Clyno 250

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Its hard to believe, that for a short period, Clyno was the third largest manufacturer of cars and motorcycles in Britain.

Manufacturers of ‘inclined pulleys’ for belt drive motorcycles from 1909, their products became known as ‘clined’ pulleys which morphed into Clyno, the name being adopted for their business. They moved to Wolverhampton in 1910 and expanded rapidly, introducing an affordable ready to ride 250cc machine in 1913.

Prospering throughout the First-World War through lucrative arms contracts, the business suffered badly from 1918 when the supply of war-surplus motorcycles flooded the market and several large contracts for machines supplied to Russia were left unpaid. By the time this splendid little 250cc two-stroke left the works in 1920, the company were about to go into liquidation. Given a brief stay of execution, the firm were unable to compete with the might of Austin, Morris and Ford eventually closing the doors in 1929.

This nicely presented 1920 250cc machine has had a comprehensive rebuild. The engine has been rebuilt along with the gearbox which has had a replacement gear fitted. The magneto has been refurbished and the bike is fitted with good tyres and a good saddle. A new tank was sourced some years ago which has been painted French blue and carefully coach-lined, the vendor informing us that it has also had a new drive belt, comes with a period lighting set and is taxed until July 2015. Sadly for sale due to the onset of arthritis, the vendor wishes to advise the new owner that it will need carefully running in before strenuous exercise.

These lightweight 250cc two-strokes are easy to handle and are an ideal machine on which to learn the joys of riding motorcycles from this era.