Australian Motorcycle Brands
Australia may not be the first name that comes to mind when you think of motorcycle manufacturing, but the country’s history is surprisingly rich with innovative and passionate local builders. In the early 20th century, Australian motorcycle brands carved out a unique identity, blending imported parts with local ingenuity. Here’s a look at some of the most iconic Australian motorcycle brands that helped shape the nation’s early motorcycling culture.
1. Edworthy (1896–1906)
The Edworthy motorcycle is one of Australia’s earliest contributions to motorbike history, tracing its roots back to New South Wales in 1906. Built by the Edworthy family, well-known for their bicycle manufacturing and racing prowess, it symbolizes the evolution from pedal-powered transport to motorized two-wheelers.
The reproduction Edworthy track-racing motorcycle, created in 1996 by Kenneth Edworthy, the great-grandson of the original founder, is more than just a tribute—it’s a functioning replica crafted using tools and methods remarkably similar to those of the early 1900s. This reproduction preserves a critical piece of motorcycling heritage, showcasing a time when the boundaries between bicycles and motorcycles were still being defined.
A Crossroads in Two-Wheeled History
Regarding style and technology, the Edworthy motorcycle mirrors the transitional phase between bicycles and motorcycles. This was when the internal combustion engine, which first appeared on a tricycle in 1886, was beginning to find its place in lightweight frames. The term “motorcycle” itself wasn’t coined until 1893, and by 1901, Australia witnessed its first recorded motorcycle race—held at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
Legacy of Innovation
As pioneers of motorcycle construction in NSW, the Edworthy family’s contribution laid the foundation for future Australian motorcycle craftsmanship. The 1996 reproduction is not only a nod to history—it’s a celebration of enduring engineering spirit, showing how innovation and family legacy can endure through generations.
2. Carbine (1902–1922)
The Carbine Motorcycle Company traces its roots back to 1896, when Frank Stuart founded it under the name Carbine Cycle Company. Interestingly, Stuart was not initially a mechanic or engineer but a Melbourne-based entrepreneur and owner of Lincoln Stuart & Co, a men’s clothing store. Yet his ambition reached beyond fashion, and he set his sights on Australia’s growing interest in two-wheeled transport.
From Pedals to Power
Carbine began as a bicycle manufacturer, but by 1901, Frank Stuart had started importing front-drive Werner motor bicycles from England. These imported machines were sold under the branding Carbine-Werner, bridging local reputation with global innovation.
The following year, in 1902, the business moved to 284 Post Office Place, Melbourne, a key moment in its journey. From this new location, the company began offering the Carbine Minerva motorcycles, equipped with engines from the esteemed Belgian company Minerva. These early machines positioned Carbine as a trusted motorcycle dealer and a homegrown brand in a rapidly modernizing city.
A New Era: Turner Brothers & the Second Generation
By 1913, the Carbine Cycle Company was sold to Turner Brothers, who carried on the Carbine legacy. In 1914, they launched the second generation of Carbine motorcycles, a continuation of the brand’s strong foundations, now re-engineered and modernized for Australia’s evolving motorcycling community.
From that point onward, Carbine motorcycles were sold in various guises, adapting to market needs and mechanical advancements, until their final chapter around 1922.
The Legacy Lives On
Though the Carbine name faded from Australia’s roads in the early 20th century, the brand’s spirit remains alive in the hearts of collectors and vintage enthusiasts. In a poetic twist of fate, the line “And now the name Carbine Motorcycles is reborn…” hints at a modern-day revival, keeping the legend of Melbourne’s original motorcycle brand alive for a new generation.
3. Local (1909)
While not as commercially prominent as some southern counterparts, Holly Motorcycles carved out a niche in the early 1900s as Queensland’s homegrown racing motorcycles. Built between 1906 and 1908, and possibly beyond, these motorcycles were known not for mass production but for speed, competition, and performance on the racetrack.
Racing Heritage in the Sunshine State
The Holly motorcycles were fitted with 2¾ horsepower and 3½ horsepower engines, believed to be Minerva engines, popular among early motorbike builders for their reliability and performance. These machines were purpose-built for competition, reflecting Queensland’s early embrace of motorsport.
