A Brief History of the Marque
Levis had a long and illustrious career as a producer of both two-stroke and four-stroke motorcycles, and had considerable success on the racetrack and, just prior to WWII, in offroad events. Their fourstrokes included a 250 OHC as well as OHV models and a sidevalve. Early two-strokes were mostly of 3 port configuration but some had six ports. Levis engines were fitted to at least one New Hudson model.
The Levis derived its name for the Latin word for ‘light’, which was one of the diminutive two-stroke's many virtues. Levis began manufacture of its 211cc, single-gear lightweight in 1911. Soon dubbed ‘Popular’,
the model was a huge success and remained in production until 1926. Levis had considerable success in 250cc racing in the early 1920s, winning the Lightweight category at the Isle of Man in 1920 and 1922. They introduced a new 247cc
production model alongside the Popular for 1921.
Levis 1923 Models
Popular 211cc single speed
Model S 211cc 2 speed
Model T 211cc 2 speed
Model H 247cc 3 speed
Levis 1924 and 1928 models:
Levis 1936 Models:
A Special 346cc OHV
B Special 247cc OHV
Light 500 498cc OHV
Light 350 346cc OHV
Light 250 247cc OHV
Other Levis models include:
1931 Levis Model Z 247cc
1935 Model D Special 498cc OHV. Pushrod tunnel give the appearance of an OHC engine.
Levis Model CB classed as OHC 247cc
1939 Levis SF500498cc, Plunger frame, the two sides were linked by a hydraulic pipe and to friction pads.
lev-, levi- (Latin: light in weight, lightness; to raise, to lift).
More history of the Butterfield Brothers and Levis...
16-May-2018
bill.coburn at outlook.com
Levis Model K 1925
What model of carburettor would be fitted to this machine
Bill Coburn
Dundee, Scotland
29/04/18
mayburywoodburners at gmail.com
1938 Levis 'D' special
Hi, My father is passing on to me his old Levis, he last rode it in 1965. Just wondering if you know of any forums of owners or people who specialise in Levis stuff in case I need info, parts, help?
Kind regards, Duncan Maybury
Bristol, Uk
Try this page. Also try the search function on the page. Levis at Bikelinks.
Fri, 20 Oct 2017
proodhou at bigpond.net.au
Levis? MC 1174
Please find attached photo's of a cylinder, piston and crankcase I found in some spare parts I have, it is a 3 port 2 stroke motor with MG 1174 on the cylinder. Would like to know if this is a Levis motor.
Peter Roodhouse
Blackwood Australia
Levis-Barrel-MC1174.jpg posted to comments, above.
Mon, 04 Sep 2017
stevenrogerson1 at hotmail.co.uk
Levis model t two stroke ... I think Model t 1923??
Hi I'm currently trying to build a Levis popular and model t they were found across two properties and I'm trying to piece them together. One has a gearbox and one doesn't I can't decipher which goes to which any help and info would be a massive help so far it has been a guessing game!
Steven Rogerson
Lancashire United Kingdom
Fri, 28 Jul 2017
keithread.1 at iinet.net.au
levis light weight 1914
i have a levis i beleav it to be a 1914 i bout it from a deceist estate was told i runs but not started for about 10 years so i need to clean out the oil tank fuel tank etc the reason iam contacting you i would like to purchase a workshop manual & starting instructions or starting proceedure i have other bikes but not as old as this one any help & advise would be appreciated keith read
keith read
perth western australia Australia
Wed, 02 Aug 2017
keithread.1 at iinet.net.au
levis 1923
iam looking for a workshop manual & operating instructions mine was handed down to me i have a couple off barrels & casings to levis 2 strokes
keith read
perth wa Australia
Sun Jun 04 2017
romel70 at atlas.cz
Motorcycle Levis
Hello, please help me to determine the model and years of production of this Levis motorcycle. It's probably in the thirties. The motorcycle is my grandfather and his sister. If it does, thank you very much.
Regards:
Roman Elias
Tuchom...ice
Czechia
Prague
Tue Aug 23 2016
dalewindows at yahoo.co.uk
Levis manual
Levis Model m<
Anyone got a workshop manual for 1926 250cc levis...please ring 07740 244510
Wed Mar 16 2016
rockingham14 at outlook.com
Old Barn find for sale
Levis 2 stroke not sure of model
Hello - I have a old Levis motorcycle frame and engine that was in the shed after my father in law passed away. I don't know much about it but was interested to know if anyone wanted to restore it and or if it had any value? The engine is stamped with a number which I think is '?301' - I can't seem to find a frame number.
Cheshire
Ed: The number is stamped in the barrel, so it's a casting number.
