1912 Koehler Escoffier

[Miccccha]

Hello Ken,

The images I received from John Koller , are for shure not from any Koehler-Escoffier.

By our first contacts, years ago, John Koller told me, the bike was sold to him, during his visit in France, as an Koehler-Escoffier, 500cc from 1912.

Because that model an brand is very rare to find,and as a member of the Monet Goyon, Koehler-Escoffier motorcycle club of France. (http://www.monet-goyon.net/) I was very interested to know al the details of this bike.

The only Koehler-Escoffiers from 1912 until 1920, where 500cc bi-cylinders in V.

After reception of the images, they showed not to be a Koehler-Escoffier. Some details let me suppose it could be a French or Swiss motorcyle.

The engine is a bit a lookalike a "Fafnir" engine, but I didn't find any reference to prouve.
It likes to be an 500cc with a with an opposite valves steering system.

This is an construction, normally used by older models (around 1900).

Would it be possible to put an image of booth sides of your "1904 James H.Smith's" on this site, because also from your bike I could'nt find any documentation. Thank you.

Untill now I still cannot tell you what brand or model of motorcycle it is, and I'am quiet curious to find it out.


Regards

Michaël

[Ken Lee]

Hello Michael and John , I enclose pics of my 1904 James H.Smith , this was made by a Motor Engineering Company , as far as I can find out it is the only one made , the frame and cycle parts are BSA (they supplied frames etc before complete bikes) forks ? may be Chater Lea ?? and the engine is Fafnir as is the carburretor , single speed , no clutch , great fun to ride !!! hope the pics get on ok , may have to send another post for more , best wishes with getting this bike on the road , Ken

[Ken Lee]

Woops only one pic went on , here's another one or two ????

[Ken Lee]

Oh well , looks like I'll have to do one at a time sorry 'bout this , Ken

[Ken Lee]

the other side

[Ken Lee]

last one , more if you like , just ask , Ken

[exeric]

That is one busy looking engine !

[Ken Lee]

quite busy exeric !!! as explained on pic but it is great fun to ride
the longest days ride I have done on it is 180miles , regularly do 60 or 70miles , I didn't mention I have to pedal away as each time I stop the engine stops , no clutch but does start easily with coil ignition , thankfully , hope you all have fun on bikes you ride , it does about 90 - 100 mpg (Imperial gallons) , Ken

[Ken Lee]

John ,
I am not sure what the make of your bike is but am sure it is a German Fafnir engine , I guess earlier than 1912 , Fafnir engines could have magneto drives from about 1907 , I cannot find much info on them but will keep looking , whatever , it is a nice bike and hope you get it road worthy soon , keep us informed please , best of luck , Ken