The Bikes: Heavyweights

The 2.75 h.p. Phelon & Moore

The first P&M's models were 2.75 h.p. solos with two-speed P&M gear train. Because Humber had kept secret the origins of its model, the early P&Ms were regarded as copies of the Humber. They were made from 1904 to 1906

The 3.5 h.p. Phelon & Moore - 1904-1907

The first real "heavyweight" was the 3.5 h.p. model. Whilst 3.5 h.p. machines were offered until 1922, there were several variants, including three different engine capacities.

The first, offered from 1904 to 1907 had a 412cc engine

This is apparently the 1905 model (picture thanks to Volker and apparently from a book called Ixion-Motorcycle Cavalcade, 1950, Iliffe & Sons, London. The caption was "Throughout the period when belt drive was almost universally employed, P.&M. pinned their faith to all-chain transmission. This is the 1905 model". It also looks very similar to the picture in the Nov. 1905 advert shown on p.25 of The Book).

The 3.5 h.p. Phelon & Moore - 1908-1912

From 1908 to 1912 the 3.5 h.p. was fitted with a 465cc engine.

In 1910 various modifications were mmade, particularly a new gear selector. Three models were offered, including a Tourer, the Colonial and a Lightweight. I believe that this picture (thanks Volker and apparently from a book called Ixion-Motorcycle Cavalcade, 1950, Iliffe & Sons, London) is of the Tourer variant (it appears very similar to the illustration on p.41 of The Book).

Name - pm1912r.JPG, Source - S.C.Fleming, Size - 50k

This picture, probably from the early twenties (thanks Stephen Kingett and Hartwig) is a 3.5 HP model, probably around 1911 to 1912, it has the triplex forks first used in 1911.

1912 P&M 3.5 h.p. Standard Model

Name - PM1912.JPG, Source - S.C.Fleming, Size - 57k

This is a 1912 Standard 3.5 h.p. P&M. This partcular bike has an interestng history. It was used by the RAC (Royal Automobile Club - a British motoring organisation) from 1912-1920 after which it was stored in cellar in Pall Mall, London. It was rediscovered in 1980 and is essentially untouched (presumably, other than the RAC tank stickers). It can be seen at the RAC Birmingham Area Office.

This close-up view of the engine and gearbox shows some interesting details, including the hand operated, chain driven two speed gear-selection mechanism and the exposed sidevalve gear.

The 3.5 h.p. Phelon & Moore - 1913-1914

In 1913 the engine was redesigned with 499cc capacity. This model came in standard and heavy duty "Colonial" form and often had a Mills and Fulford sidecar attached. This model had a two speed gear-train.

1913 P&M 3.5 h.p. Colonial Model

Name - 1913COLO.JPG, Source - P&M 1913 Catalog, Size - 337k

The 1913 3.5 h.p. Colonial Model P&M specification details were basically the same as the Standard 3.5 hp Touring model, the differences being an olive green and black finish with absolute minimum of plated parts. Extra large tank (not sure of actual capacity, the normal was eleven pints!), 2.5 inch tyres (2.25 inch), 10.5 inch footrest clearance (5.5 inch) and specially strengthened fork and saddle springs. This model formed the basis for the WW1 standard Royal Fying Corps machine of which nearly 3500 were manufactured for the allied forces.

I am grateful to Noel Macwhirter for providing the picture of th 1913 Colonial (from the 1913 P&M catalogue) and to the RAC for the opportunity to photograph their 1912 model at the 1997 BMF Rally. Descriptions derived from Noel Macwhirter, Barry Jones and RAC

P&M 3.5 h.p. RFC/RAF Model

At the start of the First Great War the 3.5 h.p. P&M was developed into a model which was supplied to the British military (the Royal Flying Corps and later the Royal Air Force). Valves and lubrication were redesigned and the output was actually 4 h.p. It was made from 1914 to 1921

This machine is in the National Motorcycle Museum in the UK. My photograph of the information board failed to come out and I can't clearly recall the details (if anyone can provide the details, please assist. - Birmingham is a long way from Sydney!). I believe it is a 1914 model; this is the first year of production of this model.

These pictures show details of the engine and gearchange and of the tank badge.

1915 P&M

This 1915 P&M is almost completely restored - the chain guard is still in primer though.

The 3.5 h.p. Phelon & Moore - 1920-1922

The 499cc 3.5 h.p. P&M was offered from 1920 to 1922, presumably a development of the RFC/RAF model.

Name - 1919PM.JPG, Source - M.Berglind, Size - 49k

The machine in the (late 1920s) photograph is apparently of a 1919 model fitted with an earlier 1917 engine.

I am grateful to Mats Berglind for providing these photographs of his bike.

1922 P&M 4.5 h.p.

1922 was the second year of production of the P&M Model A. It is a 4.5 h.p. 555cc side-valve, with a complicated transmission system. The transmission required both foot and hand-changes to operate the double-primary-chain two-speed system and the two-speed countershaft gearbox.

This machine is in the UK National Motorcycle Museum. The specifications the museum quote are: 84.1 x 100 mm, magneto ignition, Brown & Barlow carburettor, top gear is 5.3 to 1, P&M leading link front forks, vee-rim front brake, contracting-band rear brake, weight 280lbs, price new 115 pounds.

Name - PM1.JPG, Source - C.H. & R.A. Fleming, Size - 171k

Name - PM2.JPG, Source - C.H. & R.A. Fleming, Size - 123k

This bike (registered NR-1841) is in the Stanford Hall Museum, UK. It is a 555cc 4 1/2 H.P. four-speed P&M from 1922, which was one of the last models not to carry the name "Panther": the P&M tank badge is clearly visible in the sideview picture. Also visible in this picture are the hand gear change, half way down the tank and the control cables running to the gearbox.

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