Australian & NZ Motorcycles

Australian Motorcycles (L)

Lathey

Robert Lathey of East Devonport, Tasmania (1913-16)

Built motorcycles using Precision and Villiers engines.

ACCIDENT TO A CYCLIST.

DEVONPORT, July 11.

Robert Lathey, a cycle machinist, was coming down Moriarty Hill, when his motor-cycle skidded, throwing him violently and breaking his leg. He lay there for some time before another cycle agent came along. He was then placed in a baker's cart, and brought to his home at East Devonport, where Dr. Addison set the limb.

The Mercury (Hobart, Tas.) Wed 12 Jul 1911

Sources: Trove NLA, Simon Fleming.

Laver

The Laver motorcycle was built in Port Pirie, South Australia around 1906 using a Minerva engine and BSA chassis components.

Source: Simon Fleming

Leitch c.1911-13 (Vic.)

Lennox

Leslie

The Leslie Cycle and Motor Works (J. J. Moloney and Son), Thomson-street, Hamilton.

    NO Matter what make of Motor Cycle you may consider your ideal, it will be to your advantage to investigate the 1912 "Leslie" before finally deciding to purchase. The "Leslie" is designed and built by practical Motor Cyclists. Simple and easily operated, no previous experience is necessary. It quickly develops the Novice into a Skilled Motorist, whilst to experienced riders its general handiness, greater comfort, wonderful reliability, reserve of power, and perfect speed control is a revelation.
    For particulars, call at, write to, or ring up The Leslie Cycle and Motor Works (J. J. Moloney and Son), Thomson-street, Hamilton.
Source: Hamilton Spectator Tue 11 Jun 1912 (Trove NLA)
A 1914 article speaks of the "famous James motorcycle" on view at the Works.

Lewis (Adelaide)

Lewis (VIC)

Based in Williamstown, and later in Melbourne, they are listed as a manufacturer from 1909 until about 1919. The are unrelated to Lewis of Adelaide.

Liberty by Acme of Melbourne, 1904~1916

Limb: see Pirie 1903-1914 (S.A.)

LOB

Manufactured by J. L. Lob & Son, 129 Rundle Street, Adelaide using Minerva engines and BSA rolling chassis, 1904 to c.1907.

A BARGAIN for advertisement.—For Sale, one of our own made and well-tested and proved new B.S.A. MOTOR BICYCLES, with 2¾ h.p. MINERVA Engine, with all latest improvements. MOTORS AND MOTOR CARS repaired promptly by well experienced men. J. L. Lob

The Express and Telegraph (Adelaide, SA) Sat 2 Jun 1906

Source: Trove NLA

Local

Racing motorcycles built in Queenlsand 1906-1908, possibly other years, using 2 ¾ h.p. and 3½ h.p. engines, quite possibly Minerva.

The following records exist:

1906 - H. Henderson, Local, 3½ h.p. - J Campbell, Local, 2 ¾ h.p.
1908 - J. Campbell, 2¾ horsepower, Local - J. Bauman, 2¾ h.p., Local See also this page: Queensland Motorcycle Racing

Lyall

The Lyall motorcycle is thought to have been built in Tasmania around 1925 using the Coventry-Victor engine.

Sources: Simon Fleming

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