Beschreibung:

This particular Manxman was sold new by King's Motors, Oxford in June 1935 to a Mr J Cottle of Moretonhampstead, Devon. In June 1951 Mr Cottle resold it via Coffins Motors in Yeovil to Mr H Hamlin residing in Montacute, Somerset. Called up for National Service, Mr Hamlin dismantled the machine and stored it ready for his return. However, the Manxman remained in this condition until the present owner, a qualified engineer, purchased it in December 1996 (see photograph on file). On strip-down the engine and gearbox were found to be in very good shape, the crankshaft assembly requiring no attention so could not have done many miles. All other bearings and seals were replaced as a matter of course, together with the valve springs, while the gearbox merely required cleaning and refilling with oil. The original clutch pressure plate being distorted, an aluminium replacement was made complete with a needle-roller thrust bearing. New primary and secondary drive chains were fitted. To overcome 'wet sumping', a tap is fitted in the oil supply pipe (the original connection is available). The magneto armature proved to be unserviceable so an optically triggered electronic coil ignition system was substituted, the trigger unit being built into the magneto housing, replacing the slip ring. The handlebar advance/retard control thus operates in exactly the same fashion as the original. The 6-volt Miller dynamo was rebuilt and the electrics rewired incorporating a solid-state voltage regulator and switchable ignition and lights. Past saving, the original wheel rims were replaced with new stainless steel versions together with similar spokes, while the rear hub was modified slightly to accept deep-groove ball bearings rather than the cup-and-cone originals. A new axle was manufactured to suit. The wheels are shod with new Avon tyres. The frame and forks were vapour blasted and then power coated. New mudguards with raised centre rub were sourced and new stays manufactured. Fortunately the petrol tank, oil tank and battery housing were sound and after vapour blasting were professionally repainted. The original sales sticker from Coffin's Motors was hand painted onto the tank. A new speedometer and rev counter were fitted, though the later acts 'lazily'. The original exhaust pipe was renewed and a pattern megaphone silencer manufactured incorporating a fixed Velocette centre baffle. (Armour Motor Products are now supplying a silencer that is very close to the original). The bike retains its original black handlebars and Excelsior brake and clutch levers. Retaining its original registration number, 'BWL 570' is registered with the Excelsior Register and has featured on their stand at Stafford and at other classic motorcycle shows. The Manxman has completed 'The Great Western Coast to Coast Run' twice and has covered only 400-or-so miles since restoration. Said to run and perform superbly, the machine is offered with sundry restoration invoices, original owner's handbook, some Excelsior special tools, a quantity of Excelsior-related literature, SORN, Swansea V5 and a substantial file of history.