The Great War was barely over when an article entitled, ‘The ABC Motor Cycle. A New Development’ appeared in this week’s edition of The Motor Cycle , issued today in 1918.
Originally called ‘The All British Engine Company Ltd. of London’ (try writing all that on the tank), they changed the name to ABC Motors LTD. in 1914, then along with chief engineer Granville Bradshaw they built a wide-range of engines throughout the First World War.
ABC always had a close association with the Sopwith aircraft company, which included producing the famous Sopwith Camel. In December, 1918, ABC transferred the rights for manufacturing and selling motorcycles to Sopwith Aviation Co. Ltd. This would allow Bradshaw to focus on his designs.
Produced between 1919 and 1925, the ABC 400 had a 398cc horizontally opposed flat twin-cylinder overhead-valve four-stroke motor with a four-speed transmission. Fitted with Claudel-Hobsob carburettor, it was capable of a top speed of over 70 mph.
In 1919 they co-exhibited the Sopwith 390cc motorcycle at the annual ‘Motor Cycle’ show. It generated much interest with it’s innovative front and rear leaf springs, ‘expanding’ brakes and wet sump lubrication. It was also one of the first motorcycles with a duplex cradle frame. One thing it didn’t have was a starting mechanism; the rider had to jump start the engine to get going.
The ABC 400 was made under license by the Sopwith Aviation & Engineering Co. in Kingston-upon-Thames. 2,200 were produced. Later models had improved valve gear, speedometers, and electric lighting. And a kick-starter.
