1911 Quadrant Board Track 600cc Racer

Description

The Quadrant Cycle Company was founded in 1883 by brothers (W.A.) Walter and (W.J.) William Lloyd in Birmingham to produce bicycles and tricycles. The motorcycle side of the company was founded by a third member of the family W. L. Lloyd in 1901 and was one of the first British manufacturers of powered bikes. Ten years later it produced a machine designed specifically for racing on the board-tracks that were popular in the early days of motorcycling. Powered by a JAP 600cc TT race engine, it was capable of reaching the legendary ‘ton’ (100 miles per hour). But with only direct drive via belt (thence, no clutch), both skill and daring were required to master this awesome machine. There is no front brake – and a very minimalist rear one. Put this story together and perhaps that’s why the board-track racing venues were called murder dromes back in the day!