HRD Motorcycles
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| Fate | liquidation |
|---|---|
| Successor | HRD-Vincent |
| Founded | 1922 |
| Defunct | 1928 |
| Location | |
| Products | motorcycles |
HRD Motors Ltd was a British motorcycle manufacturer of the 1920s. It was founded by Howard Raymond Davies. He had worked in motorcycling, and done some racing, enjoying some success in the mid twenties, but often not finishing due to unreliability. [1] This inspired him to build a reliable performance motorcycle himself. His company used the advertising slogan "Built by a rider". There were others who also aimed at a similar market, like George Brough of Brough Superior motorcycles.
After World War I many motorcycle makers assembled their machines from engines and other major components sourced from different manufacturers. Davies wanted to build a superior motorcycle from the best components available, and worked his way toward making it possible.
Motorcycles were produced from 1924 to 1928, but the undercapitalised company, even though it built a reputation for performance, struggled to survive, and was ulimately sold to OK-Supreme, who then sold the name and goodwill to Philip C Vincent. The name was then incorporated into a new company, Vincent-HRD.
Contents |
[edit] HRD Production History
[edit] 1924
In 1924, with E J Massey, the first HRD motorcycles were built.[2] Motors were sourced from JA Prestwich Industries Ltd (JAP), close ratio gearboxes from Burman, forks from Druid or Webb, chains from Renolds, oil pumps from Pilgrim, and carburettors from Binks. The bikes were aimed at the more affluent among the mechanically minded, with sporting performance and quality components.
- 1924 Models
- HD90 - 500 cc JAP racing engine - 90 mph - 90 guineas
- HD80 - 350 cc JAP OHV double port - 80 mph - 80 guineas
- HD70 - 350 cc JAP OHV - 70 mph - 70 guineas
- HD70 S - 500 cc JAP sports sidevalve - 70 mph - Solo: 66 guineas, Sidecar: 83 guineas
[edit] 1925
In 1925 Davies rode his own motorcycles at the Isle Of Man TT, coming second in the Junior and winning the Senior. This brought in orders, but while things seemed successful the firm was in fact losing money. The first premises were too small, so they had to enlarge, but were undercapitalised. There was always a waiting list, but only small numbers were produced. In September H Le Vack set a speed record of 104.41 mph on an HRD at Brooklands.
- 1925 Models
- HD Super90 - 500 cc JAP twin port engine - 100 mph - 98 guineas
[edit] 1926
In 1926 the opposition at the TT were faster, and the best placing for HRD was a fifth. The model range was broadened, but production still failed to meet demand. A general strike inflicted more financial damage.
- 1926 Models
- HD75 - 500 cc Jap OHV engine - 75 mph - 75 guineas
- HD 600 De Luxe - 600 cc JAP sidevalve - 72 guineas
- HD65 - 350 cc JAP OHV - 65 mph - 65 guineas
- HD60 - 350 cc JAP sidevalve - 60 mph - 60 guineas
- The HD Super 90 gained the option of a 600 cc JAP OHV motor, raising the price by 5 guineas.
[edit] 1927
In 1927 Freddie Dixon took first place in the Junior TT, and sixth in the Senior for HRD. Despite this victory, the financial situation grew worse.
[edit] Sold to Vincent
Finally, in January 1928, the company went into voluntary liquidation. It was bought by Ernest Humphries, of OK Supreme Motors and he decided to sell the name, jigs, tools and patterns. These were promptly bought for £500 by Philip C Vincent, and the result was Vincent-HRD
[edit] References
- “H.R.D. Motor Cycles. Produced by a Rider” Auth: Geoff Preece; Publisher: J. Bickerstaff
