Osborn Motorcycle

FJ Osborne, MMC engine, 1901

Frederick J. Osborn (John Osborn) built a motorcycle for his personal use in 1901. It was powered by an M.M.C. engine.

The engine was suspended from the front downtube, with power delivered directly from the crankshaft-mounted pulley by a flat drive belt to the rear wheel.

John Osborn began building motorcycles in ernest after the Great War. See OEC.

• Notes:
  There was also an Osborne motorcycle (note the "E") built in Lincoln by Ryle Osborne, unrelated to the Frederick J. Osborn enterprise. See Disambiguation.

Sources: Graces Guide, Phil Meggett