Rover 1914 3½ hp 499 cc 1 cyl sv 3610

Rover 1914 3½ hp 499 cc side valve frame # 040230 engine # 4373 gearbox # 1138

The Rover safety bicycle creates a breakthrough in bicycle design at the end of the 19th century. By the late 1890s, John Kemp Starley’s firm is reshaped into the Rover Cycle Company Ltd.. The massive commercial success of his diamond-frame bicycle generates high profits which allow the company to fund research and development into internal combustion engines.
At the end of 1903 the company presents its first motorcycle, which is much ahead of its time: a well-designed side valve engine with mechanically operated valves, spray carburettor, strong frame with double front down tubes and excellent finish. It creates a lot of interest and a thousand or so are sold in 1904. However, in 1905 a serious slump in motorcycle sales emerges because public confidence in the motorcycle wanes considerably due to the marketing of many inferior and badly engineered models. Rover doesn’t want to risk their good name and stop motorcycle production entirely, to concentrate on the bicycle business. In 1910 the motorcycle’s future seems rosy again and designer John Greenwood (later of Sunbeam fame) is commissioned to draw up a new engine. The 85×88 engine has spring loaded tappets. The Bosch magneto is placed high and dry behind the cylinder barrel and driven by a silent “inverted tooth” Morse chain. Carburettor is Brown & Barlow, magneto comes from Bosch and a Druid type spring fork with extra top springs is fitted.
At the end of 1914 a 3 speed countershaft gearbox, with foot clutch control, is added. After WW1 the management decides there is more future in car production and the motorcycle production is moved to other premises in Coventry and by 1924 Rover stops producing cycles and motorcycles.

The machine we present here is fitted with a countershaft gearbox so it’s a 1915 model, but it has been produced at the end of 1914, the original frame number being S40230, which fits in with the 1914 frame number range. This number is shown on the VMCC identification badge on the frame downtube, together with the machine’s engine and gearbox numbers.
We think the original frame number was not clearly visible anymore at the time of registration in The Netherlands, so the authorities wanted a new and clearly visible number stamped in before registration was allowed.

This fine Rover was well-known in Dutch Vintage motorcycle circles for quite a number of years. It was the deceased owner’s favourite machine and he rode it in many events, including Anglo-Dutch trials. When starting the engine became difficult, he had an electric starter system installed, but made sure this could be removed and the kickstart construction could be refitted. For riding safety an internal expanding rear brake was added.
This sturdy and well-built Rover has been restored a number of years ago. On the toolbox leather fronts the Rover shields are still clearly visible. The clutch is foot operated and accessories include an acetylene lighting system with Lucas No. 331 front lamp, bulb horn, tyre pump and rear view mirror. An additional gear box (in parts) as well as the original kick starter are also included. So if one prefers to not use the electric starter system, the motorcycle can be converted back to the original configuration.