The Mohawk Cycle Co produced motorcycles from 1903 to 1904 at Chalk Farm, London, and from 1922 to 1925 in Hornsey, London.
1903-1904 A primitive machine was produced using a 2¼ hp or 3hp engine fitted with a Longuemare carburettor. The diamond frame had the engine mounted vertically, with flat or V-belt drive to the rear wheel, and braced forks. This was a Manon, which they marketed as the Mohawk-Manon.
1922 Now based in Hornsey, the make reappeared on the market to offer a six-model range using a 269cc Villiers two-stroke, or 292cc, 346cc and 680cc JAP, and 499cc Abingdon engines. The simplest model was single speed, but the others had Sturmey-Archer gearboxes and chain-cum-belt transmission. The firm's distinctive green and yellow with gold lining gave the finishing touch.
1923 The 680cc had all-chain drive as standard. This was also an option for the 346cc.
1924 The range was drastically cut to leave only the 292cc and 346cc JAP models.
1925 Those two JAP-engined models continued, but it was their final year.
The Mohawk Motor and Cycle Works.
The old-established Mohawks will have a full line of motor cycles at the Stanley. These are 3 and 2¾ h.p. respectively. The engines are vertical, with Longuemare carburetters, flat or V-belts, valve-lifter, and Peto and Radford accumulators. The forks are of a specially strengthened pattern, with extra slays right up to the ball head clip.
The Motor Cycle, November 18th, 1903. Page 797
Stanley Show 1903
The Motor Cycle, Nov 25th 1903
Mohawk. (Stand 131.)
4 h.p. King Dick; 85x88 mm. (499 c.c); single-cylinder four-stroke; side-by-side valves; hand pump lubrication; B. and B. carburetter-; chain-driven magneto; three-speed Sturmey-Archer gear; chain and belt drive; Dunlop 25 x 2½ in. tyres.
Mohawk Cycle Co., Ltd., Alexandra Road, Hornsey, N.8.
Each year sees the number of purely pedal cycle firms at Olympia dwindling away - not because they are going out of business, but because they recognise that all their cycle customers are also potential motor cyclists, and that, when the satisfied owner of a pedal cycle contemplates donning goggles, his first thoughts will turn to the makers of his present cycle. Last year the makers of the Mohawk cycle exhibited one lightweight, but production difficulties prevented anything in the nature of a serious output. This year, however, they are entering whole-heartedly into the mechanically-propelled side of the industry, and already they have plant going on with the production of their new range of models. The machine specified above is intended for dual-purpose work, and, beyond the excellence of the specification and an unusually strong frame, there is little to comment upon.
There are three conventional light-weights on this stand: (1) As above; (2) as above, but single-geared; and (3) with a 2¾ h.p. J. A. P. engine - but possibly greatest interest centres round the Economic cycle attachment. This is of American origin, but is shown attached to a specially strengthened British-built Mohawk cycle. The engine is an air-cooled flat twin two-stroke of 154 c.c, which carries its ignition and lighting generator in the flywheel. A chain takes the drive to the rear wheel through a most ingenious and simple cush drive. Coil springs form a triangle with apexes attached to the cycle rim. The chain sprocket drives to the centre of these springs.
Olympia Show. The Motor Cycle, December 2nd, 1920. Page 719
Fitted with a 3 1/2hp Abingdon King Dick engine
The Mohawk Cycle Co. has probably been better known in the past by its pedal cycles than its self-propelled two wheelers; but for 1922 a complete range of motor cycles will be made. A Villiers-engined two-stroke will be supplied alternatively as a single-geared (direct belt drive) model, or fitted with a two-speed gear box with clutch and kick-starter. Next there is a very similar machine, but fitted with a 293 c.c. J. A. P.
A 350 c.c. engine of the same name has served as the basis of a neat sporting solo mount : and in the passenger class there is a single and a medium weight twin - the former a 3½ h.p. Abingdon, and the latter a 5-6 h.p. J.A.P.
The Motor Cycle, Nov 24th 1921
The 1922 Olympia Show.
MOHAWK. (92.)
Touring Solo Lightweights.
2¾ H.P. Model.
70x76 mm, (293 c.c]; single-cyl. four-stroke; side valves; hand pump lubrication; B. and B. carb.; chain-driven mag.; 2-sp. gear; clutch and kick-starter; Chain and belt drive; 26x2¼in. tyres. Price £68.
The Mohawk Cycle Co., Alexandra Road, Hornsey, and Coventry.
Mohawk models meet the demand for substantial and conventional machines built up from well-known and tried proprietary units, which are to be marketed at a moderate price. The equipment of the lightweight machine as a practical touring mount is sufficiently complete, with comfortable aluminium footboards, and the riding position and shape of the handle-bars are such, in the case of the standard model, as to appeal to the steady middle-aged type of rider. The machine is fitted with Brampton forks and Sturmey Archer two-speed gear box, with a simple and practical means for adjusting the driving chain from the engine to the countershaft.
A 770 c.c. J.A.P.-engined model is also staged, fitted with Sturmey-Archer three-speed gear box and all-chain drive. This is listed at £105. The sports model is fitted with 345 c.c. J.A.P. engine, and differs from the lightweight in having chain drive throughout. The frame is somewhat longer, and the machine presents a racy and attractive appearance. This model costs £67 10s.
Olympia Show 1922 The Motor Cycle, November 30th, 1922. Page 841
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