c1926 Douglas CW 350 Motorcycle

Description

The history of the Douglas motorcycle can be traced back to one W J Barter, who designed and built a series of largely unsuccessful prototypes before joining forces with the Douglas brothers to build their first 350cc flat twin in 1907.  Developed over time, success in competition followed, particularly at the Isle of Man TT where Douglas took victory in the Junior race in 1912 for the first time.  Following the First World War, during which Douglas produced something like 25,000 motorcycles for the military, the range expanded to include both overhead and side-valve models.  Launched in 1920, the W20 was new twin-cylinder side-valve motor and was gradually updated through the early 1920s, with improvements made by new Chief Designer Cyril Pulin.  The CW of 1924 featured a ‘fixed’ cylinder head with an external flywheel and magneto.  Rated at 2 ¾ horsepower, the CW was the first chain driven model produced in large numbers at the Kingswood factory and featured a three-speed gearbox with a flywheel clutch and rim brakes operating on both front and rear wheels.  Catalogued until 1926, the final year CW featured a shock absorber in gearbox sprocket.  Options include a speedo, lighting equipment and even a sprung pillion passenger saddle.