Douglas had only been in production of motorcycles for 6 years and to promote their latest machines produced a comprehensive manual complete with current models, spare parts list, special design features, maintenance requirements, success records in competition, and recommendations and praises from owners.
As the cover may suggest one could think that this manual was produced by J A Philip Motor Co of Gloucester Street, Christchurch for the local motorcycle trade but opening the cover reveals that it was actually produced by the Douglas Works in Bristol but with a bit of a New Zealand touch. It covers the 5 models for 1913 – Model N (single speed), Model O (Two speed and Footboards), Model P (Two Speed and Footrests), Model R (Two Speed, Free Engine and Footboards) and the Model S – the Open Frame or Ladies Model.
The second half of the manual has interesting information on early involvement with Douglas motorcycles also includes feedback from New Zealand riders. For a handbook that is 112 years old it is in exceptionally good condition.
Because the original manual was quite large at 129 pages, the file size would have been too big as one listing so it has been split it into 2 sections. The first, this one, is 72 pages and covers the different models including the open frame or Ladies Model, comprehensive maintenance, the difference in starting, and illustrated drawings for the motor, gearbox, single speed countershaft and carburettor.
The second part is covering more of the historical successes and riders and will follow shortly.
Click on the front cover below to see the first part manual.
At 77 pages it is quite a large PDF at 14M.
