1951 Bond Mini Bike

Lot details
Registration No: GFE 566
Frame No: T.B.A.
Engine No: T.B.A.
cc: 125
MOT Expiry Date: None

Conceived by Lawrence Bond and introduced in 1950, the first Bond motorcycle was, like many of its rivals, powered by a 99cc Villiers 1F engine with integral two-speed gearbox. However, the similarities to other lightweight motorcycles of the period ended with the choice of engine, the frame was essentially a single tapered oval tube manufactured from alloy sheet from which the power unit was hung. A cut away at the rear accommodated the unsprung balloon tyre shod wheel which was enveloped by a full mudguard that also served to stiffen the structure. The petrol tank was housed in the frame and a cast aluminium headstock was fastened to the front of the frame. Rigid forks were fitted at first, giving way later to telescopic units and the rear mudguard was complemented by a similar item at the front. Footboards and legshields provided a good degree of weather protection and a full, direct lighting kit was fitted although the horn was of the bulb type. The innovative machine, with its split rims and balloon tyres was joined for the 1951 season by a De Luxe model fitted with a 125cc JAP engine and three-speed gearbox. Production continued until 1953 when both machines were dropped from the range, leaving production of the company's more famous three-wheeled products to continue.

This example of the larger De Luxe version has been in the present ownership since 1986 and has always been stored in a garage. The vendor rode the machine at a rally near Lincoln during the late 1980s but the machine has otherwise remained dormant. We are advised that the engine turns over and this interesting motorcycle is offered with a Swansea V5 and some other paperwork including adverts for the model from 1951.