Greeves

Greeves motorcycles, the quintessential British motorcycle brand, have carved a rich legacy in the annals of motorcycling history. This journey began in the small town of Thundersley, Essex, in 1954, and with a brief hiatus, continues till today, representing a saga of innovation, resilience, and performance.

The founder, Bert Greeves, transitioned from developing the Invacar, a transport solution designed for war casualties, to motorcycles, marking the beginning of an era. His first models, introduced in 1954, boasted the Villiers 8E engine and had a distinctive design and suspension setup. The frames incorporated a cast-alloy beam, and the suspension featured rubber bushes in torsion with in-built dampers. This uniqueness made Greeves motorcycles stand out among contemporaries.

As the brand evolved, 1956 saw the introduction of motorcycles with conventional tubular frames, and the 322cc British Anzani twin-engine. Innovations continued with the integration of hydraulic dampers in front forks in 1957 and the shift to a 249cc Villiers 2T twin engine.

Greeves exhibited a penchant for competition, which resulted in the development of the trials bike named Scottish and the scrambler named Hawkstone in 1958, both commemorating the locations where these models excelled.

Through the 60s, Greeves showcased models both for road and competition, incorporating various iterations of Villiers engines. The brand also ventured into road racing in 1963 with the successful Silverstone model, a 246cc engine racer.

However, the late 60s and 70s were challenging, with all road models being dropped in 1966. By 1972, production had decreased drastically, and by 1978, following the retirement of Bert Greeves and a devastating fire, the company ceased operations.

Yet, the Greeves legacy was far from over. The marque was resurrected in 1999, near its original home in Essex, with an Anglian replica trials bike. Catering to the brand's loyal fanbase, this model, named the 24TJSB, combined a classic aesthetic with modern materials and technology. It featured a Villiers bottom half and Challenger head and barrel for the 246cc engine, cast-alloy front beam, twin rear shocks, and conical hubs.

Despite its trials, Greeves motorcycles embody a spirit of resilience and continuous innovation, making them an enduring symbol in the motorcycling world.

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Author: William Flaiz