Company type | Privately held company |
---|---|
Industry | Motorcycle |
Headquarters | , |
Products | Motorcycles |
Waratah motorcycles were manufactured in Sydney, Australia, from before 1911 to around 1948, although Waratah badged motorcycles were sold into the 1950s.
Initially Waratah motorcycles were manufactured by the Canada Cycle & Motor Agency, Ltd.[1] on George Street, Sydney, who from at least 1910 built from standard parts, or rebadged BSA bicycles as, Waratah bicycles.[2][3] W.A.Williams had been the manager of the Sydney branch of this business and in 1905 he bought it, retaining the name until 1913.[4] In 1913 the bicycle and motorcycle part of the business was taken over by his sons, Perce and Reg, and the name was changed to Williams Bros.,[5] and later P&R Williams. This business, initially at 213–7 Elizabeth Street, Sydney, is widely known as the manufacturer of Waratah motorcycles from 1914 to 1948.[4] Subsequent addresses of 255-259 Elizabeth St by the early 1920s, and 117 Goulburn St in the later 1920s are detailed in newspaper advertising, also detailing that the business changed its name to P.and R. Williams Pty Ltd, and later moved to 74-78 Wentworth Avenue Surry Hills.
Initially, they made small machines assembled from predominantly British components, including Villiers engines, Sun frames, Druid and Brampton forks. In fact, in 1921 they described themselves as sole importers of Villiers-Waratah Motor-Cycles.[6] Fafnir and V.T.S. engines were also used.
In the later years (post World War II), they badge engineered using, it is believed, Norman and Excelsior machines.[4]
They were Australia's longest running motorcycle manufacturer. However little information seems to have survived, presumably because these were low-value utility machines.
There is no detailed definitive history of the Waratah models, but from books,[4] press articles, sales brochures and adverts, the following outline picture seems clear:
More details are known for certain years:
Year | Models |
---|---|
1911 | Waratah machine[8] equipped with 4.5 hp Fafnir engine.[1] The machine is described as being "English"[8] suggesting that it is either manufactured from imported English components or possibly badge-engineered (although the Fafnir engine is German). Earlier adverts clearly indicate that it was manufactured not imported by the statement "MANUFACTURERS and IMPORTERS of Excelsior, Douglas, and Waratah Motor Cycles" since the first two were imported.[9] The company was also manufacturing Waratah bicycles at the time. Adverts for these Waratah motorcycles appear to have run for only a fairly short time in late 1911, perhaps reflecting a limited availability of the machines themselves.
An advertisement in 1916 selling a second-hand Waratah refers to it as "3.5 h.p. overhead valve, Bosch magneto".[10] As this is clearly a 4-stroke engine and the later Villiers and V.T.S. machines were 2-strokes, this is most likely another early model, presumably with a Fafnir engine since they used on some engines overhead inlet and side exhaust valves. |
1915 | A model with a Villiers two-stroke engine was offered.[11][12]
It also seems that Waratah motorcycles were offered with V.T.S. engines.[13] V.T.S. were manufactured by The Valveless Two Stroke Engine Company Ltd. of Birmingham, England, and sold exclusively to Sun Cycle & Fittings Co. Ltd. (whose frames were used on Waratah motorcycles). This was a 269cc engine.[4] These machines, presumably with either make of engine, were available either with our without a two-speed gearbox.[13] |
1916 | Models with Villiers[14][15] and V.T.S.[15] two-stroke engines were offered. One model, at least, was supplied with a 2-speed counter-shaft gearbox.[16] |
1917 | Adverts[17] in March describe apparently second-hand (so perhaps 1916 models) 2.5 hp Waratah machines. The former is described as having lamp, horn and tools. Williams Bros. also provide the following testimonial from their Tamworth Agent: "Mr. Pritchard, of Tamworth, who bought Waratah Motor Cycle off me some time ago (the same machine that I averaged 38 miles an hour on in the big road race) says he has ridden his Waratah over 30,000 miles, and has never had a new ring or part flitted, except two new chains and tyres. He still has the original belt, and the machine is still in first-class running order."[17] |
1919 | Adverts refer to a new,[18] and what is presumably a second-hand two-speed,[19] 1919 Waratah. |
1921 | Reports[20] on a race meeting mention a 2.75 hp Waratah machine. Whilst it may not be from 1921, it is presumably not much older if it is in competition. |
1922 | Reports[21][22] on race meetings mention 2.25 hp Waratah machines less than 600 cc and 2.75 hp Waratah machines with less than 350 cc. Whilst they may not be from 1922, they are presumably not much older if they are in competition. |
1924 | A 1.5 h.p., two-speed Waratah was offered.[23] There are reports[24] that mention 1.5 hp Waratah machines, which are probably the same model.
