Mystery machine

Wonder if you can help me solve a mystery? I'm attaching a photo of my great grandfather on a motorcycle round about 1920 and would very much like to know the make of the bike. We think it may be a Curtis – can you help? Thanks in advance

Mary Caryer

Mary, our expert, Mr James Robinson, editor of The Classic Motorcycle magazine can shed some light on this. The bike is a Baby, or Junior Triumph, or LW, for Light Weight. It is a twostroke, made to be low, light and easy to ride, compared to the company’s larger models. By most accounts, it was a successful bike made up to and through the First World War, though some say it was called the ‘Baby’ as it never went anywhere without its rattle! Hope this helps – Matt