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 Martinsyde - 676
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Photo ou archives : D. Ganneau
1411

Capacity : 676
Model :
Production : 1917 -
Category : (R) Street Bike

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.





Le fichier Moto Passion réalisé par François-Marie Dumas réunit près de deux mille photos accompagnées d'un historique très complet des machines présentées.
Il sera progressivement mis à jour ici et toute information complémentaire est la bienvenue sur info@moto-collection.org.

Cette documentation unique, qui constitue sans doute l'encyclopédie la plus exhaustive jamais écrite sur l'histoire de la moto, a été réalisée avec l'assistance de nombreux spécialistes dont principalement Didier Ganneau, Christophe Gaime, Mick Woollett, Jean Goyard, Bernard Salvat, Christian Rey, Yves Campion, Helmut Krackowizer, Michael Dregni, Michel Montange, etc. que je remercie ici.

Disponible sur demande :
- Les fiches originales sur papier
- Les photos et archives signées de mon nom en haute définition ou les documents originaux.
Me contacter sur info@moto-collection.org pour les conditions et droits d'utilisation.