Minerva introduces it's V-twin to a motorcycle hungry Belgian public.
Originally called "Mercury", a bicycle-only company owned by Sylvain de Jong, after a heated dispute with the other investors Sylvain bought them out, changed the company name to "S. de Jong and Co." and chose the name "Minerva" for his new plant in Antwerp. Then in 1900, he bought an engine from the Swiss based Zurcher & Luthi Company. Zurcher & Luthi did not only build the engines, they also patented their bicycle set-up. The engines were "clamped to the framing" (clip-on). A leather "band" over a grooved rim, bolted to the back wheel, guaranteed motion. The engines had an atmospheric inlet valve and a mechanical exhaust valve. A surface carburetor delivered the mixture from the "spirits reservoir" and a 4 volt accumulator with trembler coil produced the spark.
Sylvain loved the idea, bought the license and started the production of all parts needed to turn a Minerva bicyclette into a Minerva motocyclette. Due to the reliability of the clip-on engine, success came immediately.
In 1905, Minerva would introduce a much larger and faster V-twin model to the public. Also, the clip-on motor was deleted but three motorcycle options were available.
Model M1) - a two speed gear (no clutch) mounted on the crankshaft, for the 2 ¾ hp models only. This resulted in two external pulleys of same diameter but with different rotating speeds. The leather belt could, by means of a lever, slide from one pulley to the other.
Model M2) - Magneto instead of the trembler ignition. The magneto was driven by a rod and mounted to the front of the engine.
Minerva model M3) - Spring front forks.
The catalog for 1905 showed four different motor sizes available: a 2hp 247cc single, 2 ¾ hp 345cc single, 3 ½ hp 433cc single and a 4 ½ hp 577cc V-twin.
Minerva model M3) - Spring front forks.
The catalog for 1905 showed four different motor sizes available: a 2hp 247cc single, 2 ¾ hp 345cc single, 3 ½ hp 433cc single and a 4 ½ hp 577cc V-twin.
Minerva the Roman goddess, daughter of Jupiter, sprang from the head of her father, fully grown and in full armor. She was the patron of warriors, goddess of knowledge and wisdom and goddess of artisans and industry.
