2782A - Section 12

Air of Authority - A History of RAF Organisation

Mechanical Transport AP2782A (Section 12) - Motor Cycles and Bicycles

Ariel 349 cc, Model W/NG solo motor cycle Crown Copyright^©
RAF Ref No	not stated
Engine	Ariel, single-cylinder, OHV. Bore: 72 mm (2.83 in), Stroke: 85 mm (3.34 in), Capacity: 349 cc, Compression ratio - 6.5 to 1; Max BHP - 12.8 at 4,500 rpm.
Transmission	Clutch - 3-plate Gearbox - Berman 4 speed. Ratios: 1st - 3.17 to 1, 2nd - 2 to 1, 3rd - 1.52 to 1, 4th - 1 to 1. Primary chain - ½ in pitch x 0.305 in wide, 80 links. Secondary chain - ¾ in pitch x 0.375 in wide, 92 links. Engine sprocket - 20 teeth, clutch sprocket - 44 teeth. Gearbox sprocket - 18 teeth, Wheel sprocket - 47 teeth Overall ratios - 18.1 to 1, 12 to 1, 8.7 to 1, 5.7 to 1.
Brakes	Front - Internal expanding, 6½ in diameter Rear - Internal expanding, 7 in diameter
Steering	Resilient handle bar mounting with damper.
Performance	Max Speed - not stated; MPG - 80; Radius of Action - 200 miles
Dimensions	Length - 7 ft 0 in; Width - 2 ft 5½ in; Height - 3 ft 6 in; WB - 4 ft 7 in; G/C - 5½ in (sump guard); TC - 14 ft 5 in (right), 14 ft 10 in (left).
Weights	Unladen - 3 cwt
Wheels/Tyres	Front - 36 spokes, rear - 40 spokes/3.25-19
Notes	Electrical equipment - Lucas 6V. Also shown in AP2782, Group 7.

Matchless 347 cc, Model G3 solo motor cycle
RAF Ref No	not stated
Engine	Matchless, single-cylinder, OHV. Bore: 69 mm (2.71 in), Stroke: 93 mm (3.66 in), Capacity: 347 cc; Compression ratio - 5.88 to 1; Max BHP - 16 at 5,600 rpm.
Transmission	Clutch - Multi-plate, with Ferodo linings. Gearbox - 4 speed foot operated. Ratios: 1st - 2.69 to 1, 2nd - 1.77 to 1, 3rd - 1.29 to 1, 4th - 1 to 1. Primary chain - ½ in pitch x 0.305 in wide, 66 links. Secondary chain - 5/8 in pitch x 0.380 in wide, 91 links. Engine sprocket - 18 teeth, clutch sprocket - 40 teeth. Gearbox sprocket - 16 teeth, Wheel sprocket - 42 teeth Overall ratios - 15.6 to 1, 10.3 to 1, 7.5 to 1, 5.8 to 1.
Brakes	Internal expanding, 7 in drums, front and rear
Steering	Resilient handle bar mounting with damper.
Performance	Standing ¼ mile - 38.3 mph; MPG - 59.2 (road); Radius of Action - 175 miles
Dimensions	Length - 6 ft 10½ in; Width - 2 ft 6½ in; Height - 3 ft 6¾ in; WB - 4 ft 6 in; G/C - 4½ in; TC - not stated.
Weights	Unladen - 3¼ cwt (with full tanks)
Tyres	3.25-19
Notes	Electrical equipment - Lucas 6V. Also shown in AP2782, Group 7.

Matchless 347 cc, Model 41/G3L solo motor cycle Crown Copyright^©
RAF Ref No	not stated
Engine	Matchless, single-cylinder, OHV. Bore: 69 mm (2.71 in), Stroke: 93 mm (3.66 in), Capacity: 347 cc; Compression ratio - 5.88 to 1 (with compression plate), 6.3 to 1 (without); Max BHP - 16 at 5,600 rpm.
Transmission	Clutch - Multi-plate, with Ferodo linings. Gearbox - 4 speed foot operated. Ratios: 1st - 3.19 to 1, 2nd - 2.1 to 1, 3rd - 1.29 to 1, 4th - 1 to 1. Primary chain - ½ in pitch x 0.305 in wide, 66 links. Secondary chain - 5/8 in pitch x 0.380 in wide, 91 links. Engine sprocket - 18 teeth, clutch sprocket - 40 teeth. Gearbox sprocket - 16 teeth, Wheel sprocket - 42 teeth Overall ratios - 18.5 to 1, 12.2 to 1, 7.5 to 1, 5.8 to 1.
Brakes	Internal expanding, 7 in drums, front and rear
Suspension	Teledraulic front forks.
Performance	Standing ¼ mile - 43.3 mph; MPG - 76.1 (road); Radius of Action - 225 miles
Dimensions	Length - 6 ft 10½ in; Width - 2 ft 6½ in; Height - not stated; WB - 4 ft 3 in; G/C - 6¼ in; TC - 15 ft 10 in (right), 15 ft 0 in (left).
Weights	Unladen - 2¾ cwt (with full tanks)
Wheels/Tyres	19 x 2½ in spoked/3.25-19
Notes	Electrical equipment - Lucas 6V. Also shown in AP2782, Group 7.