Historical records from regional races show notable riders associated with Holly-built bikes:
1906:
H. Henderson, riding a Local 3½ h.p. motorcycle
J. Campbell, riding a Local 2¾ h.p. machine
1908:
J. Campbell again featured, this time continuing with a 2¾ h.p. Local,
Alongside J. Bauman, also on a 2¾ h.p. Local.
These entries give us a rare but valuable glimpse into Queensland’s motorcycle scene, where “Local” likely refers to bikes built under the Holly name or by closely associated workshops in the region.
Built for Performance
While technical documentation on Holly motorcycles remains limited, the brand’s legacy lies in its commitment to motorsport at a time when motorcycle racing was still finding its place in Australia. These machines were rugged, tuned for racing, and represented a competitive spirit that helped define the early decades of motorcycling down under.
4. Bell (1911–1912)
Among Australia’s early pioneers of motorcycle manufacturing, Bell Motorcycles holds a unique place in history as one of the few brands to originate from Western Australia. Built in the small mining town of Ravensthorpe, Bell motorcycles were in production from 1905 to 1914, though most sources, including Simon Fleming’s “OTTW” (On Two Wheels), list active sales primarily around 1911 to 1912.
Built Tough, Powered by JAP
Bell motorcycles were fitted with 250cc JAP side-valve (SV) single-cylinder engines, a popular choice among early builders for their reliability and simplicity. These engines were paired with belt-drive transmissions, a common drivetrain system at the time, offering a smooth and efficient ride for city and rural conditions.
Despite their modest engine size, Bell motorcycles were built with rugged Western Australian terrain in mind, making them suitable for the tough roads and long distances of early 20th-century Australia.
Small Town, Big Ambition
What makes Bell truly stand out is its regional origin. Ravensthorpe, a town better known for mining than motors, was an unlikely hub for motorcycle production. Yet, this didn’t stop the Bell team from producing functional and forward-thinking machines that earned respect in the local motorcycling community.
Documented Legacy
The story of Bell Motorcycles may not be widely known today. Still, thanks to dedicated researchers like Simon Fleming and publications like OTTW, their contribution to Australia’s two-wheeled heritage is preserved and appreciated by collectors and historians.
5. Lewis (1911–1913)
A name synonymous with early Australian motorcycling success, Lewis Motorcycles, built by Vivian Lewis Ltd., was one of the country’s longest-running and most celebrated motorcycle manufacturers. Headquartered at 174–180 Gawler Place, Adelaide, Lewis operated between 1901 and 1927, branching out to multiple regional locations, including Balaklava, Broken Hill, Mount Gambier, and more.
From Pedal to Power: The Birth of a Brand
Founded in 1892 as the Lewis Cycle Works, the company initially specialized in bicycle production. By the early 1900s, they experimented with motor vehicles—including both motor tricycles and motor bicycles—responding to the rising popularity of motorized transport across Australia.
One of their earliest documented appearances was at the 1901 Adelaide Spring Show, where they showcased a 1¾ h.p. air-cooled motor bicycle and a De Dion-powered motor tricycle, impressing cycling and motoring enthusiasts alike.
A Range of Engines & In-House Innovation
From 1902 to 1904, Lewis motorcycles were fitted with Minerva engines, followed by a wide variety of powerplants over the years including A.W. Wall, De Dion-Bouton, Stevens, Precision, JAP, and Villiers engines.
However, Lewis didn’t just rely on imports—they also engineered their own water-cooled 335cc side-valve engines, introduced in 1910, demonstrating a commitment to local design and innovation.
One notable creation by Tom O’Grady, the works manager at Lewis, was a custom-built 1902 motorcycle powered by a large Excelsior engine. This machine closely resembled the early motorcycles built by John Osborn, who would later found the Osborn Engineering Company (OEC) in the UK.
Dominating the Track: Racing Success
By 1913, Lewis Motorcycles had become a dominant force in Australian motorsport. Their 3½ h.p water-cooled, three-speed model was a crowd favourite at the Adelaide Spring Show. That same year, J.G. Ramsey etched his name into history by completing a 24-hour endurance ride, establishing a world record on a Lewis motorcycle.
During the 1913–1914 season, Lewis machines claimed 11 first-place victories out of 14 races. In the Adelaide to Melbourne interstate reliability ride, a team of four Lewis riders completed the event without losing a single point—an extraordinary feat.
