CLYNO

270cc Two-Stroke - 1914

The "go anywhere lightweight"

After leaving their original factory at Thrapston for one previously owned by the Stevens Screw Company – run by the father of their engine supplier, the Stevens brothers of Wolverhampton – Frank and Ailwyn Smith of Clyno decided to enlarge their range. The first new model was this 270cc touring model, which was also the ftrst Clyno two-stroke.

Novel Oiling System

This "go anywhere lightweight" was designed by William Comery, who had joined Clyno in 1913. The new Clyno employed a novel system of lubrication. Instead of mixing the oil and the gasoline, the Clyno housed its oil in a separate compartment in the fuel tank, from which it was injected directly into the crankcase. To ensure a constant supply of lubricant, rather than an occasional shot of oil, the oil tank was pressurized by a hand pump.

Integral Gearbox

Unusual for a British lightweight, the Clyno had a unit-constructed two-speed gearbox driven by pinions. The final drive was by belt, which was preferred to a chain by many users; it was also simpler and cheaper. The Brampton forks not only moved up and down but also moved fore and aft. The 2.75 hp Clyno two-stroke was built alongside the marque's better-known 750cc V-twins until the firm was reorganized in 1922. That was when the Smith cousins decided to move into the popular car market with an excellent 10.8 hp automobile that became one of Britain's best-selling models. But they became too ambitious, and the bold venture ended in 1929 with the collapse of the marque after some 40,000 cars had been built.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: 269cc (70x70mm) air-cooled single-cylinder

Power Rating: 2.75 hp

Valves: two-stroke

Fuel System: carburetor

Transmission: unit-constructed 2-speed, hand-shift; belt final drive

Suspension: Brampton girder forks (front); rigid (rear)

Brakes: rim (front); belt rim (rear)

Wheels: 26 inch (front & rear)

Weight: 154 lb

Maximum Speed: 40 mph

Unusual for a British machine of its day, the 270cc Clyno two-stroke of 1914 bad a two-speed gearbox built in-unit with its engine.