Description
1928 Raleigh model 23.
Built in Nottingham by the famous bicycle manufacturer, the model 23 (496cc OHV twin port engine with 3 speed Sturmey Archer gear box) was only made for 2 years, 1928 & 1929.
This motorcycle starts and runs very well, the Raleigh built Pilgrim oil pump has been restored by Peter Rosenthal and works as it should.
The bike is pretty much as it left the factory, with all the hard to find parts still attached.
The paint is not original but it is old, probably dating from the 1950's or 60's.
The original saddle has been recovered by a previous owner in a waxed cotton material and unusually there is provision for a pillion rider.
The lighting set by Miller is complete and working as is the original horn.
Cosmetically, there is room for improvement with some peeling and missing nickel plating however the bike is a perfectly presentable and rideable machine.
The bike has a V5c in my name, it is correctly registered as an historic vehicle and still carries its original registration number, which is transferable.
The factory records for Raleigh motorcycles have long since been lost but the owners club (- details above) have been collating records of extant models and there are only 48 model 23's known, of which 32 are from 1928.
Parts availability is, as you might expect for any old/ rare motorcycle is challenging but the owners club have a vibrant spares scheme which can often assist.
A very usable vintage motorcycle which will turn heads and start conversations. I am the spares officer for the Raleigh Motorcycle & Early Reliant club and as such I have accumulated several Raleigh motorcycles over the years.
This model 23 is being offered for sale as I already own a 1929 version which is basically the same machine.
