Photo ou archives : D. Ganneau
1411
MARTINSYDE
680 V-Twin - 1923
Aircraft quality
The partnership of H.P. Martin and G.H. Handasyde went back to 1909, when they had been the first aviators to occupy a shed in the celebrated "Flying Village" attached to Britain's pioneer airfield on the infield of the Brooklands race circuit. "Martinsyde" flying machines became famous, but when the market for aircraft collapsed after the First World War, the partners turned to motorcycles.
Technically Unadventurous
The first design studies were carried out by aircraft engineer Sydney Camm, responsible for Martinsyde's excellent F4 "Buzzard" scout biplane. In 1925, he was to join Hawker, where his career encompassed the Hurricane, which helped win the Battle of Britain and the P1127 ("Harrier") vertical take-off fighter. He found motorcycles less inspiring and entrusted the design of the Martinsyde twowheeler to S.A. Newman. Consequently the Martinsyde V-twin – built in 500, 680 and "Quicksix" 738cc capacities – was notable for its lack of advanced thinking.
Noted for Reliability
Technically orthodox, with total-loss lubrication and inlet-over-exhaust engines, the Martinsyde two-wheeler won the team prize in the first Brooklands 500 Miles race in 1921. In 1919-23, when the company was taken over by Bat, and the bikes renamed Bat-Martinsyde. Bat closed down in 1926. Some 30 Martinsyde motorcycles survive: in 1984 one of them completed a 9,300-mile tour of Australia in 34 days.
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine: 678cc (70x88 mm) air-cooled 50-degree V-twin; magneto ignition
Valves: F-heacl (side inlet)
Fuel System: carburetors
Transmission: AJS 3-speed; final drive by chains
Suspension: girder fork (front); rigid (rear)
Brakes: dummy belt rim (front); dummy belt rim (rear)
Wheels: 26x3.00 inch (front & rear)
Weight: 280 lb
Martinsyde's winged "M" badge was promoted as "The Symbol of Success" but the marque was, neverlheless, short-lived.