Lot details Registration No: 647 KMT Frame No: 2036/1 Engine No: 2036/1 cc: 350 MOT Expiry Date: None
Throughout its fifty years as a motorcycle manufacturer, Douglas of Bristol, who first set up workshop in 1906, remained loyal to the horizontally opposed, twin-cylinder engine. Especially in the decade from 1910, the `Duggie' twins were excellent touring machines and deserved their popularity. The great Freddie Dixon employed a Douglas bike to win the 1923 Sidecar TT. Whilst Douglas roadsters, such as the K32, were reckoned to be among the most sophisticated bikes during the 1930s.
The traditional Douglas layout was for the engine to be mounted longitudinally, although in the ten years up to 1956, when motorcycle production stopped, engines were fitted transversely - as is the case with this attractive looking Dragonfly, the last of the line. Elegant flowing styling with headlamp nacelle blending into the fuel tank and Reynolds-Earles pivoted front forks gave the Dragonfly a most distinctive appearance.
With 17bhp at 6000rpm on tap, Douglas boasted a comfy cruising gate of 60mph with a 70mph top speed potential for this 348cc air-cooled, overhead valve, flat-twin, which, when new in 1956, would have cost £225. 647 KMT first came to Beaulieu in early 1979, initially on loan, though latterly with ownership transferred to the National Motor Museum Trust. The current condition of frame, brightwork and cycle parts is described as very good. According to the Museum, this boxed bike from the West Country was last restored during the late 1970s.
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