 | |
| Manufacturer | Excelsior Motor Company of Birmingham |
|---|---|
| Production | 1942–1945 |
| Successor | Corgi 50 |
| Engine | 98 cc (6.0 cu in), two-stroke, air cooled, single |
| Transmission | Single-speed |
| Suspension | None |
| Weight | 32 kg (71 lb) (dry) |
| Fuel capacity | 3.7 litres (0.81 imp gal; 0.98 US gal) |
The Welbike was a British single-seat folding motorcycle produced during World War II at the direction of Station IX — the "Inter Services Research Bureau" — based at Welwyn, UK, for use by Special Operations Executive (SOE). It has the distinction of being the smallest motorcycle ever used by the British Armed Forces.[1] Between 1942 and 1943, 3,641 units (plus a prototype and some pilot models) were built and, although not much used by the SOE, some were issued to the British 1st and 6th Airborne Divisions and some were used at Arnhem during Operation Market Garden.[2]
The Italians, Germans and Americans also developed small motorcycles for their airborne forces during World War II.
- ^ Orchard, C. J.; Madden S. J. (1997). British Forces Motorcycles 1925–45. Sutton Publishing Ltd. ISBN 978-0-7509-1445-1.
- ^ Stevens, Colin MacGregor (November 1985). "Airborne wheels the Welbike". Maroon Beret. Canadian Airborne Regiment. p. 42. Archived from the original on 21 July 2011. Retrieved 22 April 2009 – via Colin Stevens - Home Page.
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