Whilst we often look to Europe, Japan, the US and more recently UK manufacturers for our bikes it’s good to remember that there was once a flourishing motorcycle industry here in Scotland and that Victoria Motor & Cycle Co. Limited was just one part of that industry.
Outside of a few classic bike forums Scottish motorcycle manufactures such as Victoria have long been forgotten. Founded in 1902 at the Victoria Works, Dennistoun, Glasgow the Victoria (not be confused with the German company of the same name) was Scotland’s biggest motorcycle manufacturer by the time war broke out in 1914.
Whilst we often look to Europe, Japan, the US and more recently UK manufacturers for our bikes it’s good to remember that there was once a flourishing motorcycle industry here in Scotland and that Victoria was only one part of that industry.
Victoria had a wide range of bikes powered by Precision engines from FE Baker until the war and by JAP (250-550cc), Villiers (147-350cc) and Blackburn engines (250-550cc) and a Coventry-Victor (688cc) until the company closed in 1926 although models were still listed in catalogues as late as 1937. Catalogues from 1914 show seven models ranging from 2 - 4 hp and with a sidecar option and prices between £25 - £48.
In 1920 the company displayed a new horizontal twin with the Coventry-Victor engine and countershaft gear. The Coventry-Victor engine with outside fly-wheel was Victoria's most powerful bike usually running between 5 - 7 hp through a Sturmey-Archer 3-speed gearbox via a chain/ belt drive and may have marked a move towards larger capacity bikes but by the mid 20’s Victoria was one of the many motorcycle manufacturers that succumbed to a failing economy and was reported to have closed by the end of 1926.
There aren’t many Victoria’s left out there in running condition but we were lucky enough to see an immaculate model on display at the recent Scottish Motorcycle Show owned by David Stewart (although we haven’t seen it running) and met with the owner, Gordon Mowat, of a confirmed running Victoria that is used annually for classic bike events and rides.
Scotland's Forgotten
Motorcycle Industry
Victoria Motor
& Cycle Co.