1926 ABC Motorcycle
Country: Great Britain
Engine: Air-cooled, horizontally opposed twin four stroke
Ignition: Magneto
Displacement: 398cc
Valves: Overhead, pushrod activated
Fuel System: Single carburetor
Transmission: 4-speed, hand shift
Suspension: Front and rea leaf springs (1/4 elliptic)
Brakes: Front and rear drum
Weight: 275lb.
Top Speed: 50mph
When the prototypes of the ABC motorcycles appeared in 1919 they featured some of the most advanced specifications of any classic motorcycle up to that date. Front and rear suspension, drum brakes, a 4-speed transmission, multiplate clutch and tubular cradle frame to name a few. In many ways the ABC was a forerunner of the BMW flat twin that appeared in 1923. Originally made in England by the Sopwith Aircraft Company, these machines were also made under license in France by aircraft engine makers Gnome et Rhône between 1920 and 1924.