Juckes Motorcycles
Around 1900, Mr. T. C. Juckes founded the Efficient Motor & Engineering Company, based at East End Works, 315 Bilston Road, Wolverhampton, close to where the Steelway factory now stands. Many types of engines, including marine engines, general purpose industrial engines, car engines, and motorcycle engines were manufactured at the works. Other products included gearboxes, and lighting sets.

The first Juckes motorcycle engines, and the first Juckes motorcycles appeared in 1902. Ten years later the company produced a 4hp. water-cooled motorcycle engine, and was one of the first manufacturers of a 4-speed gearbox for motorcycles.

It is believed that Juckes built several motorcycles in 1907 using ACME V-twin engines, Juckes 4-speed gearboxes, and a chain and belt drive.

Four years later, T. C. Juckes built 7 motorcycles using Bradbury engines, Juckes 4-speed gearboxes, and frames of his own design. 6 of the machines were air-cooled, and one was water-cooled, with a small radiator fitted to the downtube, and connected to special water-cooled copper cylinder head.

The location of the Efficient Motor & Engineering Company.
In 1913 and 1914 the Juckes 4-stroke, 4¼hp. big single engines (with overhead or side valves) were used by several leading motorcycle manufacturers.

Cycle cars and motorcycles were built to order, and Juckes motorcycle engines and gearboxes were fitted to many machines at the works. Special parts were also made for the motorcycle assembling trade.

The company's main product was the Juckes 3-speed countershaft gearbox and clutch, which became known for its reliability.

The Juckes patent plate clutch used a Ferodo disc plate to achieve a smooth, silky, and positive action. During the First World War gearboxes were supplied to four of the allied governments.

The range of gearboxes produced by the company in its later years was as follows:

For the light-weight class.

Model L.  2 to3hp. 2-speed, plain type (no clutch or kick starter) with change speed bracket, and lever.

Model J.  2 to 3hp. 2-speed, with clutch (handle bar controlled) and kick starter, change speed bracket, and lever.

Model F.  2 to 3hp. 3-speed, with clutch (handle bar controlled) and kick starter, change speed bracket, and lever.

Model 4F.  2 to 3hp. 4-speed, with clutch (handle bar controlled) and kick starter, change speed bracket, and lever.


A Juckes gearbox.

For heavy-weights, combinations, and cycle cars.

Model H.  3½ to 5hp. 3-speed, with clutch (handle bar controlled) and kick starter, change speed bracket, and lever.

Model 4H.  3½ to 5hp. 4-speed, with clutch (handle bar controlled) and kick starter, change speed bracket, and lever.

Model 3HR.  3½ to 5hp. 3-speed and reverse, with clutch (handle bar controlled) and kick starter, change speed bracket, and lever.

Model 8H.  5 to 8 / 10hp. 3-speed, with clutch (handle bar controlled) and kick starter, change speed bracket, and lever.

Model 48H.  5 to 8 / 10hp. 4-speed, with clutch (handle bar controlled) and kick starter, change speed bracket, and lever.

Model 8HR.  5 to 8 / 10hp. 3-speed and reverse, with clutch (handle bar controlled) and kick starter, change speed bracket, and lever.

In the early 1920s T. C. Juckes decided to produce a range of 2-stroke motorcycles at the works, all built to his own design. Many of the main components were also designed and built at the works, including the engines, gearboxes, frames, petrol tanks etc. The engines were of an improved 3-port design, which used the Juckes patent double transfer passage and oiling system. Through the passages the explosive mixture was conducted from the ports to the centre of the crank case, directly into the combustion chamber, where it arrived practically free from lubricating oil vapour, which was trapped and retained in the crank case where it belonged.

The first machines appeared in 1923. The models were as follows:
The model 'A' was powered by a 2¾hp., 2-stroke, 274c.c. engine, with belt drive; it had a top speed of 50 m.p.h., a fuel consumption of 100 - 160 m.p.g., and a selling price of £34. The machine was designed so that the belt drive could easily be replaced with a chain drive. Several other versions were available:
    
The model 'A1' had a 2 speed gearbox and sold for £38.10s.
The model 'A2' had a 2 speed gearbox, clutch and kickstart, and sold for £45.
The model 'A3' had a 3 speed gearbox, clutch and kickstart, and sold for £46.10s.
The model 'A4' had a 4 speed gearbox, clutch and kickstart, and sold for £49.10s.
A 3h.p. engine could be fitted to any model for an extra £2.15s.

The model 'B' was powered by the same 2¾hp., 2-stroke, 274c.c. engine, as in the model 'A' but came complete with a chain drive, a 2 speed gearbox, clutch, and kick starter. It had Swan forks, Hutchinson 26" tyres, and a Leckie pan seat saddle. The petrol consumption was 100 - 160 m.p.g., and the machine sold for £48.10s.

