BAT 1914 4½ HP 654 cc 2 cyl sv 3507

BAT 1914 4½ HP 654 cc side valve V-twin frame # 789 engine # 32478

The company was started in 1902 by S.R. Batson in Kingswood Road, Penge, a district of South East London. The first BATs were fitted with sturdy De Dion Bouton engines which were positioned vertically in the frame. This showed foresight at a time when many manufacturers still clipped their engines to the frame tubes. By 1904 the business was sold to Theodore and Sidney Tessier, who went on to promote the make by taking part in speed contests. Until 1912 both twins and single cylinder models were produced but by 1912 solely V-twin JAP engines were employed. Typical BAT features were a sprung saddle and footboards and a shaft driven magneto that was positioned high and dry. By 1914 most models were equipped with cylindrical petrol tanks and could be had with hub gears or countershaft gearboxes. After the Great War BAT got into difficulties; a merger with Martinsyde resulted in the BAT-Martinsyde but that didn’t save the company and production stopped in 1925.
This impressive and well-built veteran BAT is powered by the proven 654 cc JAP side valve V-twin and is fitted with Amstrong 3-speed hub gear, foot-operated clutch, Bosch magneto, B & B carb and kick starter. She comes with current European registration and Pioneer Certificate. Acetylene lighting is provided by a Lucas “King’s Own” no. 454 headlamp and “Desmo” rear light. The front brake is of the contracting band-type and the main stopper is a belt rim brake in the rear wheel.