Raleigh Model 15

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Raleigh Industries of Nottingham are best known for their production of pedal cycles which ran from 1885 until 2003, but from 1903 they also became involved in motorcycle manufacture .

Motorcycles were manufactured up until 1908 when financial problems caused a break in production. From 1919 production resumed using the products of Sturmey Archer, a Raleigh subsidiary, and supplying these engines and gearboxes to other notable British manufacturers including Dunelt , Cotton, Coventry Eagle and others.

The Raleigh motorcycle boom years were the 1920s when a range of machines for all tastes, from 174cc right up to a 796cc V-twin were listed. Racing models were also produced under design chief DR O'Donovan, and these had notable successes in the hands of riders such as Jock Duncan, Tom Bullus and Bob McGregor. Raleigh stopped production of motorcycles in 1933, but continued to produce three-wheelers for a considerable time thereafter.

This Model 15 248cc side valve comes with a letter from Raleigh Industries dated November 1975 suggesting that it was manufactured between 1925 and 1926, although the registration date on the V5C is 1928. Presented in good cosmetic order, this machine will require the customary recommissioning before use following long-term museum display.

It comes with old RF60 cardboard log book, letter from Raleigh and a V5C. There is nothing in the notes column to suggest the attractive VW registration is not transferable.