Auction sales[25] also mention 2.5 hp Waratah machines, although they may also be of earlier manufacture. An advert in the Townsville Daily Bulletin describes a Waratah machine with a Villiers Two-Stroke engine and two speed gearbox that gives 110 mpg and that "easily climbs Stanton Hill on top gear".[26] The advert shows a picture of a machine with enclosed primary chain and a belt drive to the rear wheel, an angular fuel tank slung under the top frame tube, no obvious electrics and no suspension other than seat springs. |
1925 | Reports[27] on a race meeting mention a 1.5 hp Waratah machine. Whilst it may not be from 1925, it is presumably not much older if it is in competition and that it is the current stock model is implied by subsequent advertising.[28] The existence of this 1.5 hp Waratah model is confirmed by other advertisements.[29][30][31] This model had a Villiers engine and was apparently capable of 30 mph. and 140 mpg. (However, one advertisement seems to indicate it was 1.25 hp[32] and another refers to 40 mph.[28]) |
1926 | At least two models were offered:
|
1927 | A Waratah model equipped with three speed gear box, electric light and horn was offered.[38] A 1.5 hp Waratah was offered as a "low priced machine which is proving very popular amongst motor cycling enthusiasts requiring a machine of exceptionally low upkeep."[39]
A 1927 advert refers to a, presumably second-hand and thus probably pre-1927, 2.75 h.p. Waratah.[40] |
1928 | Two models were offered:[41]
A classified advert from 1930 refers to a 2.75 h.p. Waratah.[43] |
1929 | At least two models were offered as described in several (apparently promotional) press articles[44][45][46][47][48] typically detailing improvements over the previous year's models:
Other (also apparently promotional) press coverage[53] provided more detail, but without being explicit about which model, perhaps it applies to both: "The 1929 model Waratah is a machine which is obviously suited to the utility rider, as it possesses not only the characteristic qualities of two-stroke construction, but is exceptionally well equipped in all ways. The front fork spring action, for example, is particularly long and flexible; the saddle tank design gives a low and safe riding position, which is further improved by the soft top saddle. General completeness, such as a cushion drive shock absorber, as well as automatic lubrication, twist grip control, balloon tyres, front and rear thumb adjusting brakes, &c., all indicate that the manufacturers realise that the utility rider wants something more than economy and light weight. The performance of the engine, too, is much better than would be expected with a machine of this class, as it is capable of high maximum speed, although these qualities of speed do not in any way affect the smooth running and slow top-gear performance of the machine." As in some previous years there is reference to a 350[54] which might be one of the above, but is probably a separate model. There is also mention, in a classified advert,[55] of a 1929–30 2.75 hp machine with electrics. |
1930 | A 1.5 hp machine with a claimed 120 mpg was offered.[56] This model with electrics and a suggested 140 mpg is also mentioned.[55]
A 2.5 hp 2-port machine with electrics was offered.[55] |
1931 | A classified advert[57] refers to a 1.75 hp Waratah. |
1932 | A machine fitted with a 147 cc Villiers two stroke engine was available.[58] The following description is from (apparently promotional) press coverage describing improvements over the previous year's model. "These machines are totally redesigned, having visible top rail, tapering away under the saddle, and giving exceptionally low riding position, and gaining very high ground clearance." The front forks had enclosed webbing, apparently to strengthen them. It was fitted with electric light, battery and dimmer. Petrol consumption was approximately 150 mpg.
Reports[59] mention a 2.5 hp Waratah in the 350 cc limit class. Whilst it may not be from 1932, it is presumably not much older if it is in competition. (A classified advert[60] refers to a 1.75 hp Waratah. Whilst it does not state the year and can hardly be considered a reliable source, it is mentioned here for completeness.) |
1933 | Apparently three models were offered in this year:[61]
One of these models (presumably the 2.5 hp machine) was described as a 250 cc machine.[63] |
1935 | Two models were offered. The following descriptions are from (apparently promotional) press coverage[64] which asserts, clearly erroneously, that until this time only the smaller "utility" model had been available.
