Phelon & Moore
Encyclopedia
Phelon & Moore manufactured motorcycle
s in Cleckheaton
, Yorkshire
, England from 1904 to 1967 particularly those under the Panther marque. They became identified with one particular design of motorcycle which had a large sloping 40-degree single-cylinder engine as a stressed front frame member. This design spanned the entire history of the company, starting with a 500 cc model and ending with a 645 cc model.
The sloping stressed member concept was patented in 1900 by Joah ("John") Carver Phelon and his nephew Harry Rayner. Phelon & Rayner made the first chain-driven motorcycle in 1900. They could not afford to put their first bike into production, so sold the design to Humber
for royalties, and that design was produced by Humber till 1907. After Harry Rayner died in a car accident, Joah Phelon went into partnership with Richard Moore.
Phelon & Moore was established in 1904. A clutch and two speed gear with chain drive was standard on a P&M in 1906. P&M motorcycles competed in the first International Six Days Trial
(ISDT) in 1913. ( Now called the International Six Days Enduro
). The Royal Flying Corps
used P&M motorcycles during the First World War, keeping P&M busy throughout the conflict. The P&M Panther was introduced in 1924. P&M’s big four-stroke sidecar bikes were called the Heavyweights, and smaller solo machines were called Lightweights. There were two and four-stroke Lightweights.
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In 1932 the Panther Model 100
, an OHV 600 cc single, was launched and this was produced through to the sixties, ending its run as the 645 cc Panther Model 120
of 1967. This line of Panthers was the most famous of all Phelon & Moore models.
These heavyweight big single-cylinder "slopers" were often described as "firing once every lamp-post" due to their slow rpm. Promoted as "The Perfected Motorcycle" they were noted for innovation for most of their history. Panthers were often used for hauling sidecar
s, a role in which the high torque output of a high capacity single-cylinder engine with its large flywheels was well suited, but the popularity of sidecar outfits eventually waned.
The combination of the advent of cheap cars and the collapse of the British motorcycle industry brought production to an end. They are simple and fairly robust machines which inspire enormous enthusiasm in their owners. These factors, combined with relatively low cost, have resulted in a fair number of Panthers being still in use.
Phelon & Moore also produced a range of lightweight machines, also generally carrying the name Panther or Red Panther, using their own four-stroke single engines and Villiers two-stroke engines. The Red Panther was famous for being the cheapest complete bike available in the thirties, priced at a fraction under £30
. In 1934 a 250 cc Red Panther won the Maudes Trophy
.
The early postwar models (both Lightweight and Heavyweight) were fitted with air/oil damped Dowty
"Oleomatic" telescopic forks
During the scooter boom of the late 1950s, P & M imported a scooter
(Scooterrot) and moped
from French manufacturer Terrot
, which were plagued with troubles. This gave P & M the chance to develop their own scooter, the Panther Princess, but this was not a success and helped bring about the demise of P & M as motorcycle manufacturers; the receiver was called in in 1962 and production staggered on until 1966.
Humber
Phelon & Moore
Phelon & Moore Race Bikes
Panther
Motorcycle
A motorcycle is a single-track, two-wheeled motor vehicle. Motorcycles vary considerably depending on the task for which they are designed, such as long distance travel, navigating congested urban traffic, cruising, sport and racing, or off-road conditions.Motorcycles are one of the most...
s in Cleckheaton
Cleckheaton
Cleckheaton is a town within the Metropolitan Borough of Kirklees, in West Yorkshire, England, situated south of Bradford, east of Brighouse, west of Batley and south-west of Leeds...
, Yorkshire
Yorkshire
Yorkshire is a historic county of northern England and the largest in the United Kingdom. Because of its great size in comparison to other English counties, functions have been increasingly undertaken over time by its subdivisions, which have also been subject to periodic reform...
, England from 1904 to 1967 particularly those under the Panther marque. They became identified with one particular design of motorcycle which had a large sloping 40-degree single-cylinder engine as a stressed front frame member. This design spanned the entire history of the company, starting with a 500 cc model and ending with a 645 cc model.
The sloping stressed member concept was patented in 1900 by Joah ("John") Carver Phelon and his nephew Harry Rayner. Phelon & Rayner made the first chain-driven motorcycle in 1900. They could not afford to put their first bike into production, so sold the design to Humber
Humber (car)
Humber is a dormant British automobile marque which could date its beginnings to Thomas Humber's bicycle company founded in 1868. Following their involvement in Humber through Hillman in 1928 the Rootes brothers acquired a controlling interest and joined the Humber board in 1932 making Humber part...
for royalties, and that design was produced by Humber till 1907. After Harry Rayner died in a car accident, Joah Phelon went into partnership with Richard Moore.
Phelon & Moore was established in 1904. A clutch and two speed gear with chain drive was standard on a P&M in 1906. P&M motorcycles competed in the first International Six Days Trial
International Six Days Enduro
The International Six Days Enduro is the oldest 'off road' motorcycle event on the FIM Calendar.The ISDE was first held in 1913 at Carlisle, England. It has occurred annually, apart from interruptions due to World War I and World War II, at various locations throughout the world. The early...
