Pullin
Pullin motorcycles, in various forms, were produced from designs by Cyril Pullin, from 1920 to 1925; 1928 to 1930; 1951 and 1955.
See also Pullin Groom Motor Co
1920 The first machine was the Pullin-Groom, produced in conjunction with S. L. Groom. It had an open frame built from steel pressings welded together. The pivoting front fork was similarly constructed, and it had pivoted-fork rear suspension. They used their own 200cc two-stroke engine with horizontal cylinder, flywheel magneto and combined mixing valve to control both fuel and lubrication. They also used their own two-speed gearbox, plus rear-wheel brakes and a sprung saddle. The engine was fully enclosed by the frame, with access doors for servicing.
Although the design was clever and the looks sleek and modern, praise from the press did little to endear it to the public. As it was thought to be too advanced for riders of that era, it was not brought into full production and then slipped from sight.
1923 The design was revived by the Pullin Motor Cycle Co run by W. M. Brooks. Engine capacity had been increased to 310cc, a Villiers flywheel magneto was fitted, a floatless carburettor supplied the mixture and transmission was by a conventional two-speed gearbox with all-chain drive. The external appearance of the machine was otherwise unchanged.
1924 Deliveries began early that year.
1925 Machines were listed with 348cc and 368cc engines. It then disappeared.
1928 Pullin had now become involved with a new project. This was the Ascot Pullin and, once again, all the working parts were fully enclosed. It had a 496cc ohv horizontal engine, built in-unit with the three-speed gearbox, and pressed-steel frame. It also had interconnected hydraulic brakes (the first hydraulic brakes ever made), leg shields, mirror, windscreen with windshield wiper.
1930 This design was not successful either, so the make disappeared once more. Sadly, the machines were sold off in job-lots by the liquidator.
1951 After the war, the Pullin name appeared again with the design of the Powerwheel - intended to replace a normal bicycle wheel. It was very similar to the Cyclemaster, Winged Wheel and the early Singer, but much more complicated. Instead of the usual simple two-stroke engine was was a 40cc rotary two-stroke, with a static crankshaft around which the rest of the engine rotated. It was technically intricate and not a great success.
1955 Pullin then turned his attention to scooters and produced a prototype with a 197cc fan-cooled Villiers engine, Siba electric start and a monocoque chassis. It was a stylish design, and although it was offered to manufacturers, no-one took it up.
See Also
Sources of Information
- The British Motorcycle Directory - Over 1,100 Marques from 1888 - by Roy Bacon and Ken Hallworth. Pub: The Crowood Press 2004 ISBN 1 86126 674 X
- [1] Ian Chadwick's motorcycle web site