The ladies' model, which has a cut-away frame and belt drive. (R) Left-hand side of the diamond-frame Little Giant, showing single chain transmission
Built by the Little Giant Motocyclette Co., 101, High Street, Uxbridge in Middlesex in 1914.
The machine was a single model powered by a 225cc 2hp Precision engine that drove a two-speed gearbox incorporated in the crankcase. Either belt or chain final-drive was available. There was also a ladies' version fitted with Druid forks.
The make was short lived due to the onset of war.
A 2 h.p. Four-stroke.
SOME NOVEL LUGGAGE-CARRYING DEVICES.
THE pleasure of ultra-lightweight riding was once more brought home to us very forcibly whilst testing the products of the Little Giant Motorcyclette Co., 101, High Street, Uxbridge, Middlesex.
All three models were taken out on the road, and Miss Henry, who gives special demonstrations on the ladies' machine, showed how delightfully simple it was for members of the fair sex to handle such a motor cycle without appearing to be inelegant or masculine. The power developed by the Precision unit is extraordinary, and a speed of thirty-five miles per hour could be obtained quite easily on the chain- driven model, which was geared somewhat higher than the other two. With the special hammock footboards the riding position is greatly enhanced and very little engine vibration is to be felt.
The gear change is simplicity itself, for the leverage on the large transverse pedal renders it possible to engage the gears with the lightest touch. On the ordinary machine single Druid spring forks are utilised, but a girder fork will be embodied on the special Colonial model which is now being constructed.
Special attention should be given to the ladies machine, on which the dropping of the frame and protection from the engine has been carried out very neatly. Our experience of their behaviour on the road, both in the matter of easy starting and speed (fast and slow), was particularly gratifying.
The Motor Cycle, July 30th, 1914. p152.
Little Giant Motocyclette Co., 101, High Street,. Uxbridge
A WELL-KNOWN RIDER KILLED.
We regret to learn that Pte. L. W. Spencer, Motor Cycle Orderly, G. Co., 13th Kensington Battalion, County of London Regiment, has died in hospital in France after being shot in the head whilst on duty.
L. W. Spencer was at one time running the Little Giant motor bicycle at Uxbridge. He was, to the best of our knowledge, the only British motor cyclist to make a motor cycle tour in Iceland. He also contributed to this journal an account of a tour in Devonshire, and was the first motor cyclist to climb Dunkery Beacon and Snowdon on a 3½ h. p. Rover.
When our men were suffering so much in the flooded trenches, he wrote to this journal marvelling why Hutchinson boots were not adopted by the Army. Waders were given to the men about the time his letter appeared.
The Motor Cycle, October 14th 1915, p364
Notes.
1.
Graeme Robert Wilson writes: "... A shipment of Precision engined machines was sent to a watery grave when a transport ship on the way to Iceland was torpedoed by the Germans. Nan Henry, Frank's lady demonstrator had made a trip to Iceland with a prototype Little Giant. She emigrated to Australia shortly thereafter." Nan Henry
Sources: Graces Guide, The Motor Cycle
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