(ISDT) in 1913. ( Now called the International Six Days Enduro
International Six Days Enduro
The International Six Days Enduro is the oldest 'off road' motorcycle event on the FIM Calendar.The ISDE was first held in 1913 at Carlisle, England. It has occurred annually, apart from interruptions due to World War I and World War II, at various locations throughout the world. The early...
). The Royal Flying Corps
Royal Flying Corps
The Royal Flying Corps was the over-land air arm of the British military during most of the First World War. During the early part of the war, the RFC's responsibilities were centred on support of the British Army, via artillery co-operation and photographic reconnaissance...
used P&M motorcycles during the First World War, keeping P&M busy throughout the conflict. The P&M Panther was introduced in 1924. P&M’s big four-stroke sidecar bikes were called the Heavyweights, and smaller solo machines were called Lightweights. There were two and four-stroke Lightweights.
Panther motorcycles
The first Panther was launched in 1924, but the Phelon & Moore name was not dropped until somewhere around 1929.In 1932 the Panther Model 100
Panther Model 100
The Panther Model 100 was a British motorcycle. It had a 598 cc, 6.5:1 compression ratio, , OHV sloper engine in a frame where the engine replaces the front down-tube. Panthers were manufactured in Cleckheaton, Yorkshire from 1900 to 1967. Launched in 1932, the Model 100 continued through to...
, an OHV 600 cc single, was launched and this was produced through to the sixties, ending its run as the 645 cc Panther Model 120
Panther Model 120
The Panther Model 120 was a British motorcycle made between 1959 and 1966 byPhelon & Moore. An enlarged Panther Model 100, the 120 had a reputation for being less reliable with a tendency for rapid clutch wear, problematical roller bearings and heavy oil consumption...
of 1967. This line of Panthers was the most famous of all Phelon & Moore models.
These heavyweight big single-cylinder "slopers" were often described as "firing once every lamp-post" due to their slow rpm. Promoted as "The Perfected Motorcycle" they were noted for innovation for most of their history. Panthers were often used for hauling sidecar
Sidecar
A sidecar is a one-wheeled device attached to the side of a motorcycle, scooter, or bicycle, producing a three-wheeled vehicle.-History:A sidecar appeared in a cartoon by George Moore in the January 7, 1903, issue of the British newspaper Motor Cycling. Three weeks later, a provisional patent was...
s, a role in which the high torque output of a high capacity single-cylinder engine with its large flywheels was well suited, but the popularity of sidecar outfits eventually waned.
The combination of the advent of cheap cars and the collapse of the British motorcycle industry brought production to an end. They are simple and fairly robust machines which inspire enormous enthusiasm in their owners. These factors, combined with relatively low cost, have resulted in a fair number of Panthers being still in use.
Phelon & Moore also produced a range of lightweight machines, also generally carrying the name Panther or Red Panther, using their own four-stroke single engines and Villiers two-stroke engines. The Red Panther was famous for being the cheapest complete bike available in the thirties, priced at a fraction under £30
Pound sterling
The pound sterling , commonly called the pound, is the official currency of the United Kingdom, its Crown Dependencies and the British Overseas Territories of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, British Antarctic Territory and Tristan da Cunha. It is subdivided into 100 pence...
. In 1934 a 250 cc Red Panther won the Maudes Trophy
Maudes Trophy
The Maudes Trophy is a motorcycle endurance award established in 1923 by George Pettyt, owner of the manager of the Exeter branch of Maudes Motor Mart to promote an impartially observed test for motorcycles. Pettyt donated a silver trophy for the Auto-Cycle Union to award annually.-Winners:...
.
The early postwar models (both Lightweight and Heavyweight) were fitted with air/oil damped Dowty
Dowty Group
Dowty Group was a leading British manufacturer of aircraft equipment. It was listed on the London Stock Exchange and was once a constituent of the FTSE 100 Index but was acquired by TI Group in 1992.-History:...
"Oleomatic" telescopic forks
During the scooter boom of the late 1950s, P & M imported a scooter
Scooter (motorcycle)
A scooter is a motorcycle with step-through frame and a platform for the operator's feet. Elements of scooter design have been present in some of the earliest motorcycles, and motorcycles identifiable as scooters have been made from 1914 or earlier...
(Scooterrot) and moped
Moped
Mopeds are a type of low-powered motorcycle designed to provide economical and relatively safe transport with minimal licensing requirements.Mopeds were once all equipped with bicycle-like pedals , but moped has been increasingly applied by governments to vehicles without pedals, based on their...
from French manufacturer Terrot
Terrot
Terrot was a motorcycle manufacturer in Dijon, France.Charles Terrot and Wilhelm Stücklen had founded a machinery factory in Cannstatt, Germany in 1862, and Terrot added a branch factory in Dijon in 1887, and in 1890 the Dijon factory added bicycles to its products.In 1902 the Dijon factory made...
, which were plagued with troubles. This gave P & M the chance to develop their own scooter, the Panther Princess, but this was not a success and helped bring about the demise of P & M as motorcycle manufacturers; the receiver was called in in 1962 and production staggered on until 1966.
