Shacklock Motorcycles

Mr. C. H. Shacklock, who had previously been manager at the Humber cycle factory in Wolverhampton, sold motor vehicles from his Manby Street premises in Wolverhampton, including American Locomobile steam cars. It seems that he built several motorcycles including the one described in this article. In 1916 he designed and built a motorcycle with a transverse 'V' twin engine, friction, then final chain drive, and enclosed moving parts. A friction disc was moved across the face of a driven disc to give a number of gear ratios.


The 1916 Shacklock transverse 'V' twin. Courtesy of the late Jim Boulton.


The friction drive and engine. Courtesy of the late Jim Boulton.

The whole of the mechanism consisting of engine, friction gear, and frame-carrying members, could be taken out of the main frame by the removal of about six nuts. The 8hp. J.A.P. engine was set across the frame to bring the crankshaft in direct line with the driving disc. A large diameter steel wheel was attached to the end of the main shaft, which in turn drove the friction disc. The driving disc was recessed at the centre so that a free engine position could be obtained.

The driven disc was mounted on a squared shaft, set transversely in the frame, and made to slide laterally by the sector arm, operated by a vertical rod, connected to a hand controlled lever on the top tube.

A chain sprocket for driving the rear wheel was attached to one end of the transverse shaft. The gear ratios were 4½, 7, and 9½ to 1, although top gear alone was suitable for most sidecar work. All of the working parts were totally enclosed by two readily detachable side plates. External contracting brakes were provided for each wheel, and the silencers were positioned immediately below the two large aluminium footboards.


The friction drive and transmission details. Courtesy of the late Jim Boulton.

It is thought that only one machine was built, possibly because of wartime restrictions, and shortages.


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