Rover (motorcycles)

Starley had become successful making 'safety bicycles' and used the money to import some of the early Peugeot motorcycles from France in 1899 for experimental development.

This was a 3.5 hp diamond-framed motorcycle with the engine in the centre and 'springer' front forks, an improvement ahead of its time.

[2] This first Rover motorcycle had innovative features such as a spray carburettor, a bottom-bracket engine, and mechanically operated valves.

Featuring a strong frame with double front down tubes and a good quality finish, over a thousand Rover motorcycles were sold in 1904.

In 1910, designer John Greenwood was commissioned to develop a new 3.5 hp 500cc engine with spring-loaded tappets, a Bosch magneto, and a Brown and Barlow carburettor.