More
on the Douglas DV 60
A
few weeks ago I was contacted by Chris Bunce of British Classic
Superbikes based in Fleet and we arranged to meet up for me to have a
good look over the remaining DV 60 that he has in his workshop. A
chance to see a piece of history and take some pictures of a rare
beast believed to be the only original one in existence. The
motorcycle is owned by the Brown family and Graeme Brown worked at
the Douglas Factory and was also a member of the Douglas Owners Club had a wealth of information about this machine.
The
DV 60 was a project cancelled in World War 2 but reinstated after the
war when the military were looking to replace their existing models
with something purpose built. During the war this particular
motorcycle was damaged by fire from an incendiary and was rebuilt.
The tank is different from what was originally fitted. Now painted
black some of the original military green is visible around the
headlamp.
There
was extensive use of alloys on the machine and it weighed in at 315
lbs. Girder forks were replaced by the newer radiadraulic units.
Other features included a sprung pillar seat and oil bath chain case.
The machine could do 70mph and return 90m to 100mpg. It had a very
low first gear and low compression ratio so it could run at tickover
in first gear clutch fully home. It was over square with 74 mm bore
and 70 stroke and with crankcase, barrels and heads made from alloy
it was a very light engine. Crankshaft was one piece, balanced with
white metal lined big ends unusual for Douglas at that time. More
details can be read in “The Best Twin” by JR Clew.
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