Triumph Motor Cycle, Model TRW 499 cc, SV Twin Triumph, 500 cc, Motor Cycle, Model TRW, Mk 1 & 2 Crown Copyright^©
RAF Ref No	16A/1302
Engine	Triumph, Type TRW, twin-cylinder, side valve, air-cooled, petrol, 499cc, dry sump lubrication, magneto ignition.
Gearbox
Performance	Max Speed - ; MPG - ; Radius of Action -
Dimensions	Length - 6ft 10½in; Width - 2ft 4½in; Height - 3ft 5in; WB - 4ft 5in; G/C - 6¼in; TC - :
Weights	Unladen - 370 lb; Laden - :
Body
Tyres
Notes	Heavy duty, twin-cylinder, motor cycle developed for service use. Four speed gearbox. Solid frame. Introduced by 1951

Royal Enfield 346 cc, Model WD/C solo motor cycle Crown Copyright^©
RAF Ref No	not stated
Engine	Enfield, single-cylinder, OHV. Bore: 70 mm (2.75 in), Stroke: 90 mm (3.54 in), Capacity: 346 cc; Compression ratio - 5.75 to 1; Max BHP - 13.5 at 5,000 rpm.
Transmission	Clutch - Multi-plate, with Ferodo inserts. Gearbox - 4 speed foot operated. Ratios: 1st - 3.29 to 1, 2nd - 1.98 to 1, 3rd - 1.4 to 1, 4th - 1 to 1. Primary chain - ½ in pitch x 0.305 in wide, 74 links. Secondary chain - 5/8 in pitch x 0.380 in wide, 89 links. Engine sprocket - 19 teeth, clutch sprocket - 42 teeth. Gearbox sprocket - 18 teeth, Wheel sprocket - 46 teeth Overall ratios - 18.6 to 1, 11.2 to 1, 7.9 to 1, 5.65 to 1.
Brakes	Front - Internal expanding, 6 in drum. Rear - Internal expanding, 7 in drum.
Performance	Standing ¼ mile - 41.8 mph; MPG - 72.7 (road); Radius of Action - 200 miles
Dimensions	Length - 7 ft 1 in; Width - 2 ft 4 in; Height - 3 ft 4 in; WB - 4 ft 6 in; G/C - 4½ in (rear mudguard); TC - not stated.
Weights	Unladen - 3¼ cwt (with full tanks)
Wheels/Tyres	WM 2-19 Front and rear rims interchangeable/3.25-19
Notes	Electrical equipment - Lucas 6V. Also shown in AP2782, Group 7.

Standard Roadster Pattern pedal cycle Crown Copyright^©
RAF Ref No	61BY/11001
Dimensions	Length - ; Width - ; Height - ; G/C - ; TC
Weights	Unladen - ; Laden - :
Tyres
Notes

Triumph 349 cc, Model 3HW solo motor cycle
RAF Ref No	not stated
Engine
Gearbox
Performance	Max Speed - ; MPG - ; Radius of Action -
Dimensions	Length - ; Width - ; Height - ; G/C - ; TC
Weights	Unladen - ; Laden - :
Body
Tyres
Notes

Standard Carrier Pattern pedal cycle Crown Copyright^©
RAF Ref No	61BY/11500
Dimensions	Length - ; Width - ; Height - ; G/C - ; TC
Weights	Unladen - ; Laden - :
Tyres
Notes

