TERROT

635cc Zedel Motorette No. 4 - 1914

From knitting machines to motorbikes

Originally a maker of knitting machines, Charles Terrot diversified into bicycles, a field in which his experience of machining and the quality of his nickel-plating quickly earned him an enviable reputation. In 1900, Terrot catalogued a motor tricycle, a quadri-cycle and a voiturette – his first motorcycle made its debut in 1903.

Unusual Layout

Between 1905 and 1907, Terrot offered his clientele a fine bike powered by a Zedel V-twin, but it was withdrawn during the 1907 slump in the automobile industry. It was not until 1913 that Terrot produced another twin – the Motorette No. 4. Again, it had a Zedel engine, specially built for Terrot in Pontarlier, but it was unusually mounted in the frame, with the rear cylinder set vertically to improve the cooling.

Choice of Gears

In 1913, the Motorette No. 4 was offered with the choice of direct-belt drive or an adjustable pulley. In 1914, the range-topping No. 4 was offered with a British-made Armstrong rear hub incorporating an all-metal multi-plate clutch and three-speed epicyclic gear. So within the smallest possible space, the rider had three speeds at his disposal – though he had to treat them gently to avoid breakage – but the choice of available gears was far superior to that offered by the adjustable pulley, so that a sidecar could be fitted under suitable conditions.

SPECIFICATIONS Engine: 635cc (67x90mm) air-cooled Zedel-twin four-stroke; Bosch magneto

Power Rating: 8 hp

Valves: side

Fuel System: carburetor

Transmission: belt-drive, Armstrong hub clutch and 3-speed epicyclic gear

Suspension: pivoting forks (front); rigid (rear)

Brakes: belt rim (rear)

Wheels: 2.36x25.59 inch clincher (front & rear)

Weight: 176 lb

Maximum Speed: 55 mph

The unusual layout of the Zedel engine in the Motorette No. 4 meant a very long frame, prone to flex when the powerful V-twin accelerated in the two lower gears.