1908 Lightning Bradley
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Buy it Now Price: $495,000 Price Range: $375,000 to $435,000 Inquire About this Motorcycle
Overview
1908 Lightning Bradley Motorcycle, Board Tracker, Stunt Bike Wall of Death
This motorcycle is a 1908 Lightning Bradley built by the Bradley Motor Company of Philadelphia, PA. It is one of two Bradley motorcycles known to exist today. This 1908 is the only known Bradly in race trim with track history (American Racers pg. 41 by Stephen Wright). This Bradley motorcycle appears exact to that model pictured on page 262 in Steve Wright’s book The American Motorcycles 1869 – 1914 and American Racers 1900 – 1940. pg. 41. This classic Bradley Motorcycle is listed as a 3 ½ horsepower, side valve motor that was first introduced by Bradley motor Company in 1908. This motorcycle has a close coupled wheel base and appears equal to the machine built at the factory for E.J. Develo who was a stunt rider. This motorcycle was also used on the track in 1911at Point Breeze Raceway, Philadelphia PA, the home town of Bradley Motor Company. This motorcycle reappeared in the late 50’s or early 60’s and was purchased from a junk dealer on his way to the scrap yard. Having passed between 3 different owners since, this motorcycle was restored by the current owner in a very exacting manner and using original pictures in the late 1990’s. The motorcycle has resided on a private museum since its restoration and it is time to share with the world through a new owner.
Mileage
No miles on the restoration on the road except to test out the motor and build.
Paint
Beautiful, perfect cream-white paint as shown in the history books with a Gold on Black lettering panel.
Sheet Metal
Sheet metal and frame are perfect.
Chrome
Chrome would not have been used during this period. The shiny items on the bike are nickel plated. The engine cases are polished.
Mechanical
The motor was torn down and rebuilt by a quality Pre-16 motor builder. It was built to run and she will. The Bradley Motor Co. is credited with the introduction of the side valve motors as used in this fine machine.
Wheels & Tires
28 X 3 Coker, White button tires on a painted clincher rim with Stainless spokes. (The tires in the original pictures are probably 28 X 2.5 blackwalls).
Title
Sold on a bill of sale.
Valuation Resource Guide
N/A
Accessories
The Bradley motorcycle comes with some original Bradley Motor Co letterhead with a hand written note by Bradley to a Mr. Ed Barford dated Nov 1937. An original Bradley Motor Company envelope is included.
A three page letter written by the owner in 1960, a Mr. Robert S. Romig, is also included. A video interview with Mr. Romig’s sons by Mike Wolfe (American Pickers fame) is also included and a copy of Steve Wright’s book, The American Motorcycle, 1869 – 1914 which has numerous references to the Bradley Motor Co is also included.