Photo ou archives : F-M. Dumas
416
BLÉRIOT
500 twin four-stroke – 1919
The French glider
The fame of Louis Blériot's aircraft manufacturing company was founded on his celebrated first-ever crossing of the English Channel in an airplane, at the controls of a Blériot XI monoplane of his own design and construction. But, like other leading aircraft manufacturers, Blériot had to turn to new products to keep his factory going when demand for airplanes collapsed after World War I. So, in 1919, he unveiled a well-designed parallel-twin motorcycle.
Boastful Advertising
"It is not without good reason that we have chosen the slogan: 'It doesn't roll -it glides ... "' boasted the company's 1922 catalogue, adding, "The Blériot motorcycle is particularly well-suited to the needs of the modern tourist."
Lively, Fast and Flexible
"Its 5hp parallel-twin engine makes it a lively, fast and flexible machine for solo use, yet allows it to cope with an elegant sidecar, even on the steepest slopes. Its three-speed gears and multi-disc clutch are built into the crankcase. It is extremely simple to maintain: the splash lubrication system means that all the moving parts are bathed in oil; there are no pumps to fail or pipes to break! The frame is of exceptionally solid design and the disk wheels are very rigid; large-section tires and two good brakes complete the specification of the Blériot motorcycle whose range includes one model with remarkably flexible rear suspension." Truth in advertising? Blériot owners thought so.
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine: air-cooled 497cc (60x88 mm) vertical-twin four-stroke
Power Rating: 5 hp
Valves: side
Fuel System: Zenith carburettor
Transmission: 3-speed gearbox
Suspension: (front) girder fork; (rear) rigid
Brakes: (front) none; (rear) twin shoes acting on the belt pulley
Wheels: steel disc
Maximum Speed: 40 mph