Bennett & Barkell Motorcycles
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Motorcycle manufacturing |
| Founded | 1910 |
| Headquarters | Sydney , Australia |
| Products | Motorcycles |
Bennett & Barkell, often abbreviated as B & B, were motorcycles produced in Australia from approximately 1910 until at least 1932 by Bennett & Barkell Ltd. The company was originally based at 234 Pitt Street, Sydney, before relocating to Castlereagh Street and subsequently to Meagher and Chippen Streets.
Similar to numerous early Australian motorcycle manufacturers, B&B predominantly incorporated British-made parts, utilizing JAP engines alongside Chater-Lea frames. Their lineup featured models with power outputs of 2.5 hp, 3.5 hp, 4 hp (500cc), 6 hp (770cc), and 8 hp (1000cc). The motorcycles were constructed with a two-piece tubular frame that integrated the engine as a stressed component, equipped with Druid forks and sizable 26-inch wheels. Starting around 1916, they introduced an innovative suspension design that connected the rider’s seat to the footboards.
In 1911, B&B highlighted that their motorcycles were engineered specifically for Australian environments, striking a balance between weight and strength—lighter than conventional heavy-duty bikes yet more robust than lightweight alternatives. The 2.5 hp JAP engine was promoted as delivering performance on par with heavier motorcycles due to the frame’s combination of lightness and durability.
By approximately 1916, B&B featured a patented "Spring Frame Attachment," a suspension system incorporating a sprung seat pillar on their larger models. Advertising in 1917 emphasized the fusion of Australian craftsmanship with English components and cited achievements in the New South Wales Motor Cycle Club’s Reliability Trial.