2016-02-03
<bill.coburn at outlook.com>
Bill Coburn
Dundee
Levis engine
Please can you help me find out year and model of Levis that engine number-18675 would/could have been fitted to ,or, advise me where I might find information.Thank you/
Regards,
Bill Coburn.
Wed Aug 19 2015
julianlee359 at btinternet.com
Help
levis popular
hi I need a lot of help to put this back on the road . Engine number 1174 popular 2 1/4 hp. Patent 659 has you can see I need lots off spares first off a frame if poss. Many thanks julian lee
Peterborough
Levis Popular c1923
Fri Feb 20 2015
paulhutton at btopenworld.com
Aero engine
Levis Flat twin
I am very interested in the levis flat twin aero engine, and would love to know where the photos came from. Can you help?
Wolverhampton
There is an entry below from Sept 2007 on this machine. Ed.
Wed Jan 28 2015
marcuscronk at hotmail.co.uk
sideways carb.
levis 350 twin port
Hi,i could do with buying a rear wheel and tank ,gearbox and druid top yoke for my 350 levis. Also why is my carb mounted 90 degrees off upright ? Thanks for reading.
Devon, Uk.
Tue May 13 2014
planter472002 at yahoo.co.in
Levis Engine
Levis 1927/28??
I have just discovered the Levis engine shown in the attached pics. It is evidently incomplete and the attached Magneto also seems to be un original { I have a BTH which should fit] but i require a lot of advise and help from people who know
this marque well. I all my years of collecting bikes I have never seen a Levis in India!
India
Tue Nov 06 2012
terberryan<at>bigpond.com
gear change lever
LEVIS 250cc 1936
My chrome plater has lost my hand change lever and quadrant. I'm after another, but will settle for dimensions, so I can make one myself.
melb. australia
Wed Apr 25 2012
jennieandpaul<at>gmail.com
date of a Levis pop
levis Pop. Engine no. 4773. Frame no. 5212
I need to date a Levis pop Engine no. 4773. Frame no. 5212. Can you be of any help with this, it would be much appreciated. Thank you, Paul Clifton
Watchet, Somerset UK
Fri Mar 16 2012
1velodada<at>gmaildot com
Wanted - gearbox for 1937 levis motorcycle
Levis 1937
I would like to buy a gearbox for my 37 levis. Thanks
los Angeles
Sun Jan 29 2012
parkandpedal<at>optusnet.com.au
shop manuals
levis 600
Hi guys just putting a 600 together, and i am chasing a shop manual
townsville North Queensland Australia
Tue May 24 2011
swords<at>bigponddot com
Levis
Levis 1929 model Z
wanted:oil pump, Burman gearbox parts suit '29 Z
Sydney
Sat Jan 01 2011
mikenme<at>skymesh.com.au
information
large 1909?????
I owned this machine in the 1960,s and according to the details given me at the time the date is wrong I can give details of the bike at the time of purchase the date it is really! given by previous owner plus details of bike
known only by me, details of the original tank transfer from memory , if the present owner contacts me I can let him know what I know. The registration number was M 2247 first reg in 1919 as were others of the time M searl
calvert australia
The machine I am refering to is listed in the listing of motorcycles as a LARGE, 'one of,' i,m sorry but I thought when I sent the mail that it went to the relevant page ie the one dealing with the- bike in question oops sorry. I was living in England up to 1971 when I migrated to australia which is when I sold all my bikes including the Large to get finance for my move . If the owner surfaces I can let him have the details I have, by the way the Black 1912 Levis which is on the Levis page is mine and while it mentions the owner riding it since he was 16 in Australian rallies I was obviously riding in the uk prior to coming to australia, my first london to brighton run was as a learner rider.
On the same page is a photo of a 1912?? Levis at a Belgian rally and unless my eyes deceive me it is fitted with a countershaft- and chain drive-obviously a modern adaption as levis had no chain drive bikes till into the 20,s just a comment. It looks well done whoever did it . Hopefully my comments are of some help to you thank you M Searl- Original Message --
Wed Nov 24 2010
jowibmx1<at>hotmaildot com
Levis 600cc D camshaft problems
1937 600cc D
Hello, I am the proud owner of a Levis model 600cc "D" 1937.
But I have a lot of problems with the camshafts. The camshaft and the cam follower shows abnormal wear.