"Heavyweight"
Phelon & Rayner- 1.75 hp Phelon & RaynerPhelon & Rayner 1.75 hpThe Phelon & Rayner 1.75 hp was a British motorcycle made by Phelon and Rayner . There was only one P&R model which had a 1.75 h.p., 260 cc. engine with 66 x 76 mm bore and stroke fitted in a standard bicycle type 28" frame...
(1901 - 1903)
Humber
- 1.5/1.7 hp Humber (1901 – 1903)
- 2.75 hp Humber Olympia (1902 – 1905)
- 4.5 hp Humber Olympia (1905)
Phelon & Moore
- 2.75 hp (1904 - 1906)
- 3.5 hp (1904 - 1907)
- First real heavyweight 412cc
- 3.5 hp Forecar (1904)
- 3.5 hp Standard (1908 - 1914)
- 465cc (1908 - 1912)
- 499cc (1913 - 1914 & 1920 1922)
- 3.5 hp Colonial (1911 - 1914)
- Heavier duty version
- 3.5 hp RFCRoyal Flying CorpsThe Royal Flying Corps was the over-land air arm of the British military during most of the First World War. During the early part of the war, the RFC's responsibilities were centred on support of the British Army, via artillery co-operation and photographic reconnaissance...
/RAFRoyal Air ForceThe Royal Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the British Armed Forces. Formed on 1 April 1918, it is the oldest independent air force in the world...
Model (1914 - 1921)
- 3.5 hp RFC
- military version produced during First World War
- 4.5 hp Model A (1922 - 1925)
- 555 cc, two speed gearbox and two speed primary with combination foot and hand gear change giving four gears.
Phelon & Moore Race Bikes
- TT EntrantTT EntrantThe Panther TT Entrant was a British motorcycle made in 1924 by Phelon & Moore and was the first to carry the name "Panther". With a number of wins in other races and trials, it was decided to enter the new machine into the Isle of Man TT...
(1925 - 1926, 1928) - TT Replica (1926 - 1928)
- Cinder Track (1928)
- 185 lb dirt tracker
Panther
- Panther (1924 – 1929)
- Panther Standard (1927)
- Panther Cub (1927)
- Stripped down version of Standard
- Panther Model 1 (1928)
- Introduction of Model numbers
- Panther Model 1a (1928)
- Twin exhaust port model
- Panther Model 2 Standard (1928)
- Panther Model 3 (1928)
- 598 cc
- Panther Model 60 (1929 – 1935)
- A renamed Model 3 and subsequently the origin of the Model 100
- Panther Model 85 (1929 – 1930)
- 598 cc
- Panther Model 50 (1930 - 1935)
- 498 cc
- Panther Model 55 (1931 - 1935)
- 498 cc
- Panther Model 55
- 490 cc
- Panther Model 90 Redwing (1931 - 1938)
- 490 cc
- Panther Model 70 Express (1932)
- Panther Model 100Panther Model 100The Panther Model 100 was a British motorcycle. It had a 598 cc, 6.5:1 compression ratio, , OHV sloper engine in a frame where the engine replaces the front down-tube. Panthers were manufactured in Cleckheaton, Yorkshire from 1900 to 1967. Launched in 1932, the Model 100 continued through to...
(1932 – 1963)
- 598 cc
- Panther Model 95 (1938 – 1939)
- Vertical engine – low production numbers
- 500 cc
- Panther Model 120Panther Model 120The Panther Model 120 was a British motorcycle made between 1959 and 1966 byPhelon & Moore. An enlarged Panther Model 100, the 120 had a reputation for being less reliable with a tendency for rapid clutch wear, problematical roller bearings and heavy oil consumption...
(1959 – 1966)
- Panther Model 120
- 645 cc, effectively an enlarged Model 100)
Four-stroke lightweights
- Panther Panthette (1930) (250 cc unit construction transverse V-twin, unsuccessful, only Panther 4 stroke twin made, rare)
- Pre-war 250s include:
- Model 30 (1932)
- Model 40
- Model 70 Redwing
- Red Panther Standard
- Red Panther Model 20 Deluxe
- Red Panther Model 20
- Post-war 250s include:
- Model 60
- Model 65
- Model 65 Deluxe
- Pre-war 350s include:
- Model 80 Redwing
- Redwing 85
- Red Panther Model 30
- Post-war 350s include:
- Model 70
- Model 75Panther Model 75The Model 75 Panther motorcycle had a 348cc, 6.5:1 compression ratio, 71 x 88 mm, ohv vertical engine in a relatively standard frame. It was developed from the 1948 Model 70. In many respects it was similar to the 248cc Model 65. The Model 75 had Lucas K1F magneto ignition. The gearbox was Burman...
(1949-1962) - Model 75 Deluxe
Two-stroke lightweights
(Villiers motors)- Model 10/3 (1956 - 1960) (197 cc single; 3 gears)
- Model 10/4 (1956 - 1960) (197 cc single; 4 gears)
- Model 45 (1959 - 1964) (324 cc twin )
- Model 35 (1958 to 1966) (249 cc twin)