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LOT 380

Hercules Cyclemaster Tradesman's Bicycle Registration no. Unregistered

Sold for £1,265 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 380

Hercules Cyclemaster Tradesman's Bicycle

Hercules Cyclemaster Tradesman's Bicycle
Registration no. Unregistered

An ingenious post-war design, the Cyclemaster originated in Continental Europe before being manufactured in Britain by EMI. The self-contained power unit, comprising a single-cylinder two-stroke engine, fuel tank and rear wheel assembly, was simply fitted in place of a bicycle's rear wheel, providing an economical and practical means of motorised transport during the austere years of the 1950s.

Initially of 25.7cc capacity, the Cyclemaster engine was enlarged to 32.6cc for 1952, bringing with it a modest but worthwhile increase in performance. The marque later evolved into a more conventional moped, the Norman-built Cyclemate, while production of the Cyclemaster wheel-engine unit continued until 1958. Manufacture of the Cyclemate ceased two years later.

The machine combines a Cyclemaster power unit with a Hercules tradesman's bicycle and is presented in the distinctive livery of Mortons Media Group Ltd.

Mortons Media Group Ltd has long been a prominent name within the British motorcycle community, publishing a wide range of enthusiast magazines and books while also organising some of the country's best-known classic motorcycle events. For many years the company owned and promoted the prestigious Stafford motorcycle shows, including the International Classic MotorCycle Show and the Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show. More recently, these events have passed into the ownership of Kelsey Publishing Ltd, with whom Bonhams continues to enjoy a close working relationship through its Spring and Autumn Stafford motorcycle sales.

Offered without registration documents and sold strictly as viewed, this lot is presented without reserve.
Key not required

Saleroom notices

We are pleased to advise that we have located a frame number of 2012CJ and an engine number of 160853.

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