I think that it is an oil problem because there less oil between the camshaft and cam rollers. (The camshaft is a high-camshaft). Is here someone who can help me with this problem or has a little bit informatie.
i never see an other 600 D riding, so i like te contact with some other owners and maybe they can help me with this problem
reagard
Jowi
The Netherlands
Hengelo, Netherlands,
Sun Aug 01 2010
mikenme<at>skymesh.com.au
barrel/piston
levis 211cc 1912 lightweight
wanted.cylinder and piston for 211cc Levis up to 1920 will do I think in reasonable condition as regards bore wear
Calvert Australia
..........
Hi! thanks for your reply , I do have a photo of the bike which I have attached to email, first let me explain before any one jumps on me. My machine is indeed 1912 and was registered in uk on the pioneer register and
was ridden while in uk by myself for many thousands of miles and I say thousands! for I used to ride over 400 miles on a regular basis to rallies in times of 16 to 20 hours as was allowed in the regs of the time for the events as they were
and then ride home 200 or so miles depending where the rally was held. Because the bike was fitted when? with an albion 2 speed gearbox with clutch of 1914 .it was shown as being 1914 on the register as the gearbox was the latest major
component of the machine. so no jumping on me please1 The machine is still in regular use over here till accidental damage to the barrel means a replacement is sought I may still be able to salvage the barrell but if not? I have ridden
the bike since I was16 and on my first pioneer run in 1955 .I,m older now! any help given by anyone will be greatly appreciated by me thank you all. M searl
Mon Jul 26 2010
scott<at>scottsoldautorubber.com.au
Selling Levis Popular
Levis Popular
I would like to sell my Levis Popular in Melbourne Australia.
Thankyou,
Scott.
Australia
Mon Mar 01 2010
patterson29<at>optusnet.com.au
levis d special
levis 1937 500 D special
trying to find my fathers 1937 levis 500, I think it was a D special. Sold in Sydney in about 1974, keen to find out what happened to it
sydney australia
Fri Feb 20 2009
sime-john at hotmaildot com
Levis Tools
Can you help I would like information on original levis / butterfields tools as supplied with machines.
Stratford Upon Avon
Mon Jan 12 2009
ebuckle at bigpond.net.au
Levis 247cc 2 stroke
What model or infor is there about this engine number 6613.
The bike is belt drive to rear wheel through a chain driven gearbox. I think it is around 1922 but not sure
Bundaberg Australia
Wed Dec 17 2008
jjksmith at tiscali.co.uk
Best Levis 2-stroke
LEVIS 2-STROKE
I wish to buy a 2-stroke Levis and I was wondering which was the best model to go for as a machine for occasional riding.
i.e The Popular or K series?Also where there sporty versions of the K and what differences were those? Thanks for any help you can give
Midlands
Thu Dec 11 2008
jacks.the.lad at gmaildot com
Levis Numbers
Levis Baby
Does anyone know where I can find information on Levis frame and/or engine numbers? In order that I may be able to find out when it was made.
Oxford
... Thanks. the numbers are:- frame 7705, engine 10207 211cc single speed belt drive
Hope this will help.
J.
Sat Nov 22 2008
brown.laura at tesco.net
what models are these?
Rover/Levis ?
Dear Sir
here are two pictures of my Great Grandad and Grandma taken around 1920's, and my Father would like to know which models they are.
Coventry.
Fri Aug 08 2008
brithorby at yahoo.co.uk
LEVIS WANTED
Levis 500 or 600 ohv
Im looking for a 500 or 600 Levis post 1937.
Scotland,UK
Tue Jul 03 2007
elmers at xtra.co.nz
Levis 1938
1938 Levis
Here's an image of my proud Dad with his 1938 Levis - it got taken for the war effort in WWII and he was told in 1945 that sadly it had been abandoned somewhere in the Sahara Desert.
Auckland, New Zealand
Wed Mar 05 2008
criagw at msndot com
wanted any condition
levis 600
I am looking for a levis 600 model in any condition including parts. It was model my grandfather rode but sold many years ago.
melbourne
Tue Feb 19 2008
benlangworthy at hotmail.co.uk
levis motorcycle
levis? unknown
Hi, Iv got a picture of my grandfather (who i never knew) in india, on an flat-tank mototcycle which i think might be a levis, or something similar, could anyone tell me if it is a levis or not, and what model it might be?
ben
devon
Sun Feb 03 2008
parkandpedal at bigponddot com
levis
36 ?? 600 ??
Got one not sure if its the year i was told. ps chasing a bottom bearing cup for the forks sincerly Mick Byrne.
Townsville Q.L.D.
Sun Jan 06 2008
bolero at worldonline.co.za
price
1916 Levis
I'm trying to get some idea what the above bike would be worth now.
I've tried numerous web sites and auctions but had no luck
Cape Town
The page on Motorcycle Valuations may prove helpful.
