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 Alcyon - 350 type 306 A
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Alcyon type 306 A motocyclette motorrad motorcycle vintage classic classique scooter roller moto scooter
Photo ou archives : F-M. Dumas
3218

Capacity : 350
Model : type 306 A
Production : 1936 - 1938
Category : (R) Street Bike

ALCYON

306 Type A -1938

Styling success, commercial failure

The effects of the Great Depression on France's motorcycle manufacturers varied widely. The three major manufacturers - Terrot, Peugeot and Motobécane - were least affected, but Alcyon, long the number four French constructor, was hit hard, to the point that its top-of-the-range models of the immediate prewar period are rare - you might say virtually unknown. That's certainly the case with the 306A.

Champion of France

In 1934, after a two-year absence from the French racing championship, Alcyon returned with a superb overhead-cam 350. A gearbox failure cost it the championship that year, but in 1935, the Alcyon became champion of France. That success in a commercially difficult period led Alcyon (the name means "kingfisher" in French) to launch a new road-going 350 - the 306A - in 1936 alongside the aging 304A.

As Elegant as a Real Racer

Its styling was heavily influenced by that of the racer. The overhead-valve engine was the first unit-constructed Alcyon four-stroke engine since 1919; its foot-shift four-speed transmission was a first for the marque. Well-Styling success, commercial failure finished and generously chromed, well-equipped - electric lighting and horn were standard - the 306A was light, very reliable and, with a genuine 75 mph top speed, faster than its main 350cc rivals like the unit-constructed Terrot HR, Motobecane R44C and Peugeot 415. Despite all these good qualities, very few 306As were sold.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: 349cc (70x90mm) air-cooled Zurcher single-cylinder four-stroke; dry-sump lubrication by gear pump; "Aldyno" dynamo/coil ignition unit

Valves: overhead

Fuel System: carburettor

Transmission: 4-speed foot-shift, multi-disc clutch; chain final drive

Suspension: Webb girder fork (front); rigid (rear)

Brakes: drum (front & rear)

Wheels: 3.25x19 inch Dunlop tires (front & rear)

Weight: 254 lb

Maximum Speed: 75 mph


The Alcyon 306A -a handsome bike of genu me virtues catalogued from 1936 to 1939-was rarely seen due to a weak sales network.




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.