Hollis Type A (Royal Enfield 350 engine)
This is number 3 of eight Type A motorcycles made by Hollis Motorcycles using Royal Enfield engines. For some reason Hollis isn’t listed in the allowed C&C categories but it is registered with the DVLA as such rather than an Enfield. This motorbike was made for me and has featured in several magazines and YouTube videos showcasing the amazing fabrication skills of Steve Lowe at Hollis who has also maintained the bike for me.
It takes the ethos of a 1930s rigid and girder classic but adds modern twists such as disc brakes and Vincent-style under-seat suspension that make it a much more comfortable (and safe) proposition on modern roads.
Performance from the 350 engine will keep you up with modern traffic (and faster off the lights) and you can actually stop which is more than can be said for many similar looking bikes!
Being such a rare bike definitely has its advantages. I’ve been allowed to ride the banking at Brooklands on it, as well as doing the classic hill climbs there. It’s also been exhibited at various Brooklands shows and at the Goodwood Revival. It has also drawn admirers on the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride. The advantage of having a fairly common engine and gearbox is that maintenance and consumables are easy to obtain and cheap.
Sadly I’ve made the decision to sell as I don’t get to ride it much due to work and children and it’s taking up space in my garage (my wife didn’t like the idea of displaying it as art in our kitchen!).
I think this is the first time one of these has come up on the second hand market and I think it’s one of only 6 left in the UK.
This is a truly beautiful bike, made by a genuine artisan which has plenty of classic 1930s character without any of the attendant “will I make it home?” worries.
