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Whilst pursuing my interest in Militaire motorcycles I came across the article reprinted below and the attached picture concerning a “THOMSEN” motorcycle in the 6th May 1915 issue of the English motorcycle magazine “THE MOTOR CYCLE”.
This motorcycle must surely be a Militaire clone but all my research to date has been unable to turn up any mention of this bike.
Does anyone out there have any information or knowledge of the THOMSEN motorcycle? It doesn’t matter how small or trivial the snippet of information may be I would like to here about it.
When studying the attached picture please note the tubular chassis/frame and the long leaf springs which extend back from under the gearbox to the centre of the rear axle. These features are different from standard Militaire practice but the rear springing looks the same as that in photos of that other Militaire clone the Champion.
The mention of Sankey style steel wheels and if I interpret the text correctly an electric starter is also not standard Militaire practice. Any evidence of a battery to power the starter or even the lights for that matter is not apparent in the picture.
So come on you historians of American motorcycles please enlighten us with some information on this obscure U.S. machine.
Also if anyone out there has any printed information or anything what-so-ever on Militaire / Militor / Champion and now Thomsen motorcycles that they are prepared to sell or copy please contact me so we can negotiate a deal.
Quote from “THE MOTOR CYCLE 6th May 1915”
THE NEAREST APPROACH TO A CAR
A Solo Mount with Three Speeds and Reverse
We have several times in these pages dealt with motorcycles built on the principle of a fully-fledged motor car, and one of the most striking examples of this practice is reproduced in the accompanying illustration of the American Thomson car, motor cycle, as it is called.
The machine is handled in this country by Messrs. Meredith, Dent, and Stephens, 16, Regent Street, London. It is neat in appearance, has a low saddle position, comfortable footboards, and efficient mudguarding, which latter has been particularly well carried out.
POWER UNIT FEATURES
The power unit embodies many novel and interesting features. The general design and construction of the engine and gearbox unit follow the lines of orthodox car practice, with the exception of the cylinders, which are air-cooled.
The engine is rated at 7 h.p., and drives through a dry plate clutch to the gear box, in which three speeds forward and a reverse are provided, with a direct drive in top, the gate change lever being mounted on an extension of the top cover of the gear box. The propeller-shaft is tubular, and has a universal joint at the front end. The frame is carried fore and aft on springs of good length, whilst the wheels are the steel type, similar to the Sankey wheel, and are fitted with voitarette tyres.
Standardised features include electric equipment, with a dynamo and lighting set, and a powerful engine starter. Balance wheels are provided, which may be let down from the drivers seat, by means of which the machine may be kept on an even keel, what time the engine is started. On attaining a sufficient speed the idler wheels may be raised by means of a pedal.
This motorcycle must surely be a Militaire clone but all my research to date has been unable to turn up any mention of this bike.
Does anyone out there have any information or knowledge of the THOMSEN motorcycle? It doesn’t matter how small or trivial the snippet of information may be I would like to here about it.
When studying the attached picture please note the tubular chassis/frame and the long leaf springs which extend back from under the gearbox to the centre of the rear axle. These features are different from standard Militaire practice but the rear springing looks the same as that in photos of that other Militaire clone the Champion.
The mention of Sankey style steel wheels and if I interpret the text correctly an electric starter is also not standard Militaire practice. Any evidence of a battery to power the starter or even the lights for that matter is not apparent in the picture.
So come on you historians of American motorcycles please enlighten us with some information on this obscure U.S. machine.
Also if anyone out there has any printed information or anything what-so-ever on Militaire / Militor / Champion and now Thomsen motorcycles that they are prepared to sell or copy please contact me so we can negotiate a deal.
Quote from “THE MOTOR CYCLE 6th May 1915”
THE NEAREST APPROACH TO A CAR
A Solo Mount with Three Speeds and Reverse
We have several times in these pages dealt with motorcycles built on the principle of a fully-fledged motor car, and one of the most striking examples of this practice is reproduced in the accompanying illustration of the American Thomson car, motor cycle, as it is called.
The machine is handled in this country by Messrs. Meredith, Dent, and Stephens, 16, Regent Street, London. It is neat in appearance, has a low saddle position, comfortable footboards, and efficient mudguarding, which latter has been particularly well carried out.
POWER UNIT FEATURES
The power unit embodies many novel and interesting features. The general design and construction of the engine and gearbox unit follow the lines of orthodox car practice, with the exception of the cylinders, which are air-cooled.
The engine is rated at 7 h.p., and drives through a dry plate clutch to the gear box, in which three speeds forward and a reverse are provided, with a direct drive in top, the gate change lever being mounted on an extension of the top cover of the gear box. The propeller-shaft is tubular, and has a universal joint at the front end. The frame is carried fore and aft on springs of good length, whilst the wheels are the steel type, similar to the Sankey wheel, and are fitted with voitarette tyres.
Standardised features include electric equipment, with a dynamo and lighting set, and a powerful engine starter. Balance wheels are provided, which may be let down from the drivers seat, by means of which the machine may be kept on an even keel, what time the engine is started. On attaining a sufficient speed the idler wheels may be raised by means of a pedal.
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