Zenith 1926 Model 6-80 678 cc 2 cyl sv 3507

Zenith 1926 Model “6-80” 678 cc JAP side valve V-twin frame # 9590 engine # GT/A/44028

Zeith machines were manufactured from 1904 till 1950, in a variety of factories in or around London. From the early days proprietary engines were used, such as Fafnir, Green-Precision, JAP, Bradshaw and Villiers. The latter engines were used in most models from the thirties.
In pre WW1 days Zenith machines gained many successes; driving force was chief engineer Freddy Barnes, who was responsible for the famous “Gradua” gear. The mechanics of the Gradua gear were a variable engine pulley worked by a handle, with simultaneous correction of the belt length by sliding the rear wheel backwards or forwards in the fork slots. Its advantage showed itself most effectively in speed hill climbs. The Zenith rider could change during the journey up while the other competitors had to make do with a single choice of gear ratio. Rival riders and manufacturers thought that this was an unfair advantage so many leading clubs barred Gradua gear Zeniths from their hill climbs. Zenith was quick to recognize the publicity value and took the word “barred” as their trademark.
In the twenties production had to be economized and the expensive Gradua system gave way to a more conventional Sturmey Archer 3 speed gearbox. Zenith stayed in the forefront with their racing and record breaking activities : in 1928 a Zenith-J.A.P. established a world record of 124.62 MPH at Arpajon in France.
Quite a few motorcycle factories used the fact that they made all parts in their own factory as a strong selling point. Zenith reversed this point by stating in their catalogue: “Our machines are not a “one-factory job” wherein everything is made by us. That method is not, in our opinion, the way to give riders the best of everything. Our method is to design and produce the machines completely ourselves, buying from specialists the component parts we consider the most suitable.” The 6-80 was one of the top models in the Zenith range, that comprised singe and twin four stroke machines from 175 cc to 976 cc. It was marketed as a luxurious touring machine, with lots of torque at low speeds. It was advertised by the company as “The six which pulls like an 80”.
The machine we present here is an older restoration in fine condition, first registered on 31-12-1926 according to an accompanying document. She comes with aluminium primary cover and chain guard, bulb horn and rear view mirror. Electric lighting is also available, powered by a small battery in the large leather tool box. She is in running condition, but as she has been at rest for quite some time in a private collection, she may benefit from some recommissioning.

Video: https://youtu.be/X0AtHHZRuY0