Presumably the Model "150" was the 148 cc two-stroke Waratah that was offered.[65] |
1936 | A 148 cc two-stroke Waratah was offered.[65] This is probably the 1.5 hp machine.[66]
A 2.5 hp two stroke machine[67] capable of 90 mpg. was offered.[68] "Electrics" were either standard, or an option.[69] |
1937 | Two lightweight Villiers engined models (150 and 250) were offered in Brisbane and described as "undoubtedly one of the most economical motor cycles in the world".[70] In Sydney, at least, a third model, a 1.25 hp machine was offered,[71] described as "unit construction".[69]
A 125 c.c. machine was apparently available. Presumably this is one of these machines, most likely the 1.25 hp.[73] Reference to a 1.5 hp Waratah makes this seem quite likely.[74] There is a (not exactly authoritative) reference to a 2 h.p. two-stroke Waratah.[67] |
1938 | Models offered included:
A 150 cc machine was available (presumably the 1.5 hp machine). It had a foot change.[75][76] A 250 cc machine was available (presumably the 2.5 hp machine) and a foot change was either standard or an option.[66] A 2.25 hp machine is referred to in a classified advert, but this seems unlikely to be reliable.[66] |
1939 | Two models, both lightweight, with Villiers engines, intended for utility work and described as "Undoubtedly one of the most economical motor cycles in the world":[77]
One of these models (presumably the 150) was also described as a 1.5 hp two-stroke Waratah.[78] Another (presumably the 250) was described as a 2.5 hp Waratah.[54][75] There are also references[79] to a 1.25 hp machine capable of 150 mpg.[67] |
1940 | Apparently at least three models were offered:
One of these, presumably the 2.5 hp, was known as the 250.[80] |
1941 | At least two models were offered: |
1942 | A 1.25 hp machine was offered.[52][73] |
1943 | A 1.25 hp two-stroke machine was offered.[7] |
1944 | A 2.5 hp two-stroke machine was offered.[82] |
1948 | A 125 cc machine was offered.[83]
A 1.5 hp machine was offered.[84] |
1949 | A 2 hp machine was offered.[82] |
~1949 | Two main models were offered,[85] the "125" and the "197":
They were both offered in "R" and "D" versions:
There was also a Model "125" Two Speed, which was an ultra light utility machine, with an Excelsior Goblin MK. II engine. |
1950 | At least two models were offered: |
1951 | At least four models were offered, all had Villiers two-stroke engines, "teledraulic" forks and spring frame:[87]
Presumably the "D" and "R" designations were the same as in the ~1949 brochure.[85] One of the 125 cc machines was also offered.[82] One of the 197 cc variants was also offered as 200 cc.[87] |
1952 | Waratah motorcycles still offered for sale[88] |
Year | Event |
---|---|
5 November 1921 | L.Walsh entered a 2.75 Waratah in the Five Laps (Five miles five furlongs) Handicap organised by the Motor Cycle Club of New South Wales at Victoria Park in connection with the South Sydney Hospital Carnival.[20] |
28 January 1922 | C.Pearce riding a Waratah (either 2.25 or 2.5 h.p.) came second in the 3-mile Motor Cycle Speed Race—Second Heat at the Highland Society of New South Wales sports event.[89] |
11 February 1922 | S. William on a 2.25 hp Waratah finished the 212 mile, St. George Motor-Cycle Club's second annual 12 hours' reliability trial[21] |
25 November 1922 | Both F. Williams and L. Walsh were scheduled to compete 2.75 hp Waratahs in a Three Miles Handicap at the YMCA sports in Sydney. At the same event S. Williams was scheduled to compete on the same model in the Zig-zag Race.[22] (The names Williams are surely not coincidental.) |
1 January 1925 | G. Davidson on a 1.5 hp Waratah was one (~23rd) of 25 riders (of 42 who started) to finish the 1004 mile, fourth annual six days' reliability trial of the Motor Cycle Club of New South Wales.[90] He lost 130 points. The last to reach Sydney was S. M'Conkey, on one of the smallest machines which had ever competed in a longer event than a one-day trial in Australia. This was also a 1.5 hp Waratah. He reached Sydney at about 7 p.m. on the last day of the contest. M'Conkey put up such a fine performance in the face of adverse circumstances, that although he lost more points (308) than any other competitor, he was awarded a special consolation prize.[24] |
6 July 1925 | S. W. Moran took first place in a race which was held under the auspices of the Goulburn Motor Cycle Club on the Breadalbane-Collector circuit[91] |
15 August 1925 | W.J.Schwabe won the Three Mile Novice Solo Handicap at an average speed of 40 mph on a 1.5 hp Waratah at the Brisbane Motor Cycle Club's championship carnival in Deagon.[28][92] |
31 October 1925 | A.L.Vowles on a 1.5 hp Waratah came second in the solo class of the Brisbane Motor Cycle Club's Eight Hours' Motor Cycle Trial.[27] |