Mon Dec 24 2007
billedwards at xtra.co.nz
valve clearences
levis 1939 350cc sv
can any one help me with the valve clearences for this model. also interested to know the actual valve timing as there are no marks on the gears. anyone got a similar model as i would like to make contact with them<
new zealand
Wed Dec 05 2007
alcyonuk at googlemaildot com
Levis 600 1938
Wanted for the above. Rocker box (same as post 37 500 type, footrests, primary chaincase, rear chainguard, magplatform, Miller magdyno. Paint filler.....
Not much to ask for!
England
Sun Sep 30 2007
clairespalding at aoldot com
Levis Big End
Levis 350 Model A33
Does anyone know where I can buy a new 'big end' for my 1933 350 Levis A33? The original has finally given out. I do approx. 5000 miles a year on this bike and have owned it for over 20 years, I miss not riding my old friend. The 'big
end' is the double roller type.
Thanks for any help or suggestions.
London
Sun Sep 09 2007
peter.sturgeon at virgin.net
Levis 500 cc twin two stroke
I have a Levis 500cc twin 2-stroke engine, horizontally opposed, both cylinders fire together. It is 14-18 war vintage and was used by the Royal Flying corp mountd on a frame driving a cut down Sopwith Pup propeller. Exact use unknown but
probably never on a Motorcycle. I do know that it was (recovered) by an Ex RFC pilot and was used on the back of a boat on the local river. I can remember this when I was a child during the 39-45 conflict. It runs sweetly after having
the Magneto coil rewound. I cannot find any record of an engine of this type in a motorcycle, does anyone know about this model or be interested in giving it agood home?
UK
Thu Aug 30 2007
duncan at futurecentric.co.nz
parts manual workshop manual or copies
Levis 1938 500cc
I am looking for any manuals or copies of, for a restoration project.
Wellington New Zealand
Try the page of resources for Books and Manuals
Sat Sep 01 2007
EUGENE.CONWAY at VIRGIN.NET
I have levis parts for sale
Levis a 350cc 70 x 90 .
I am putting these parts on e bay to day.crank case with flywheels ,barrell ,piston,oil pump, and bits
leicester -le97aa
Fri Aug 17 2007
oldjoffa at hotmaildot com
levis overhead cam 1934 model
i am wondering if anyone knows about a levis 250cc four stroke with an overhead cam.... any information would be very greatfull
ENGno.25280 FRAMEno. 24630 thank you .Joffa.
Australia
Thu Aug 09 2007
oldjoffa at hotmaildot com
any info
levis 250 o.h. cam 1933
please any info on this bike. frame# 24630 engine#25280
austrailia
Tue Jul 03 2007
elmers at xtra.co.nz
Levis 1938
1938 Levis
Here's an image of my proud Dad with his 1938 Levis - it got taken for the war effort in WWII and he was told in 1945 that sadly it had been abandoned somewhere
in the Sahara Desert.
Auckland, New Zealand
[img too small for publication]
Mon Jun 04 2007
sonnen at bigponddot com
Piston to bore clearance
1937 Levis 500
Can you please help me to find a piston to bore specification
Australia
Mon Apr 02 2007
gmack123 at yahoo.com.au
Levis
1923 Levis
I found this old Levis in original condition last year. It was missing an oil pump and some of the rear brake parts. Does anyone have any information or photos of this model.
Brisbane, Australia
Mon Mar 26 2007
ascooksley at optusnet.com.au
Levis
I am look for sum info a Levis My father used to talk about a motor bike he had once it was a Levis 4&1/4 I know very little about these bike .I am look for some photo and more info on them and how hard it would be to find one any
condition will do
Australia
Sun Mar 25 2007
billedwards at xtra.co.nz
pictures required
levis 350cc side valve
i have just bought a levis motorcycle. i believe about 1936-37 with a foot change gearbox. can anyone help with photos or information on this model
new zealand
March 18th 2007
Ebay Australia
Showroom quality vintage 1930 350cc OHV LEVIS motorcycle. Owned and restored by a dedicated member of the Historic Motorcycle Club of Qld, this bike is not only in beautiful condition, but is a first kick starter which has been proven
reliable on past club runs.It has a single cylinder, twin port engine, twin Brooklands silencers with a terrific note, and a three speed BURMAN hand change gearbox. Fitted with a K & N air filter, it has excellent paint and chrome, and
solid aluminium chain case and chain guard. The cylinder head has exposed valves. The magneto was recently reconditioned, as was the Burman gearbox and cylinder head. It has modern bearings in both the front and rear hubs, and has good
brakes.Engine # 23285/2. Frame # 21579.
