Douglas 1924 SW/24 349 cc 2 cyl sv 3602

Douglas 1924 “SW/24” 349 cc side valve twin frame # 73857 engine# 75390

This Bristol-based firm developed the horizontally opposed fore-aft unit in about 1907 and continued utilizing this engine layout well into the thirties.
The earliest Douglas models had direct belt drive, but in 1910 a two-speed gearbox was added, with the control on top of the petrol tank. Douglas machines became very popular because of their lightness, ease of starting and speed: in the 1912 Junior TT races Douglas took first, second and fourth places. In the First World War thousands of 2 ¾ HP machines were commissioned for use by despatch riders and performed splendidly. In the early twenties year by year small improvements were made and many Douglas machines were sold each year. In a publicity booklet announcing the 1924 models the company claimed that “well over 75,000 Douglas 2 ¾ machines are giving satisfaction every day to their owners.”
The company saw no need for big design changes: “ For many years now it has not been found necessary to alter the main design, which incorporated the vibrationless twin-cylinder engine, because, as a mount world famous for economy, ease of control and great comfort, it had withstood the buffeting and battering of every clime since 1908, under all conditions, in the hands of riders of both sexes and all ages.”
It would be two more years before a real design change was carried through by then Chief designer Cyril Pullin in the form of the new EW model.

The 1924 catalogue presents three side valve models in the 350 cc class. The most basic one, at a price of £45, is the TS, that has two speeds and no clutch or kick starter, so it has to be pushed to get going, which, incidentally, is very easy. The SW also has two speeds, but comes with the luxury of a clutch and kick starter, for a price of £50. The most expensive model is the CW, with chain drive, 3-speed and kick starter. This machine is available at £58.
New for 1924, but not fitted to the TS, are the wide mudguards “giving ample protection with plenty of clearance to prevent clogging in heavy country. “

The machine we present was registered in The Netherlands in 1960, so we think she was sold new in this country and had had a provincial registration in prewar years. For more relaxed riding a small internal expanding front brake has been fitted; a sensible adaptation, because the original bicycle-type stirrup rim brake was not a spectacular stopper to say the least.
She’s an older restauration but still has the original leather toolbox fronts and comes with acetylene lighting set and current Dutch registration.