Triumph 349 cc, Model 3SW solo motor cycle
RAF Ref No	not stated
Engine	Triumph, single-cylinder, side valve. Bore: 70 mm (2.75 in), Stroke: 89 mm (3.50 in), Capacity: 343 cc; Compression ratio - 5.3 to 1; Max BHP - 10 at 4,800 rpm.
Transmission	Clutch - Multi-plate, with cork inserts Gearbox - 4 speed foot operated. Ratios: 1st - 3.12 to 1, 2nd - 2.33 to 1, 3rd - 1.47 to 1, 4th - 1 to 1. Primary chain - ½ in pitch x 0.305 in wide, 74 links. Secondary chain - 5/8 in pitch x 0.375 in wide, 90 links. Engine sprocket - 18 teeth, clutch sprocket - teeth. Gearbox sprocket - teeth, Wheel sprocket - 46 teeth Overall ratios - 18.7 to 1, 14.0 to 1, 8.84 to 1, 6.0 to 1.
Brakes	Internal expanding, 7 in drum. Front - hand operated, rear - foot operated.
Performance	not stated
Dimensions	Length - 6 ft 10 in; Width - 2 ft 6 in; Height - 3 ft 4 in; WB - 4 ft 4½ in; G/C - 4 in; TC - not stated.
Weights	Unladen - 3 cwt (with full tanks)
Tyres	3.25-19
Notes	Electrical equipment - Lucas 6V. Also shown in AP2782, Group 7.

Motor Cycle, 98cc, James Comet J10 Crown Copyright^©
RAF Ref No	16A/1746
Engine	Villiers, Mark 1F, single-cylinder, petrol, two-stroke, 98cc. Petroil lubrication. Flywheel-magneto ignition.
Gearbox
Performance	Max Speed - ; MPG - ; Radius of Action -
Dimensions	Length - 6ft 7in; Width - 2ft 1½in; Height -2ft 9½in (less windscreen); WB -4ft 1in ; G/C -5in ; TC - :
Weights	Unladen - 150 lb; Laden - :
Body
Tyres
Notes	Civilian type, lightweight, two-stroke motor cycle. Two-speed gearbox

BSA 496 cc, Model M20, solo motor cycle
RAF Ref No	not stated
Engine	BSA, single-cylinder, side valve. Bore: 82 mm (3.228 in), Stroke: 94 mm (3.701 in), Capacity: 496 cc; Compression ratio - 4.9 to 1; Max BHP - 12 at 4,100 rpm.
Transmission	Clutch - Multi-plate, with Ferodo linings. Gearbox - 4 speed foot operated. Primary chain - ½ in pitch x 0.305 in wide, 69 links. Secondary chain - 5/8 in pitch x 0.25 in wide, 95 links. Engine sprocket - 19 teeth, clutch sprocket - 43 teeth. Gearbox sprocket - 18 teeth, Wheel sprocket - 42 teeth Overall ratios - 15.8 to 1, 10.9 to 1, 7.0 to 1, 5.28 to 1.
Brakes	Internal expanding, 7 in drums, front - hand operated, rear - foot operated.
Performance	Standing ¼ mile - 35.2 mph; MPG - 50 (road); Radius of Action - 150 miles
Dimensions	Length - 7 ft 2 in; Width - 2 ft 5 in; Height - 3 ft 3 in; WB - 4 ft 6 in; G/C - 4-5/8 in; TC - 14 ft 5 in (right), 13 ft 6 in (left).
Weights	Unladen - 3½ cwt (with full tanks)
Tyres	3.25-19
Notes	Electrical equipment - Lucas 6V.

BSA 496 cc, Model M20, motor cycle combination
RAF Ref No	not stated
Engine	BSA M20, single-cylinder, side valve. Bore: 82 mm (3.228 in), Stroke: 94 mm (3.701 in), Capacity: 496 cc; Max BHP - 12 at 4,100 rpm; Max torque - 244 lbs ins at 3,100 rpm
Transmission	Clutch - Multi-plate, with Ferodo linings. Gearbox - 4 speed foot operated. Primary chain - ½ in pitch x 0.305 in wide, 69 links. Secondary chain - 5/8 in pitch x 0.25 in wide, 95 links. Overall gear ration - 5.9 to 1 Overall ratios - 15.8 to 1, 10.9 to 1, 7.0 to 1, 5.3 to 1.
Brakes	Front and rear - two shoe, fixed fulcrum with 7 in drums.
Sidecar	Chassis - weldless steel tube frame members, cast iron lugs. 4-point connection to cycle. Quarter elliptic springs. Coachbuilt, water tight scuttle, locker at rear with hinged lid. Mica windscreen in metal frame. Quick lift hood.
Performance	Standing ¼ mile - 35.2 mph; MPG - 50 (road); Radius of Action - 150 miles
Dimensions	Overall - Length - 7 ft 0 in; Width - 5 ft 6½ in; Height - 3 ft 3 in; WB - 4 ft 6 in; G/C - 4-5/8 in; TC - not stated. Sidecar - Length - 6 ft 2 in; Width - 1 ft 8¾ in; depth - 1 ft 8 in;
Weights	not stated
Tyres	3.25-19
Notes	Electrical equipment - Lucas 6V.