Wed Mar 14 2007
simon.saint3 at ntlworlddot com
Help Required
Levis Popular - 1914
I am looking for some help please. I have a 1914 Levis, fully restored and wish to sell it. How do I get an accurate valuation - any conatcts would be greatly appreciated.
Dorset, England
Sun Feb 25 2007
handylandy-65 at hotmaildot com
Levis Motorcycle
Levis 211cc Popular (two stroke)
Looking for Levis 211cc Popular (two stroke)frame and forks for teens to early tweenties model.Note the characteristic horizontal top bar (Flat tank)& triangulated support for the steering head, Other small parts are also needed.
Interested in contact from other owners of 2 stroke Levis's within New Zealand, Australia and the rest of the world.
New Zealand
Wed Dec 20 2006
steph153 at aoldot com
1938 Levis Model A Special
Do you know who I could contact regarding parts for my 1938 Levis Model Special?
Sun Nov 05 2006
kililoo at aoldot com
levis motorbike
Levis "D" Special
i have a Levis 500 D special which was completely restored by faithful classics sussex in the late 1970s i would like to sell this machine would yuo know of any interested buyers
n ireland
Tue Oct 17 2006
absolutementalblock at hotmaildot com
Levis 600 cc 1936/37
I am looking for a 600 cc barrel if anyone has one for sale i would be interested in buying it.
australia
Fri Oct 13 2006
jim at electricco.ie
1929 Levis Model Z
How's it going,
Looking for info on our 1929 Levis Model Z, can you put me onto someone who has some info.
Thanks and regards,
Jim Hickey.
Cork, Ireland
Sun Mar 26 2006
jnbron at ozemail.com.au
Need help
Levis - 500 or 600 ???
I've recently purchased a Levis - 95% complete. Only problem is I'm not sure what model or capacity it is. I've been told it's a 1936 500cc. I'd like some photos of original or restored if possible and as much information as possible on the
Levis.
Australia
Wed Feb 01 2006
jameskrekelberg at hotmaildot com
Levis
I canot find any information on the levis at all, but i'm looking for info on the 1939 side valve 350cc model
Australia
Thu Dec 08 2005
dumbrell7 at hotmaildot com
levis 1928 model
Hi, i have a 1928 model m levis. It is a 250cc 2 stroke. I am after a rear wheel in any condition. The tyres fitted are 24 x 2.5 beaded edge i think.
If you could help me with the wheel or anything else of interest for the same model contact me please
Sun Sep 18 2005
atcam at slmember.on.net
Levis Popular Build Date.
Can you acurately date the Popular I am currently restoring ? Eng number 14112 Frame Number 14226. Does the eng no. and frame number match as been the same vintage? I have 2 other frames NO. C13919 & 15830 Is the "C" significant.
Regards
Andrew Cameron.
Tue Sep 13 2005
enquiries at stanfordhall.co.uk
1932 Levis Motorcycle
I have a 1932 levis 350cc which I would like to sell. Do you know where I could find out is value and also the best way to advertise it.
March 12th 2005
Levis 1930 Vintage Motorcycle Leaflet at EbayUK
Vendor's Description:
Original Levis 1930 factory publicity leaflet. Cover mentions "Two Entirely New Models" for 1930 1 both 250, the SV and OHV. 8 page fold-out shows 4 models illustrated with specifications viz, Levis Popular 2, Six-Port
super cooled (Both 250 2 stroke), the models A (346 OHV) and model B and C (250 SV and OHV).
January 23rd 2005
Levis 1939 Motorcycle Catalogue on Ebay UK
Vendor's Description: "Original works 10 page publication. 6 models are illustrated with specifications given from 247 2 stroke to OHV 600cc. A catalogue from the last years of this long lived producer of quality motorcycles. The OHV models
have high level exhausts - there is one SV model. Pages of general specification, features, extras etc."
January 14th 2005
There is an auction at ebay for a Levis book which reads:
"This auction is for a 1980's reprint of the LEVIS 1938 motorcycle book of the various models for that year. It covers the following models, Model B special, S.P.3, D special, 600 model and two stroke TS/26, CW/26, E.W, O.C/26, IOM
T.T. and side cars. It devotes one page to each model as above with a diagram of the motorbike and its specifications for that particular model. It is in an unused condition and is approximately 9" x 6" and has 10 pages. "
January 1, 2003
Hello,
I'm pleased if You would send to me some information and photos about LEVIS -31 model Z . I haven't find anything about that bike in these websites. My friend will be very pleased about these information. Because he's restore that kind
of bike. -- Best Regards -- Juha Vainionpaa -- panjuha at nic.fi
If you have a query or information about Levis motorcycles please contact us
