish Rallies and Banbury Runs and has been regularly used. It was last ridden on this year's 'Banbury'.

The lighting system works, but it should be noted that there is no charging system, and thus it runs on a total loss basis: so riding time in the dark is limited by the charge in the battery. Of course this doesn't affect the ignition system which runs off the magneto and is therefore not dependent on the battery in any way. The vendor has thoughtfully provided a sheet of operating and routine maintenance instructions, which prospective purchasers are advised to read. The machine comes with a copy of Eddie Collin's book The History of OEC, a V5C registration document, and an old MOT.

This is a rare opportunity to acquire a very unusual and eye-catching vintage machine. Prospective bidders must satisfy themselves regarding the motorcycle's provenance, condition, age, completeness, and originality prior to bidding. Sold strictly as seen.
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