Rover (motorcycles)
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Bicycle, motorcycle, and motor vehicle manufacturing |
| Founded | 1878 |
| Founder | John Kemp Starley |
| Defunct | 1924 |
| Headquarters | Coventry , United Kingdom |
| Products | Bicycles, motorcycles, motor vehicles |
The Rover Company began as a British manufacturer specializing in bicycles and motorcycles before venturing into the production of motor vehicles. Established in 1878 by John Kemp Starley in Coventry, Rover's initial focus was on bicycle manufacturing. The firm introduced the Rover Imperial motorcycle in November 1902 and produced more than 10,000 motorcycles from 1903 until 1924.
History
John Starley founded the Rover Cycle Co. Ltd. in Coventry in June 1896. After achieving success with 'safety bicycles,' he imported early Peugeot motorcycles from France in 1899 to aid development efforts. His first endeavor involved installing an engine onto a Rover bicycle. Following Starley’s passing in October 1901, entrepreneur Harry Lawson assumed control of the company.
In November 1902, the company unveiled the Rover Imperial motorcycle, featuring a 3.5 hp diamond-shaped frame with a centrally positioned engine and advanced 'springer' front forks. This model incorporated innovative elements such as a spray carburettor, an engine mounted at the bottom bracket, and mechanically operated valves. Sales exceeded 1,000 units by 1904; however, production was halted in 1905 to concentrate on bicycle manufacturing. In 1910, designer John Greenwood created a new 3.5 hp 500cc engine equipped with spring-loaded tappets, a Bosch magneto, and a Brown and Barlow carburettor. This design also featured an inverted tooth chain drive and "Druid" spring forks, with over 500 units sold following its debut at the Olympia exhibition.
Racing success
The 'TT' model was introduced in 1913, distinguished by a reduced wheelbase and sport-style handlebars. Riders from the factory team, including Dudley Noble and Chris Newsome, achieved notable success in racing events, earning the works team award.
Production after the First World War
During World War I, Rover supplied the Russian Army with 499cc single-cylinder motorcycles. After the war, while shifting primary attention toward automobile manufacturing, Rover continued producing motorcycles powered by their own overhead valve engines of 248cc and 348cc capacities as well as engines from J.A.P., including a 676cc V-Twin. In 1924, Rover was among the first to introduce unit construction by combining engine and gearbox into a lightweight 250cc motorcycle that featured front and rear lighting along with internal expanding brakes. Despite these technical advancements, weak market demand forced Rover to discontinue both bicycle and motorcycle production. Throughout the period from 1903 to 1924, the company manufactured in excess of 10,000 motorcycles.
See also
External links
- , from the "Official Isle of Man TT" channel
- Defunct cycle manufacturers of the United Kingdom
- Defunct motorcycle manufacturers of the United Kingdom
- Motor vehicle manufacturers based in Coventry
- Rover Company
- Vehicle manufacturing companies established in 1882
- Vehicle manufacturing companies disestablished in 1924
- 1882 establishments in England
- 1924 disestablishments in England
- British companies established in 1882
- British companies disestablished in 1924