Two other versions were available:
The model 'B3' had a 3 speed gearbox, clutch and kickstart, and sold for £51.10s.
The model 'B4' had a 4 speed gearbox, clutch and kickstart, and sold for £53.15s.
A 3h.p. engine could be fitted to any model for an extra £2.15s.


The model 'B'. From the 1925 catalogue.

There was also a sports, or semi-sports machine, the model 'C', which had the same basic specification as the model 'B', but with T.T. handlebars, smaller and lighter mudguards, a straight-through exhaust pipe, foot rests, and special tuning.


The model 'C'. From the 1925 catalogue.

A sidecar could be fitted to any model 'A' or 'B' for an extra £13.13s to £24, depending upon specification. Complete model 'A' or 'B' combinations were available at a selling price of £62.10s to £72.10s. depending upon specification. Juckes combinations had a touring speed of 35 - 40 m.p.h., and a fuel consumption of 60 - 90 m.p.g.  


The Juckes combination. From the 1925 catalogue.


Another view of the Juckes combination. From the 1925 catalogue.

In 1925 Juckes launched three high performance machines, the 'G', 'G4', and 'GA'. The machines were powered by a Juckes 4-stroke, 347c.c. O.H.V. engine, with a 3 or 4-speed gearbox, mechanical and hand pump lubrication, kick starter, an extra strong weldless frame, Druid forks, internal expanding front and rear brakes, and touring, or racing handlebars. The machines were finished in high quality black enamel, with the tank lined in gold leaf.

The differences in the models, were as follows:
The model 'G' had a 3-speed gearbox, whereas the model 'G4' had a 4-speed gearbox. Both models had a top speed of 80 m.p.h., and a petrol consumption of 80 - 120 m.p.g. A sidecar could be fitted to either model for an extra £12.12s to £20 depending on specification. The top speed with a sidecar and passenger was 55m.p.h.

The model 'GA', the special sports came as a racing or touring model with a specially tuned engine. The frame was fitted with duplex tubes at the front and rear, and with stretchers, girders, and engine plates. The machine was attractively priced at £54.


The model 'GA'. From the 1925 catalogue.


A Juckes motorcycle engine. From the 1925 catalogue.

Unfortunately in the latter half of 1925 the company found itself in deep financial difficulties, and was declared bankrupt.

At the time of closure only 9 'GA's had been built. The two-stroke machines sold quite well, around 683 were built. The company's best year was 1923, when over 400 machines were produced.

The machines were not often seen in trials and competitions, but in 1924 a Juckes machine won a silver medal in the Victory Trial.

On Wednesday, 28th October, 1925 the buildings and plant were auctioned at the Victoria Hotel, Wolverhampton. They were all purchased by Mr. Swaite, a director of Grays Engineering.

On the following Monday the patent rights, loose working plant and tools, office furniture, and the stock of finished and part-finished motorcycles, and components were auctioned at the Victoria Hotel by John Layton of Darlington Street, Wolverhampton. They were purchased by Richards of Wallington Crane Hire. The motorcycle parts were eventually donated to the National Motorcycle Museum.


A Juckes motorcycle gearbox. From the 1925 catalogue.

The production figures were listed by T. C. Juckes in a ledger, as follows:
   
Motorcycles:

Year

     Quantity
1911 to 1912 9
1913 to 1918 18 military machines for the army
1922 1 prototype
1923 407
1924 224
1925 60 (51 two-stroke, 9 O.H.V.)
   
Total 719

In between 1902 and 1925 a total of 4,703 gearboxes were produced, along with 90 non-motorcycle engines. It is also thought that two 601c.c. motorcycles with a bore of 87.5mm, and a stroke of 100mm were produced. The first in 1902, and the second in 1910.

The Efficient Motor and Engineering Company went into liquidation in 1925, and East End Works and the fixed plant and machinery were auctioned on 28th October, 1925 at the Victoria Hotel. The loose plant and the office furniture were auctioned on 2nd November.

The sale details include a description of the factory, which was quite small, considering the products that were produced. The main building consisted of a machine shop and stores, measuring 95 feet by 45 feet, a drawing office, a clerk's office, and a main office. It was built of brick, with a glazed span-roof, and brick paved floor. In the yard were other buildings, consisting of a brick and wood built workshop and store, 61 feet long by 17 feet wide, a brick built two storey store, an open wood and iron shed, and a toilet block with six toilets.

After the closure, Mr. T. C. Juckes ran a motor repair business at 31 Cleveland Street, Wolverhampton, trading as "T. C. Juckes Motor Repairer". The business survived until 1962.

Some of the information used in this section was kindly supplied by Ray Jones, in the form of a letter that was written many years ago by the Juckes Marque Specialist, John Reed.


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