HRD Motorcycles

HRD Motors Ltd

Company type	Private company
Industry	Motorcycle manufacturing
Founded	1924
Founder	Howard Raymond Davies
Defunct	1928
Fate	Acquired by OK-Supreme; brand sold to Philip Vincent
Headquarters	United Kingdom
Products	Motorcycles

HRD Motors Ltd was a British motorcycle manufacturer active during the 1920s, established by former racer Howard Raymond Davies. Motivated by dissatisfaction with unreliable motorcycles, Davies aimed to produce dependable high-performance machines under the motto "Built by a rider," positioning the brand in the premium segment alongside rivals such as George Brough of Brough Superior.

Following the First World War, numerous manufacturers assembled motorcycles using parts sourced from different suppliers. Davies intended to create top-tier motorcycles by selecting the finest components available.

Operating between 1924 and 1928, the company, despite limited capital, earned recognition for its performance-oriented machines but faced persistent financial difficulties. Eventually, HRD was acquired by OK-Supreme, who transferred the brand name and goodwill to designer Phil Vincent, paving the way for The Vincent HRD Company Ltd.

1924

The inaugural HRD motorcycles were produced in 1924 in collaboration with E J Massey. Engines were supplied by JA Prestwich Industries Ltd (JAP), gearboxes by Burman, forks from either Druid or Webb, chains from Reynolds, oil pumps by Pilgrim, and carburettors from Binks. These motorcycles targeted wealthy enthusiasts, emphasizing both sporting capability and quality parts.

• 1924 Models
• HD90 – 500 cc JAP racing engine – priced at 90 guineas
• HD80 – 350 cc JAP OHV double port – priced at 80 guineas
• HD70 – 350 cc JAP OHV – priced at 70 guineas
• HD70 S – 500 cc JAP sports sidevalve – Solo: 66 guineas, Sidecar: 83 guineas

1925

In 1925, Davies secured second place in the Junior TT and won the Senior TT riding HRD motorcycles he built himself, which led to increased orders despite ongoing financial challenges. The company expanded its facilities but continued to suffer from insufficient funding. Demand exceeded production capacity, resulting in a waiting list. In September, Bert le Vack set a speed record of on an HRD at Brooklands.

• 1925 Models
• HD Super90 – 500 cc JAP twin port engine – priced at 98 guineas

1926

By 1926, competition in the TT races intensified, with HRD’s best result dropping to fifth place. The product lineup grew, yet production could not keep pace with demand. Additionally, a general strike further impacted the company’s financial stability.

• 1926 Models
• HD75 – 500 cc JAP OHV engine – priced at 75 guineas
• HD600 De Luxe – 600 cc JAP sidevalve – priced at 72 guineas
• HD65 – 350 cc JAP OHV – priced at 65 guineas
• HD60 – 350 cc JAP sidevalve – priced at 60 guineas
• The HD Super90 also offered an option for a 600 cc JAP OHV engine with an additional cost of 5 guineas.

1927

In the year 1927, Freddie Dixon achieved first place in the Junior TT and sixth place in the Senior TT representing HRD. Despite these racing accomplishments, the company’s financial situation continued to deteriorate.

Acquisition by Vincent

HRD entered voluntary liquidation in January 1928. Subsequently, Ernest Humphries of OK Supreme Motors acquired the business and sold its branding, tooling, and design patterns to Philip C Vincent for £450 in May of that year. Vincent then founded The Vincent HRD Company later in 1928.

See also

• List of motorcycles of the 1920s

External links

• Vincent HRD Owners Club
• History of HRD