Norton 490 cc, Model 16H, solo motor cycle Crown Copyright^©
RAF Ref No	not stated
Engine	Norton, single-cylinder, side valve. Bore: 79 mm (3.11 in), Stroke: 100 mm (3.9381 in), Capacity: 490 cc; Compression ratio - 4.9 to 1; Max BHP - 12 at 4,800 rpm.
Transmission	Clutch - Multi-plate, with Ferodo linings. Incorporates vane type rubber buffer shock absorber. Gearbox - 4 speed foot operated. Ratios: 1st - 2.97 to 1, 2nd - 1.77 to 1, 3rd - 1.21 to 1, 4th - 1 to 1. Primary chain - ½ in pitch x 0.305 in wide, 74 links. Secondary chain - 5/8 in pitch x 0.25 in wide, 91 links. Engine sprocket - 18 teeth, clutch sprocket - 42 teeth. Gearbox sprocket - 19 teeth, Wheel sprocket - 43 teeth Overall ratios - 15.7 to 1, 9.35 to 1, 6.39 to 1, 5.28 to 1.
Brakes	Internal expanding, 7 in drums, front - hand operated, rear - foot operated.
Performance	Standing ¼ mile - 37.2 mph; MPG - 50 (road); Radius of Action - 160 miles
Dimensions	Length - 7 ft 1½ in; Width - 2 ft 6 in; Height - 3 ft 2¾ in; WB - 4 ft 6 in; G/C - 5½ in; TC - 14 ft 5½ in (right), 14 ft 1 in (left).
Weights	Unladen - 3¼ cwt (with full tanks)
Wheels/Tyres	WM 2-19/3.25-19
Notes	Electrical equipment - Lucas 6V. Also shown in AP2782, Group 7.

Norton 490 cc, Model 16H, motor cycle combination Crown Copyright^©
RAF Ref No	not stated
Engine	Norton, single-cylinder, side valve. Bore: 79 mm (3.11 in), Stroke: 100 mm (3.9381 in), Capacity: 490 cc; Compression ratio - 4.9 to 1; Max BHP - 12 at 4,800 rpm.
Transmission	Clutch - Multi-plate, with Ferodo linings, hand operated. Gearbox - 4 speed foot operated. Ratios: 1st - 2.97 to 1, 2nd - 1.77 to 1, 3rd - 1.21 to 1, 4th - 1 to 1. Primary chain - ½ in pitch x 0.305 in wide Secondary chain - 5/8 in pitch x 0.25 in wide. Overall ratios - 16.6 to 1, 9.88 to 1, 6.76 to 1, 5.58 to 1.
Brakes	Internal expanding, 7 in drums, front - cable operated from handlebar lever, rear - rod operated from foot pedal.
Sidecar	Single seater body fitted with door and hinged watertight scuttle. Locker with hinged lid fitted at rear.
Performance	not stated
Dimensions	Overall - Length - 7 ft 1½ in; Width - 5 ft 6½ in; Height - 3 ft 3 in; WB - 4 ft 6 in; G/C - not stated; TC - not stated' Track - not stated. Sidecar - Length - 6 ft 1½ in; Width - 1 ft 9 in; Depth - 1 ft 10 in;
Weights	Unladen -not stated
Wheels/Tyres	WM 2-19/3.25-19
Notes	Electrical equipment - Lucas 6V. Also shown in AP2782, Group 7.

Harley-Davidson, Model WLA, solo motor cycle Crown Copyright^©
RAF Ref No	not stated
Engine
Gearbox
Performance	Max Speed - ; MPG - ; Radius of Action -
Dimensions	Length - 7ft 5in; Width - 2ft 10in; Height - 3ft 6in; G/C - ; TC
Weights	Unladen - 525lbs; Laden - :
Body
Tyres
Notes

This page was last updated on 18/03/25^©