Zenith motors were established in Finsbury Park, London in 1903, and was originally a car and motorcycle manufacturer, but the car production only lasted from 1905 to 1906.
Motorcycle production was a relatively small, utilising engines from various suppliers including Precision, Villiers and most famously JAP. Despite the low production numbers Zenith motorcycles were particularly successful in competition, and in the 1920’s racing Zeniths held more Brooklands circuit ‘Gold Stars’ than any other marque, this award was only given to bikes lapping the outer track at over 100 mph.
Production records are scarce as the original company went bankrupt in 1931, although it was resurrected and interrupted again by the start of the World War it finally ceased trading in 1950.
Little history of this Model N, or Super 8 as it was also known is available, it was dated as being a 1925 model by Automotive historian and author Roy Bacon in 2004 and re registered as BS 9776 in 2005. The engine currently fitted is believed to be dated to 1927 and is a correct type JAP KTCY 4 cam 1000cc ‘sports’ side valve V twin, the gear box is a Sturmey Archer 3 speed, with hand change.
In fully working and good running order this fabulous bike has an amazing patina that looks like it has just finished several fast laps of Brooklands, it starts easily and rides well, few bikes exude character like this and the current reduced price represents real value in the current climate for a sporting pre War British motorcycle. SOLD.
