Burg / Favourite
Manufactured 1914-1921
Prior to World War I, W.H. Smith of the Smith Brothers Garage at Petersburg in South Australia sold (and possibly assembled) bicycles and motorcycles using the name The Burg. Following the outbreak of war with Germany in 1914, the town was renamed Peterborough due to anti-German sentiments. In response, Smith re-badged his motorcycles Favourite. (1)
These were built using Precision, Abingdon King Dick, and JAP engines.
It is estimated that fifty Favourite motorcycles were produced, most likely built for the Smith Brothers by James Hill and Sons of Adelaide using Sun frames and Druid forks.
There are three known survivors, one of which is at the Birdwood Mill.
Three photos of the same Favourite Precision-powered motorcycle owned by Lincoln Goode of Willunga. The first shows it with pedals, the second with pedals removed, footboards fitted and in the third it has the name 'KNUT' added to the tank, the meaning of which we can only guess. 'Sun Precision' is cast on the timing case, suggesting the frame comprises Sun proprietary fittings. The motor appears to be a 4hp Precision, built by F E Baker, Birmingham, 1906-1919. The number 5358 was later was transferred to an Indian.
See Registrations SA, below.
The meaning of Knut
SA Registrations
7438, J. W. Hawke, Petersburg, 3½ Burg.
Registered SA Dec 1915
15877, T. Cunningham, Dawson, 3½ Favourite.
Registered SA Jan 1920
8823, L. J. Hegarty, Willunga, 3½ Knut.
References:
(1) Saward, R. (1997) letter to Ken
Sources: artlabaustralia.com.au, Trove NLA, VCCSA.
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