Description

Sharratt V-Twin & Sidecar

John Sharratt was a cycle manufacturer, based at Carters Green, West Bromwich. In 1911 he built a one-off motorcycle, with a 4½hp. engine, and a 3-speed hub gear. In 1920 his company, J. Sharratt & Sons began to produce motorcycles made from readily available parts. They were built by his sons Gilbert and Gordon, after Gilbert returned from the armed forces in 1919.

By 1923 a comprehensive range of machines was available, mainly powered by J.A.P. engines, including the new J.A.P. 147c.c. AZA two-stroke. The machines included lightweights, combinations, and sporting models, with engines ranging from a 293c.c. single to a 996c.c. V-twin.

The lightweight machine had an Albion gearbox, Brampton forks, and a belt drive. It sold for £31.10s.0d.

By 1924 the range became more limited, concentrating on high quality, four-stroke machines, some powered by Villiers or MAG engines.

In 1926 they produced an 8hp. V-twin machine, a 350c.c. side-valve machine, and a 350c.c. o.h.v. machine.

In 1930 the range was reduced to just three models, all powered by 346c.c. J.A.P. engines. One was a side-valve machine, the other two were overhead valve machines. The side-valve machine was discontinued in 1931.

Production ended in 1931, by which time over 100 machines had been built. When motorcycle production ended, Sharratts became a well-known car dealer.