Royal Riley Tricycle 2¼hp (1899-1901)
Photo courtesy of Alan Teeder
The very first motorised Rileys arrived 3 years after the Riley Cycle Co was established. Launched at the same time as the Quadricycle, the Tricycle had the same small single cylinder engine mounted between the wheels on the rear axle to provide motion. The machine retained pedals to provide assistance to the engine on the hills (perhaps the opposite of todays electric bikes!). The machine pictured above is the only known survivor, and the basis of much of the information we have.
ENGINEMinerva / De Dion TypeSingle Cylinder RAC Rating2¼hp Capacity 239.5cc Bore66 Stroke 70 Carburation Direct feed via vapour tube. |
TRANSMISSIONConstant Drive (Single gear)Final Drive Ratio 8:1 |
SUSPENSIONNone. |
BRAKESSpoon brakes at front and Band Brakes at rear. |
PERFORMANCENegligible! |
DIMENSIONSWheelbase 3'7" (aprx. 1070mm)Frame Size 21-23" (aprx. 530-580mm) Track 2'11" (aprx. 900mm) Wheels Dunlop tangentially spoked Tyres 26x2½ Fuel Tank 1.5 galls |
PRICE |