26 January 1926 | An attempt at a Lightweight Motorcycle Record was to have been made by a Mr. Jack Schwabe on a 1.5 hp Waratah.[93] |
3 May 1926 | E.Turner, riding a Waratah, came third in the second heat of the Clifton Motor Cycle Club's Three Miles Open Novice Solo Handicap for all powers.[94] |
16 October 1926 | Jack Schwabe raced a Waratah machine in the Third Heat of the One Mile Handicap at the Exhibition Speedway in Brisbane.[95] |
7 August 1926 | Two Waratahs were entered in the Night Speedway at the Agricultural Ground. R. Sulway came third in the first heat of the Open Handicap on a 148 c.c Waratah. A 148 c.c Waratah, probably ridden by Davidson, probably came third in the fourth heat.[96] |
31 December 1926 | G.Davidson came in fourth, losing four points, of the trade riders in the Under 650 c.c class of the sixth annual six-days' trials of the Motor Cycle Club of New South Wales. "The smallest of all was a Waratah ridden by G Davidson in the trade class, which is rated as only 1.5 hp (147 cc). Davidson expressed himself quite satisfied with his little machine's performance, although there is no doubt that he had a strenuous time on some parts of the course in keeping to schedule time. The officials who followed the contest in Mr S Stuart's Rolls Royce car expressed their admiration for Davidson's courage and determination, as he negotiated some very mountainous country under adverse conditions."[36] The course was about 950 miles and of 36 entries, 19 were in the under 650 cc class.[97] |
14 May 1927 | E.Trichon entered an unspecified Waratah machine in Sydney Bicycle and Motor Club's half-day reliability trial: a distance of about 60 miles over the Parramatta, Galston, Hornsby course with speeds ranging from 20 to 22 miles an hour according to engine capacity.[98] |
26 December 1927 | H.Davidson was entered on a Waratah in the 1000 mile, seventh annual six-day trials of the Motor Cycle Club of New South Wales.[99] G. Davidson (presumably the same person, just a reporting error) competed on a 147 cc Waratah, and was described as a trade rider rather than a private owner.[100] |
26 December 1928 | S.Piper was one of 23 riders to start the eighth annual six days' trial of the Motor Cycle Club of New South Wales. He was on the smallest machine, a 147 cc (l.5 hp) Waratah.[42] |
November 1932 | E.Warrick campaigned a 2.5 hp Waratah in the Auburn District Motor Cycle Club's events. He came 3rd in the Flying .25 Mile Championship 350 cc s.v. Class race with a time of 16.4s. He came first in the Miniature Tourist Trophy All Powers Handicap of 25 Laps. With a 50s handicap his time was 21m 26s.[59] |
6 October 1934 | E.Hopper competed on a 2.25 hp Waratah at the Kedron Motor Cycle Club's flying furlong competition at Myrtletown, getting the slowest times for Best Run (10.11 secs.) and Adj. Time, and the largest H'cap.[101] (This best time corresponds to a speed of 44.5 mph.) |
20 March 1936 | In flying quarter-mile speed tests held by the Queanbeyan Motor Cycle Club, A.Dunbar attained times of 19.4 and 17.2 seconds on an unspecified model of Waratah motorcycle[102] (the faster of these being about 52 mph.) |
5 December 1954 | D.Evans came first in the 250 cc. Lightweight Scratch, and second in the 250 cc. Lightweight Handicap at Narrabundah circuit.[103] |
Place | Company | Dates |
---|---|---|
Brisbane, QLD | Clyno Cycle and Motor Agency | 1915,[11][12] 1916[14] |
Morgan and Wacker | 1925,[29][104] 1926,[33] 1927,[105] 1928,[41][44] 1929[45][46][47] (Relinquished end 1929[106]) | |
Harris Motor Cycle Agency | 1928[107] | |
Frank Pearce | 1929[108] | |
The British Motor Cycle Company | 1929,[109] 1932,[58] 1933,[61] 1934,[110] 1935,[111] 1937,[70] 1938,[112] 1939[113] | |
Canberra, ACT | P. W. (Bill) Parsons | 1937[114] |
Canberra Motor Sales | 1951[115] | |
Canberra Motors | 1952[88] | |
Longreach, QLD | Central Retreading Works | 1938[116] |
Rockhampton, QLD | Lawrence Motor Co. | 1925,[117] 1926[118] |
Sydney, NSW | Canada Cycle and Motor Agency Ltd. | 1911[1] |
Empson and Co. | 1918,[119] 1919[120] | |
Williams Bros., Ltd. | 1915,[121] 1916,[121] 1917,[122] 1918,[119] 1919,[18] 1920,[123] 1921,[6] 1922,[124] 1923,[125] 1924,[126] 1925,[127] 1926,[35] 1929[128] | |
P. & R. Williams Pty. Ltd. | 1932,[129] 1941,[71] 1946,[74] 1947,[75] 1949,[66] 1950,[86] 1951[87] (Offering spares: 1932,[129][130] 1936,[55] 1940[69]) | |
Woodward's Motor Cycles | 1949,[66] 1951[87] | |
Arthur Trudgitt | 1950,[86] 1951[82] | |
Davies Bros. | 1950[86] | |
Ryde Motor Cycles | 1951[82] | |
Townsville, QLD | Rees & Tice Ltd. | 1924[26] |
Australian Automotive Agencies Ltd. | 1926,[131] 1927[39] |