Waratah motorcycles

Waratah motorcycles

Company type	Private
Industry	Motorcycle manufacturing
Predecessor	Canada Cycle & Motor Agency, Ltd.
Founded	before 1911
Founder	W. A. Williams
Defunct	circa 1948 (production), brand used into 1950s
Successor	Williams Bros.; P&R Williams; P. and R. Williams Pty Ltd
Headquarters	Sydney , Australia
Area served	Australia
Products	Motorcycles, bicycles

Waratah motorcycles were produced in Sydney, Australia, from prior to 1911 until approximately 1948, with motorcycles bearing the Waratah brand continuing to be sold into the 1950s.

Initially manufactured by Canada Cycle & Motor Agency, Ltd. at their George Street, Sydney premises, Waratah motorcycles were assembled using standard components or rebranded BSA bicycles as early as 1910. W.A. Williams, who managed the Sydney branch, took ownership of the enterprise in 1905 and maintained the Waratah name until 1913. In that year, his sons Perce and Reg assumed control of the bicycle and motorcycle division, renaming it Williams Bros., which later became P&R Williams. The business initially operated from 213–7 Elizabeth Street, Sydney, recognized as Waratah's manufacturer from 1914 through to 1948. Later addresses included 255-259 Elizabeth Street in the early 1920s and subsequently 117 Goulburn Street during that decade. Eventually restructured as P. and R. Williams Pty Ltd, the company relocated to 74-78 Wentworth Avenue in Surry Hills.

Waratah specialized in producing compact motorcycles primarily constructed from British-sourced parts such as Villiers engines, Sun frames, alongside Druid and Brampton forks. By 1921, the company described itself as the exclusive importers of Villiers-Waratah Motor-Cycles. Additionally, engines manufactured by Fafnir and V.T.S. were incorporated into their models.

Following World War II, production shifted towards badge engineering, reportedly utilizing machines from Norman and Excelsior.

Waratah is distinguished as Australia's longest-standing motorcycle manufacturer. The scarcity of surviving records likely reflects the company's emphasis on producing affordable utility motorcycles.

Models

Although a detailed chronology of Waratah models is unavailable, existing references indicate the following development timeline:

• Before 1911–circa 1913: A 4.5 hp model powered by a Fafnir engine
• From 1914 to around 1930: Models of 197 cc and 350 cc utilizing Villiers engines (initially including V.T.S.) with various frame and fork configurations
• During the 1930s: Models featuring Villiers engines of 125 cc, 148 cc, and 250 cc capacities
• Post-war period: Potential badge-engineered models from Norman and/or Excelsior; possibly including a Waratah autocycle

Significant model details by year are summarized below:

Year and Models

1911	A Waratah motorcycle equipped with a 4.5 hp Fafnir engine described as "English," implying assembly from imported parts or badge engineering. The company also produced Waratah-branded bicycles. Advertisements appeared briefly in late 1911.
1915	Offered models powered by Villiers two-stroke engines alongside V.T.S. 269cc engines; available with or without two-speed gearboxes.
1916	Continued production of models with Villiers and V.T.S. two-stroke engines; at least one model featured a two-speed counter-shaft gearbox.
1917	Advertisements for second-hand 2.5 hp motorcycles appeared; customer testimonials emphasized durability and low maintenance after extensive use.
1919	Both new and used two-speed models were offered for sale.
1921–1922	Waratah motorcycles rated between 2.25 and 2.75 hp participated in race events, indicating competitive performance of recent models.
1924–1925	Marketed a two-speed Villiers-powered model producing 1.5 hp capable of approximately 30 mph with fuel efficiency between 110 and 140 miles per gallon. Advertisements highlighted its hill-climbing ability and economical operation.
1926	Two primary models available: a 1.5 hp machine equipped with a two-speed gearbox offering optional clutch/kick starter; also possibly introduced a new 3.5 hp model featuring a pump and tool kit; both displayed at the Sydney Motor Show.
1927	Models included a version with a three-speed gearbox complemented by electric lighting and horn; the popular low-cost 1.5 hp model emphasized minimal maintenance requirements.
1928–1929	Two main Villiers-powered models offered: a lightweight version producing around 1.5 hp (147 or 197 cc) and a more powerful model rated at approximately 2.5 hp (likely around 350 cc). The "Utility" model featured a reinforced frame, three-speed gearbox, electric lighting, and fuel economy up to 160 mpg; the sports variant achieved speeds up to 55 mph incorporating advanced features such as twin ports and alloy cylinder heads.
1930–1933	Continued availability of efficient two-stroke motorcycles ranging from roughly 1.5 to 2.5 hp equipped with electric lighting systems, enhanced frames with saddle tanks, and three-speed gearboxes; reported top speeds reached up to 60 mph.
1935–1937	Two principal models offered: Model "150" (1.5 hp) focused on fuel economy (~120 mpg), leg shields, and improved lighting; Model "250" (2.5 hp) aimed at higher performance (~60 mph). Lightweight Villiers-engined motorcycles ranging from 125 to 250 cc were marketed for their economical operation.
1938–1940	Models ranged from approximately 1.25 to 2.5 hp featuring options such as electric lighting, foot-operated gear changes, and unit construction frames; fuel efficiency remained an important selling feature (~90–150 mpg).
1941–1944	Mainly two-stroke machines between about 1.25 to 2.5 hp were offered including features like speedometers, generators, and optional electrical equipment.
Late 1940s – Early 1950s	Model lineup included: "125": fitted with Villiers type-10D engine (122 cc producing about 1.25 hp) "197": powered by Villiers type-6E engine (197 cc generating roughly 2 hp) Available in "D" versions (battery-less direct lighting) and "R" versions (constant power lighting with battery and horn); also included an ultra-light utility model powered by an Excelsior Goblin MK II engine. By the early post-war years, multiple Villiers-powered two-stroke models featured "teledraulic" front forks and spring-framed chassis designs while maintaining focus on economy and practical urban commuting.

