HRD Motorcycles

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H.R.D. Motors Ltd 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. This provided him with the urge to build a reliable performance motorcycle himself. (There were others who also aimed at a similar market, like George Brough, of Brough Superior motorcycles.)

After WW1 there were many vehicles built with engines sourced from other manufacturers. Davies wanted to build a superior motorcycle from the best components available at the time, and worked his way toward making it possible.

1924

In 1924, with E. J. Massey, the first H.R.D. motorcycles were built. Motors were sourced from J.A.P (J.A. Prestwich), 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

1925

In 1925 Davies rode his own motorcycles at the TT, coming second in the Junior, and winning the Senior. This brought in orders, but while things looked successful, the firm was losing money. The initial 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 a HRD at Brooklands.

  • 1925 Models
  • HD Super90 - 500 cc JAP twin port engine - 100 mph - 98 guineas

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.

1927

In 1927 Freddie Dixon took first in the Junior TT, and sixth in the Senior for HRD. Despite this victory, the financial situation grew worse.

Sold to Vincent

In January of 1928 the company went into voluntary liquidation, and was purchased by Ernest Humphries, of O.K. Supreme Motors. He decided to sell the name, jigs, tools and patterns. These were promptly bought by Philip C. Vincent, for £500.


References

  • “H.R.D. Motor Cycles. Produced by a Rider” Auth: Geoff Preece; Publisher: J. Bickerstaff

External Links

http://www.localhistory.scit.wlv.ac.uk/Museum/Transport/Motorcycles/HRD.htm

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