Welcome to Raleigh Motorcycle Information Page!

No Longer in business.

Founded by Frank Bowden, Raleigh built motorcycles in from 1899 to 1906, and then from 1919 to 1933 in Nottingham, England. They supplied engines to Allegro, Dunelt, Coventry-Eagle, Mars, Nestoria, Cotton, Soyer and Victoria, among others. Their post-war 698cc flat-twins of 1919 were true luxury bikes developed while Works manager William Comery held the reins, but these proved difficult to manufacture competitively and production ceased in 1923 or 1924, the model being replaced with 798cc 60 degree V-twin engined machines which in turn ceased being built, after a short production life, in 1927. Raleigh also produced models with sv engines of 174 to 498cc, and ohv engines of 348cc and 498cc. During the 1920's and early 30's their chief designer was D.R. O'Donavan (later associated with Carlton motorcycles) who was responsible for the successful Sturmey-Archer racing engines used in Raleigh and other marques. Their 1921 flat twin had both chain drive and swinging arm rear suspension, and chain drive was adopted on most machines after 1924. The 1926-27 Model 14 ran on 24" wheels whilst the Mod 15 had 26". All other parts are interchangeable. They also ventured into commercial vehicle production with a three wheel light delivery van in 1931. The LDV had a 598cc engine and was developed from the Ivy Karryall which had used many Raleigh components.

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