6. EWB (1912–1915)
The story of EWB Motorcycles, founded by Edward Walker Brown in 1902 at 203 Swanston Street, Melbourne, is one of engineering finesse, motorsport enthusiasm, and enduring innovation. While the firm began as a general engineering and cycle enterprise, it moved into motorcycle production by 1910, quickly becoming a respected name on Victoria’s motorcycling scene.
Precision Engineering & Global Components
EWB motorcycles were not mass-produced but were meticulously assembled, combining imported premium parts with local craftsmanship. The company used:
Chater-Lea and later Sun frames
A diverse range of engines from NSU, FN, Fafnir, Sarolea, and JAP
Forks supplied by Druid, Saxon, and Truffault
One rare 1912 Sarolea engine was even discovered with “EWB” cast into the crankcase, indicating custom or co-branded designs. The attention to mechanical quality and selection of high-performance components helped EWB motorcycles build a strong following among racers and enthusiasts.
A Name on the Track
EWB didn’t just build motorcycles—they raced them. The brand frequently appeared in road races and endurance events, often taking top honors:
August 1910: A. E. Cox, riding a 3½ h.p. EWB, clocked a mile in 61 seconds, nearly hitting 60 mph—a blistering speed.
October 1910: H. A. Tilburn completed a race segment in 1 hour 12 minutes 15 seconds.
October 1911: R. Croa, on a 3½ h.p. EWB, achieved a solid finish in a 50-mile road race.
1913: Local reps displayed single and twin-cylinder EWB motorcycles at regional trade exhibitions.
The EWB Cup – Encouraging Aussie Motorsport
In 1915, the company introduced the EWB Cup, a prestigious racing award with a gold medal for the winner. The event continued into 1916, further strengthening the brand’s identity as a supporter of Australian motorsport. This kind of engagement earned EWB motorcycles a loyal base of competitive riders.
A Merger and a Legacy
In 1918, the EWB brand was acquired by Carbine, which later merged with Turner Brothers of Melbourne. While motorcycle production ceased, EWB’s spirit lived on—not only in vintage motorcycle rallies (where a 1914 EWB bike still wins awards) but also in the industrial world.
The original EWB company still exists today, rebranded as Brownbuilt, known across Australia for manufacturing industrial shelving systems—a nod to its mechanical roots and long-lasting legacy.
7. GCS (1914–1917)
Among Australia’s finest early motorcycle makers, GCS—an acronym for George Cyril Stillwell—holds a special place in Melbourne’s engineering legacy. Founded in late 1912 by George Cyril Stillwell and his father, Walter Stillwell, began producing motorcycles that quickly gained a reputation for quality, performance, and craftsmanship.
Built with Precision & Global Parts
The earliest GCS motorcycles were assembled using high-quality British, Swiss, and American components, reflecting Stillwells’ commitment to premium builds. These bikes were designed for the discerning rider—those who demanded a machine that could perform reliably on both city streets and rugged country roads.
When Walter retired in 1916, George partnered with Leslie Parry to form Stillwell & Parry Ltd, continuing the brand’s tradition of engineering excellence. However, with World War I disrupting supply chains, sourcing British components became increasingly difficult.
The Healing Collaboration & MAG Power
By 1918, the firm began outsourcing much of its production to A.G. Healing, Australia’s largest bicycle and motorcycle manufacturer. Many post-1918 GCS motorcycles were powered by 750cc Swiss-made MAG (Motosacoche Acacias Genève) engines, as they were more readily available than their British counterparts during wartime.
Other GCS models were fitted with JAP and Reading-Standard engines, further diversifying their lineup with proven international performance parts.
Among the Best of the Best
In their prime, GCS motorcycles were widely regarded as some of the best Australian-made machines. Their balance of imported precision and local assembly excellence made them a favorite among early 20th-century riders.
Even though production scaled down after 1923 and sporadic sales of GCS-branded machines continued until 1926, the brand left behind a legacy of durable, high-performance motorcycles.
Today, very few GCS bikes have survived, making them rare and highly prized by collectors of vintage Australian motorcycles.
