- HRD Motorcycles
Infobox Defunct Company
company_name = HRD Motorcycles
company_logo =
fate = liquidation
successor = HRD-Vincent
foundation = 1922
defunct = 1928
location =
industry =
key_people =
products = motorcycles
num_employees =
parent =
subsid =HRD Motors Ltd was a British
motorcycle manufacturer in the 1920s. It was founded by Howard Raymond Davies. He had worked in motorcycling, and had raced with some success in the mid-twenties, but often not finishing due to unreliability. [ [http://www.localhistory.scit.wlv.ac.uk/Museum/Transport/Motorcycles/HRD.htm] Localhistory HRD (retrieved 7 October 2006)] This inspired him to build a reliable performance motorcycle, using the advertising slogan "Built by a rider". Others also aimed at a similar market, like George Brough ofBrough Superior motorcycles.After
World War I many motorcycle makers assembled their machines from engines and other major components sourced from different manufacturers. Davies' goal was to build a superior motorcycle from the best components available.Motorcycles were produced from 1924 to 1928, but the undercapitalised company, although having a reputation for performance, struggled to survive, and was ultimately sold to
OK-Supreme , who then sold the name and goodwill to Philip C Vincent. The name was then incorporated into a new company, Vincent-HRD.HRD Production History
1924
In 1924, with E J Massey, the first HRD motorcycles were built. [ [http://www.myvincent.co.uk/hrd.php] Myvincent History (retrieved 7 October 2006)] Motors were sourced from
JA Prestwich Industries Ltd (JAP), close ratio gearboxes from Burman, forks from Druid or Webb, chains from Renolds, oil pumps from Pilgrim, and carburettors from Binks. The bikes targeted the more affluent among the mechanically-minded, with sporting performance and quality components.
* 1924 Models
* HD90 - 500 cc JAP racing engine - convert|90|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on - 90 guineas
*HD80 - 350 cc JAP OHV double port - convert|80|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on - 80 guineas
*HD70 - 350 cc JAP OHV - convert|70|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on - 70 guineas
*HD70 S - 500 cc JAP sports sidevalve - convert|70|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on - Solo: 66 guineas, Sidecar: 83 guineas1925
In 1925 Davies rode his own motorcycles at the
Isle of Man TT , coming second in the Junior and winning the Senior. This brought in orders, but while appearing successful the firm was losing money. The first premises were too small, so they had to enlarge, but were undercapitalised. There was always a waiting list, but only small numbers were produced. In September H Le Vack set a speed record of convert|104.41|mi/h|km/h|2|abbr=on on an HRD atBrooklands .
*1925 Models
*HD Super90 - 500 cc JAP twin port engine - convert|100|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on - 98 guineas1926
In 1926 the opposition at the TT were faster, and the best placing for HRD was fifth.The model range was broadened, but production didn't meet demand. A general strike inflicted more financial damage.
*1926 Models
*HD75 - 500 cc Jap OHV engine - convert|75|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on - 75 guineas
*HD 600 De Luxe - 600 cc JAP sidevalve - 72 guineas
*HD65 - 350 cc JAP OHV - convert|65|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on - 65 guineas
*HD60 - 350 cc JAP sidevalve - convert|60|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on - 60 guineas
*The HD Super 90 gained the option of a 600 cc JAP OHV motor, raising the price by 5 guineas.1927
In 1927 Freddie Dixon took first place in the Junior TT, and sixth in the Senior for HRD. Despite this victory, the financial situation worsened.
Sold to Vincent
In January 1928, the company entered voluntary liquidation. It was bought by Ernest Humphries, of OK Supreme Motors, who sold the name, tooling and patterns to Philip C Vincent for £500, resulting in Vincent-HRD
References
* “H.R.D. Motor Cycles. Produced by a Rider” Auth: Geoff Preece; Publisher: J. Bickerstaff
Sources
External links
[http://www.localhistory.scit.wlv.ac.uk/Museum/Transport/Motorcycles/HRD.htm HRD History]
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