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, and has covered many trouble free miles, having recently taken part in the Raleigh owners club national rally. The Raleigh built Pilgrim oil pump has been restored by 'Peter Rosenthal' (The Pilgrim pump guy) and works as it should. The girder forks have recently been completely overhauled by 'Jake Robbins vintage engineering' who checked the geometry, machined all the faces and replaced all the spindles. New headstock bearing races from Robert Thomas at 'Partsmade' have been fitted and the ball bearings replaced. Both the front and rear tyres, along with the tubes are brand new.
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 electric 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 have been collating records of extant models and there are only 49 model 23's known to the club, of which 32 are from 1928.
Parts availability is, as you might expect for any old/ rare motorcycle, 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.
As an added bonus, I will include a years membership of the Raleigh Owners Club for the new owner.
Located between Bristol & Weston Super Mare, viewing is highly recommendedThe purchase of this motorcycle not only opens the door to the whole vintage motorcycle scene, it also buys you entrance to one of the most vibrant and well supported vintage motorcycle owners clubs.
The Raleigh owners club offers a wealth of information, both physical and anecdotal, from marque and model specialists along with access to many of the spare parts you might need.
The club holds the only records of Raleigh Industries early output as the factory records were destroyed many years ago.
We take stands at some of the major events throughout the country and you will often find members on most vintage motorcycle runs.
Amongst a myriad of other things, your membership buys you a quarterly, full colour glossy magazine and access to the members only Facebook page which is both vibrant and well used, a machine dating and registration service and access to technical support from Raleigh experts.
I years membership is included in this sale for the new owner.
