Bat Motor Manufacturing Co.
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Motorcycle manufacturing, automobile manufacturing |
| Founded | 1902 in Penge, England |
| Founder | Samuel Robert Batson |
| Defunct | 1926 |
| Fate | Closed due to financial difficulties |
| Headquarters | Penge , United Kingdom |
Area served | United Kingdom |
Key people | Samuel Robert Batson, Theodore Tessier |
| Products | Motorcycles, tricars, cars |
The Bat Motor Manufacturing Co. Ltd was a British producer of motorcycles that operated between 1902 and 1926. The firm was notable for pioneering advancements such as one of the earliest motorcycle suspension designs, which incorporated a leading link front fork alongside a subframe suspended by springs from the main chassis.
History
Established in 1902 by Samuel Robert Batson in Penge, the initial Bat motorcycle was powered by a small de Dion engine. Due to underwhelming sales, Batson sold the business to Theodore Tessier in 1904. Known by the moniker 'Best After Tests,' two Bat motorcycles participated in the 1907 Isle of Man TT races. The company introduced the first sprung frame in 1906 and, by 1908, had developed an early sidecar model featuring two driven wheels on a detachable sidecar unit. Tessier, an innovator dedicated to advancing motorcycle technology, secured patents for one of the earliest effective clutch systems and a comprehensive suspension setup combining a leading link front fork with a sprung subframe. To enhance brand recognition, Tessier prioritized competitive racing efforts, resulting in over 200 victories and multiple speed records. In 1912, Bat expanded its offerings by launching twin-cylinder motorcycles and achieved seventh place in the 1913 Senior TT. Production was halted during the First World War but recommenced in 1919. In 1923, Bat acquired Martinsyde Motorcycles; nevertheless, financial difficulties culminated in the closure of Bat-Martinsyde operations in 1926.
Car production
Bat manufactured several tricars equipped with wicker passenger seats positioned above the front axle. The engines predominantly consisted of or single-cylinder units. By 1904, Bat had begun producing cars powered by a 6 hp 2-cylinder Fafnir engine, replacing the traditional saddle with a driver’s seat and incorporating a semi-enclosed wooden passenger compartment. In 1909, the company launched the Carcycle, a four-wheeled vehicle featuring handlebar steering that resembled a motorcycle coupled with a sidecar.
See also
References
- Defunct motorcycle manufacturers of the United Kingdom
- Defunct companies based in Kent
- Vehicle manufacturing companies established in 1902
- Vehicle manufacturing companies disestablished in 1926
- 1902 establishments in England
- 1926 disestablishments in England
- Defunct motor vehicle manufacturers of England
- British companies disestablished in 1926
- British companies established in 1902