8. Hercules-Victor (1920s)
Founded by Harry Jackson and based at 163 Queensberry Street, North Melbourne, Hercules Motorcycles were manufactured from 1908 to around 1927. These bikes weren’t about flashy branding or high-speed racing—they were practical, robust machines, designed to meet the varied needs of early 20th-century Australian riders.
Powered by Many – A Modular Motorcycle Brand
One of the standout characteristics of Hercules motorcycles was their wide variety of engines. Harry Jackson didn’t limit himself to a single supplier. Instead, he built motorcycles that incorporated:
Coventry Victor
JAP (including 4 h.p. models)
Precision (4½ h.p. and Precision Junior)
Villiers (3½ h.p.)
LMC (4 h.p.)
Sarolea (6 h.p., 3-speed)
Motosacoche (MAG engines from Switzerland)
This modular approach made Hercules motorcycles customizable and adaptable—ideal for riders who wanted choice and performance tailored to their needs. Jackson even produced motorcycles with his “colonial engine”, showing his commitment to local innovation.
Sidecars & Specials
In 1917, Hercules also offered a sidecar chassis, catering to families and commercial users. By 1919, they launched the ambitious Hercules “Sparke De Luxe 7 x 9 H.P.”, signaling an interest in producing more powerful and refined machines.
Earlier models, like the Hercules King Motorcycle (2½ h.p.), were available complete for £30, or on payment terms for £32. These machines came with Bosch magnetos, Druid forks, AMAC or B&B carburetors, Brooks saddles, and Dunlop tyres—a premium build for a practical price.
9. Invincible-JAP (1922–1923)
At a time when patriotism and local pride blended with the thrill of high-performance machines, the Invincible-JAP motorcycle emerged as one of the most distinctive Australian-made bikes of the 1920s. It was proudly promoted as “An All-British Achievement in Motorcycle Building”, though in truth it was a hybrid of British engineering and Australian manufacturing ingenuity—and that made it even more special.
From Harley-Davidson to Homegrown Power
When the Turner Brothers dealership in Swanston Street, Melbourne, lost its Harley-Davidson agency in 1922, it needed a powerful motorcycle to replace it in its lineup. Their solution came through a local collaboration: Firth Bros. of Richmond would build the motorcycles using a combination of British and Australian parts, and thus, the Invincible-JAP was born.
🔧 A Blend of Power & Local Craft
Three engine configurations, all from J.A.P. (J. A. Prestwich Industries) in Britain, were offered:
990cc 8 h.p. V-twin
770cc 6 h.p. V-twin
A rarer single-cylinder variant
The 770cc V-twin, producing 6 horsepower, became popular for Aussie riders looking for power and reliability. The bikes also featured a range of carefully selected components:
Burman gearbox
Messinger seat
Thompson & Bennett or Bosch magneto
Cox Atmos or Schebler carburetor
Meanwhile, frames, forks (based on Excelsior/Henderson design), racks, mudguards, pedals, and fuel tanks were all made locally in Melbourne, showing how adaptable and capable Australian workshops had become.
Continuous Evolution (1922–1925)
While officially launched in 1922, the first production bikes appeared in 1923. Despite being in production for just a few years—until 1925—it’s estimated that around 350 Invincible-JAP motorcycles were made, with a few still being sold into the early 1930s.
Though the base design remained largely unchanged, some updates were introduced to keep the bike competitive:
1925: Wheels were updated from 28 x 3.00” to 26 x 3.00”
The Enots oil pump was replaced with a Best & Loyd unit
Continued refinements were made to controls, including the hand shifter mechanism
A Rare but Mighty Aussie Icon
With limited production numbers and high-performance specs, the Invincible-JAP has become a coveted collector’s item in vintage motorcycles. It stands today as a machine of mechanical merit and a symbol of a time when Australian motorcycle builders stepped up with global ambition and local skill.
10. Ever Onword (1924)
Unlike the other names on this list, Ever Onward was never a formal motorcycle brand but a singular tribute to a rare and technically fascinating engine—and to the spirit of vintage motorcycling. The name “Ever Onward” is not a trademark or model designation but a statement of perseverance—a machine built to ride, not to rest in a museum.
From Optical Precision to Sleeve-Valve Engineering
The origins of this motorcycle begin not in a bike workshop but in Glasgow-based Barr & Stroud, a company originally known for making precision optical instruments, such as binoculars and rangefinders. After the decline of wartime optical needs in 1918, they pivoted to engine manufacturing under license from Argyll Motors, adopting Peter Burt’s single-sleeve valve engine design.
