1909 Alcyon 248cc EC25 Frame no. 125074 Engine no. 6158 (see text)

1909 Alcyon 248cc EC25 Frame no. 125074 Engine no. 6158 (see text) Please kindly note that this motorbike will be available for viewing by prior appointment in Dortmund: please contact eva.lengler@bonhams.com for booking. Originally a bicycle manufacturer, Edmond Gentil set up shop in Neuilly, Seine around 1890, adding motorcycle production to his activities in 1902 and that of motor cars in 1906. Gentil's products were marketed under the 'Alcyon' name, meaning kingfisher. Various sizes of automobile were produced prior to WWI, after which the firm concentrated on cyclecars until 1928 when it returned exclusively to the manufacture of bicycles and motorcycles. Over the years Alcyon acquired a number of other smaller French manufacturers including Armor, Thomann, Labor, La Française and Olympique, marketing its models under their various brand names. Proprietary engine manufacturer Zürcher is another firm closely linked to Alcyon. The first Alcyon motorcycles of 1904 used engines supplied by the Swiss company Zürcher & Lüthi (Zédel) and the latter's French subsidiary, based at Ferrière sur Jougne, would be acquired by Alcyon in 1906. The Swiss plant closed the following year. V-twins powered by Zürcher engines were manufactured from 1914 to 1922 and a wide range of models was offered between the wars. After 1945 Alcyon concentrated on selling lightweights powered by AMC, Vap and Zurcher engines among others. Alcyon also sponsored a successful professional cycling team, winning many of the top European classics as well as the Tour de France six times. This rare French Veteran motorcycle caries a competitor's number board showing that it took part in the International Ibbenbürener Veteranen Rallye in 1996. Accompanying documentation consists of a Fahrzeugbrief (registration document) and other German paperwork to include items of correspondence and various invoices. The engine turns over. No key required. It should be noted that the '8' of the engine number has been over-stamped. Footnotes: Please kindly note that VAT at the prevailing german rate (currently 19%) will be added to the buyer's premium which will be invoiced on a VAT exclusive basis. If you are planning to export, please make the department aware. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing