GiveMeABreak wrote: ↑30 Jun 2018, 20:02
I saw this today in a vintage shop window whilst waiting to get a crop. No excuse for lilly white legs wearing a pair of shorts riding this in such close proximity to the exhaust pylons (?)
As you can tell my motorcycle knowledge is pretty much non-existent!
Apologies for the reflective stripes - it was taken through the shop window, so picked up my rather psychedelic yellow striped shirt.
Definitely needs a "I Brake for No One" sticker on the back.
I asked a mate about the bike as he collects things like that. his response:
"Neracar. Or, more properly, Ner-A-Car.
Basically made from 1921 to 1927 by an American outfit but also assembled here in the UK at Kingston by Sheffield-Simplex.
Various models: Neracar (Syracuse, United States) made three models of Neracar; 221cc (later 255cc) two-stroke engine, one headlight, and one taillight. The Type B had a larger engine, two seats, and two headlights. A commercial version, the Type CB, had a pair of headlights, a pair of drum brakes on the rear wheel, and a steel utility box!
Ner-A-Car (United Kingdom) began production of Ner-A-Cars in 1921 with the original American design with the 221 cc two-stroke engine but in 1923 the engine was enlarged to 285cc
Sheffield-Simplex developed a new version with a Blackburne 348cc four-stroke side-valve engine
The one to have, apparently (!), is the 1926 de-luxe model - with swingarm rear suspension, a bucket seat with air cushions, and a fairing with an adjustable Triplex windshield and an instrument panel. The blurb says: 'A countershaft concentric with the swingarm pivot was driven by a chain from the transmission and drove the rear wheel.'
Production of the Ner-A-Car at Sheffield-Simplex ended in the autumn of 1926.
Carl Neracherh, the guy who designed the Ner-A-Car was (American) Carl Neracher."
...And when I told him it was for sale, his response:
"Avoid it. Trust me"