Barr & Stroud’s goal was to enter the proprietary engine market, competing with big names like JAP, Sturmey-Archer, and Blackburne. But commercial success never followed—their motorcycle engine division remained a niche curiosity, though mechanically advanced.
The Rebirth of the Engine in 1968
A man named Warren found one of these rare Barr & Stroud sleeve-valve engines in unused condition in 1967. Rather than allow this engineering gem to sit idle, Warren built a working motorcycle around it, crafting what would become Ever Onward.
Using a Norton frame, Douglas mudguards, and parts sourced from Coventry Eagle, Enfield, Levis, BSA, and others, Warren created a rolling homage to the early 1920s era. Completed in 1968, the resulting motorcycle was entirely period-correct—if not in brand, then in spirit.
“Ever Onward is not a brand. It is a statement of fact.”
Built to Be Ridden – Not Worshipped
Though some purists may label it a “bitzer”—a motorcycle built from a mixture of parts—Ever Onward is more authentic in purpose than many so-called originals. It was built to ride, not show, and it does precisely that—even navigating suburban traffic, thanks to its unusual-for-the-era decent braking system.
Most importantly, it allows modern audiences to hear and see a vintage sleeve-valve engine in action, something that is even rare at dedicated classic bike events. The engine may never have had its moment in the commercial spotlight, but it now lives on in a machine designed with love, knowledge, and precision.
A Living Museum Piece
Ever Onward reminds us that motorcycle history isn’t just about brands and production numbers. Sometimes, it’s about preserving technical heritage and ensuring forgotten innovations live on, not just as exhibits but as roaring, rolling machines.
11. Spencer (1906)
David Spencer’s Forgotten Marvel – One of Australia’s Rarest Motorcycles
While most motorcycle enthusiasts may never have heard of David Spencer, his legacy is etched into one of the rarest and most remarkable machines ever built on Australian soil. Spencer motorcycles, crafted in the early 1900s in New South Wales, stand as a shining example of early Australian engineering brilliance and self-sufficiency. A One-Man Motorcycle Manufacturer
Unlike many early motorcycle brands that relied heavily on imported components, David Spencer did something extraordinary: he built his motorcycles almost entirely from scratch. From crafting cedar wood patterns to casting and machining his Own crankcases and cylinder heads, Spencer was a visionary who understood the importance of local manufacturing in a geographically isolated nation.
He even designed and made his control levers and carburettors, importing only Bosch magnetos—one of the few parts he sourced from overseas. His attention to detail and dedication to quality allowed his motorcycles to perform reliably, even without spare parts or external support.
Specs & Technical Highlights
The Spencer motorcycle on display at the Motorlife Museum in Kembla Grange, NSW is one of only two surviving examples. Just 10 to 12 Spencer bikes were ever produced. The museum’s restored bike is powered by a 475cc single-cylinder side-valve engine, with mechanically actuated inlet and exhaust valves. Earlier Spencer engines used atmospheric (pressure-driven) inlet valves—a clever and simple technology of the time.
Other technical features include:
Single-gear belt drive
Rigid forks
Long bicycle-style brake lever under the handlebars, pressing a rubber block onto the wheel rim
Rubber belt final drive to a large rear pulley
Despite its simplicity, the bike was a competitive performer, winning gold medals in track races, hill climbs, and road trials between 1907 and 1910 on 2–2.75hp variants.
🏛️ From Family Heirloom to Museum Masterpiece
One of Spencer motorcycles remained in the Spencer family until 1986, when renowned Queensland restorer Paul Reed acquired it. Following a complete restoration, Reed entrusted the bike to a new caretaker who would preserve its significance for future generations. Today, it is proudly exhibited as part of the Paul Butler Collection at the Motorlife Museum—a testament to Australian ingenuity and craftsmanship.
A Name Worth Discovering
David Spencer was known for his humility, and the Spencer name appears only subtly on the motorcycles—cast into crankcases or stamped discreetly on components. Yet his work deserves more recognition. With only a handful ever made and even fewer surviving, the Spencer motorcycle is not just rare—it is sacred to Australia’s motoring history.
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