Today in motorcycle history, March 21, 1909-Part II

   Premier Motorcycles introduces it's first V-twin motorcycle. 

 

   Originally founded as a bicycle manufacturer in Coventry, UK, by W. H. Herbert and William Hillman in 1876, the "Hillman and Herbert Cycle Company" was renamed the "Premier Cycle Co." in 1891 and their first motorcycle was produced in 1908, with a White & Poppe side-valve engine and Chater-Lea front forks.

 

  The company made their first V-twin, a 500cc, in 1909, then in what seemed like a strange step backward, they follow their V-twin with a 499 cc single-cylinder machine in 1910.  The smaller bike proves to be successful and it brings good times to Premier Cycle.  In 1913 they introduce another V-twin, a larger more powerful 998cc.  The good times continue at the Coventry plant and also at the local pub as the pints flow. 

 

  The company changed their name to "The Premier Cycle Company, Coventry Premier Ltd." in 1914. 

 

  The good times come to an abrupt end as WWI brought very hard financial times to Premier and they found themselves unable to resume production.  Sadly, the company is sold to Singer & Co. in 1921.

 

   Premier motorcycles were produced under licence in Czechoslovakia throughout the 1930s.