Riley Forecar 4 1/2hp (1904)

DU458 exhibited at Coventry Motor Museum
The 4½hp forecar was essentially the same as the 3hp model, but with the largest of the new engines built by Percy Riley's Riley Engine Co. This was also the first water-cooled Riley engine, all previous units being Air-Cooled. The biggest difference was that in order to accommodate the larger engine, its mounting position had to be moved from the front of the frame to a more central position under the cross member, where it was set vertically. The size of the single cylinder would equate to a 2 Litre capacity in a modern 4 cylinder engine.

ENGINE

Single Cylinder
RAC Rating 4½hp
Capacity 517cc
Bore86 Stroke 89
Carburation Longuemare Updraught

TRANSMISSION

Freewheel in rear hub for pedal drive
Final Drive Ratio 8:1
Optional 2-spd:
1st g/r 5.4:1 2nd g/r 3.57:1

SUSPENSION

Springs at front, Sprung saddle

BRAKES

Front Band Brakes, Rear Block Brake.

PERFORMANCE

Negligible!

DIMENSIONS

Frame Size 23" (aprx. 580mm)
Wheelbase 4'5" (aprx. 1350mm)
Front Track 3'3" (aprx.980mm)
Wheels Dunlop tangentially spoked
Tyres 26x2 front / 28x2 rear.
Fuel Tank 2 galls

PRICE

80 guineas
2-spd +5 guineas