The David Plant Collection, 1963 Greeves 250cc 24 MDS Scrambler

Last taxed until December 2005, this Greeves trials iron is offered for recommissioning or possibly more extensive restoration. Our vendor purchased the machine at auction in 1982. An old-style V5 on file records the previous keeper as John Brown of Thorpe Thewles, Stockton-on-Tees. There are also old MoTs from December 2004, September 1990 and November 1979 (with a recorded mileage at the time of 2,112) together with a handbook from Terry Silverster Motor Cycles and a Vehicle Licence Application from June 1983.

An undated handwritten note on file records the following: "History of Greeves frame no. 24MDS 443. This machine left Greeves' factory on 23-6-62 for C Wylde and Sons of Leeds. The machine was despatched as a new motocross special. C Wylde and Sons informed us the bike was sold new to Mr Gordon Carr of Howarth. Mr Carr informs us he rode in long distance endurance events in Europe at this time on various models of Greeves 250. (Should MDS 443 have been one of these this would explain the paint tagging still existing on original components). Mr Carr had no record of frame numbers on the machines he owned... The machine was then in the possession of Mr D Calvert, Yews Hill Rd. Huddersfield. Sold to K W Swallow and Sons in 197? and restored then being (re)registered 631 FNW for road usage. Sold once more to man from Co Durham no record.

"Comments on this motorcycle. It appears the machine is a mismatch of parts. The exhaust is of trials type as the crank is also. However barrel and ignition timing are of the motocross special. The original carburettor was of that type suitable for Velocette Venom. With this arrangement the machine ran poorly and caused plug fouling exhausts and crankcase oiling being prominent. This is solved by the fitting of R932 Concentric carburettor and a suitable 'hot' spark plug. The jetting is by exhaustive testing. Furthermore the exhaust is now back to the standard trials configuration. Improvements to performance would be obvious if full circle flywheels were fitted and scrambles exhaust of this 1962 vintage. Also detrimental to performance the removal of the lighting coils – replaced – this results in uneven current fluctuation. In short the motor is neither one thing nor the other but is suitable for road or trail riding. Prolonged high speed riding not recommended unless a cold plug is fitted losing low speed trial performance or reliability." J Swallow for K W Swallow Motorcycles.

"Work done: Engine removed & disassembled: cylinder rebored – new piston. Crank seals replaced. All gaskets. Flywheel and crankshaft taper lapped all mating surfaces flattened and ground. Port timings checked and cylinder hoisted accordingly. Engine tested – unsatisfactory 2 carburettors tried. Replaced with 932 Concentric. Engine retested and set up correctly. Origins researched (ref letter of findings). Exhaust returned to standard configuration.

"Parts: Piston kit – Hepolite Dyke type - £60 Seals - £5 Gaskets all - £10 Woodruff keys - £1 HT lead and Ballade plug - £3.50 Carburettor Amal 932 - £45 Primary chain - £7 New engine bolts - £2 Air filter - £5 Plug - £1 Total parts: £144.50 Total parts/labour: £300."

The machine comes with old/current V5/V5C documents and some marque-related literature. The frame number matches the HPI. The engine turns over.

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.
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