Historical events

Year	Event
5 November 1921	L. Walsh entered a 2.75 hp Waratah in the Five Laps Handicap held at Victoria Park, part of the South Sydney Hospital Carnival.
28 January 1922	C. Pearce secured second place riding a Waratah (2.25 or 2.5 hp) in the 3-mile Motor Cycle Speed Race during the Highland Society of New South Wales sports gathering.
11 February 1922	S. William completed the St. George Motor-Cycle Club's 12-hour reliability trial covering 212 miles on a 2.25 hp Waratah.
25 November 1922	F. Williams and L. Walsh competed on 2.75 hp Waratahs in a Three Miles Handicap at the YMCA sports event in Sydney; S. Williams also participated in the Zig-zag Race on the same model.
1 January 1925	G. Davidson finished approximately 23rd riding a 1.5 hp Waratah in the Motor Cycle Club of New South Wales' six-day reliability trial covering 1004 miles. S. M'Conkey, also on a 1.5 hp Waratah, completed the event with a lower score but was awarded a consolation prize.
6 July 1925	S. W. Moran claimed victory in a race organized by the Goulburn Motor Cycle Club on the Breadalbane-Collector circuit.
15 August 1925	W.J. Schwabe won the Three Mile Novice Solo Handicap at an average speed of 40 mph on a 1.5 hp Waratah during the Brisbane Motor Cycle Club's championship carnival.
31 October 1925	A.L. Vowles took second place in the solo category of Brisbane Motor Cycle Club's Eight Hours' Motor Cycle Trial riding a 1.5 hp Waratah.
26 January 1926	Jack Schwabe announced plans to attempt the Lightweight Motorcycle Record on a 1.5 hp Waratah.
3 May 1926	E. Turner earned third place in the Clifton Motor Cycle Club's Three Miles Open Novice Solo Handicap while riding a Waratah.
16 October 1926	Jack Schwabe competed aboard a Waratah in the One Mile Handicap at Brisbane's Exhibition Speedway.
7 August 1926	Two Waratahs participated in the Night Speedway at Agricultural Ground; R. Sulway and likely Davidson both finished third in heats on their 148 cc machines.
31 December 1926	G. Davidson achieved fourth place among trade riders in the under-650 cc category of the six-day trials (950 miles), riding a 1.5 hp (147 cc) Waratah, which was commended for its durability under difficult conditions.
14 May 1927	E. Trichon entered an unspecified Waratah model in Sydney Bicycle and Motor Club's half-day reliability trial covering roughly 60 miles.
26 December 1927	H. Davidson competed on a Waratah during the seventh annual six-day trials; G. Davidson also took part as a trade rider on a 147 cc model.
26 December 1928	S. Piper began the eighth annual six-day trial riding a small, 147 cc (1.5 hp) Waratah among a field of twenty-three competitors.
November 1932	E. Warrick campaigned a 2.5 hp Waratah for Auburn District Motor Cycle Club events, winning the Miniature Tourist Trophy All Powers Handicap and placing third in other contests.
6 October 1934	E. Hopper rode a 2.25 hp Waratah at Kedron Motor Cycle Club's flying furlong competition, recording times equivalent to speeds up to 44.5 mph.
20 March 1936	A. Dunbar posted flying quarter-mile speeds around 52 mph on an unspecified Waratah model during Queanbeyan Motor Cycle Club speed trials.
5 December 1954	D. Evans secured first place in the 250 cc Lightweight Scratch and second place in the Lightweight Handicap at Narrabundah circuit while riding a Waratah.

Agents, Distributors, Etc

Location	Company	Years Active
Brisbane, QLD	Clyno Cycle and Motor Agency	1915, 1916
	Morgan and Wacker	1925–1929 (Ceased at the end of 1929)
	Harris Motor Cycle Agency	1928
	Frank Pearce	1929
	The British Motor Cycle Company	1929, 1932–1935, 1937–1939
Canberra, ACT	P. W. (Bill) Parsons	1937
	Canberra Motor Sales	1951
	Canberra Motors	1952
Longreach, QLD	Central Retreading Works	1938
Rockhampton, QLD	Lawrence Motor Co.	1925, 1926
Sydney, NSW	Canada Cycle and Motor Agency Ltd.	1911
	Empson and Co.	1918, 1919
	Williams Bros., Ltd.	1915–1929
	P. & R. Williams Pty. Ltd.	1932–1951 (Provided spare parts throughout this time)
	Woodward's Motor Cycles	1949, 1951
	Arthur Trudgitt	1950, 1951
	Davies Bros.	1950
	Ryde Motor Cycles	1951
Townsville, QLD	Rees & Tice Ltd.	1924
	Australian Automotive Agencies Ltd.	1926, 1927

External links

• Australian Motorcycles – Waratah
• Waratah Motorcycles