Waratah Motorcycles - Models

An advertisement in 1916 selling a second-hand Waratah refers to it as "3.5 h.p. overhead valve, Bosch magneto". As this is clearly a 4-stroke engine and the later Villiers and V.T.S. machines were 2-strokes, this is most likely another early model, presumably with a Fafnir engine since they used on some engines overhead inlet and side exhaust valves.

It also seems that Waratah motorcycles were offered with V.T.S. engines. V.T.S. were manufactured by The Valveless Two Stroke Engine Company Ltd. of Birmingham, England, and sold exclusively to Sun Cycle & Fittings Co. Ltd. (whose frames were used on Waratah motorcycles). This was a 269cc engine.

These machines, presumably with either make of engine, were available either with our without a two-speed gearbox.

Auction sales also mention 2.5 hp Waratah machines, although they may also be of earlier manufacture. An advert describes a Waratah machine with a Villiers Two-Stroke engine and two speed gearbox that gives 110 mpg and that "easily climbs Stanton Hill on top gear". The advert shows a picture of a machine with enclosed primary chain and a belt drive to the rear wheel, an angular fuel tank slung under the top frame tube, no obvious electrics and no suspension other than seat springs.

• A 1.5 hp model was reported to deliver 140 mpg. It was also stated that "Rated at 1.5 hp the Waratah engine develops over 4 Brake Horse Power." It had a two speed gearbox, with an optional clutch and kick starter. This was presumably the 147 cc model that was exhibited at the Sydney Motor Show. A 147 cc, 1.5 hp Waratah also took part in the sixth annual six- days' trials of the Motor Cycle Club of New South Wales.
• A 3.5 hp model may have been new this year. The standard bike had a pump and full tool kit. A gas lighting set and horn was optional.

A 1927 advert refers to a, presumably second-hand and thus probably pre-1927, 2.75 h.p. Waratah.

• 1.5 hp Villiers engined machine, possibly 197 cc or 147 cc. Probably single top tube Sun lightweight frame and lightweight Druid forks.
• 2.5 hp Villiers engined machine, possibly 350 cc. Sun saddle tank frame and Brampton forks.

A classified advert from 1930 refers to a 2.75 h.p. Waratah.

• The "Utility" 1.5 hp 147 cc model which was "assembled in Sydney from British components" now had a heavier frame and a saddle tank finished with a red panel. A three speed gearbox with clutch and starter were fitted. Wheels were larger being 26 x 2.5 and both were fitted with 5in. diameter internal brakes. Villiers electric lighting was fitted as standard. There was "positive handlebar anchorage twist grip control", long nickel exhaust pipes and soft top saddle. The quoted fuel efficiency is 160 mpg, with other running costs being negligible.
• The larger, 2.5 hp sports model was of the same construction but had a two gallon petrol tank, separate oil tank and 25 x 3.25 well-base tyres. It had the 2.5 hp, 247 cc sports Villiers engine with twin ports and detachable aluminium cylinder head. Apparently it was an excellent hill climber and fast, and was capable of 55 mph. It was fitted with a three speed gearbox, clutch and kick starter, twin long nickel exhaust pipes and had 6V electrics, including a battery. It was fitted with a separate oil tank and had larger brakes than the 1.5 hp model. The existence of the 1929 2.5 hp model is also attested to by a later advert. (The suggestion that the 2.5 hp model was added to the range in 1929 does not seem reliable, and may relate solely to availability from the Queensland agent.)

Other (also apparently promotional) press coverage provided more detail, but without being explicit about which model, perhaps it applies to both: "The 1929 model Waratah is a machine which is obviously suited to the utility rider, as it possesses not only the characteristic qualities of two-stroke construction, but is exceptionally well equipped in all ways. The front fork spring action, for example, is particularly long and flexible; the saddle tank design gives a low and safe riding position, which is further improved by the soft top saddle. General completeness, such as a cushion drive shock absorber, as well as automatic lubrication, twist grip control, balloon tyres, front and rear thumb adjusting brakes, &c., all indicate that the manufacturers realise that the utility rider wants something more than economy and light weight. The performance of the engine, too, is much better than would be expected with a machine of this class, as it is capable of high maximum speed, although these qualities of speed do not in any way affect the smooth running and slow top-gear performance of the machine."

As in some previous years there is reference to a 350 which might be one of the above, but is probably a separate model.

There is also mention, in a classified advert, of a 1929–30 2.75 hp machine with electrics.

A 2.5 hp 2-port machine with electrics was offered.

Reports mention a 2.5 hp Waratah in the 350 cc limit class. Whilst it may not be from 1932, it is presumably not much older if it is in competition.

(A classified advert refers to a 1.75 hp Waratah. Whilst it does not state the year and can hardly be considered a reliable source, it is mentioned here for completeness.)

• A 1.47 hp machine. (Also referred to as 1.5 hp)
• A 1.97 hp machine with a Villiers engine of semi-incline design. The transmission includes a three speed gearbox with all chain drive, clutch and kick-starter. A saddle tank was introduced in this year, finished in red and black, with the saddle let in at the end for rider comfort. Wellbase wheels were fitted with 25 x 3.00 tyres together with internal expanding brakes. Forks were of central spring type. A six volt Lucas electric lighting system comprised battery, generator, headlamp and tail light. Speeds between 55 and 60 mph and fuel consumption of 150 mpg were supposed to be attainable.
• A 2.5 hp machine.

One of these models (presumably the 2.5 hp machine) was described as a 250 cc machine.

• Model "150" 1.5 hp Villiers engine of long stroke. Capable of 30 mph. and 120 mpg. Apparently uprated over the earlier utility 1.5 hp models with Villiers carburettor, magneto and electric lighting system. A four-pole generator, replacing an earlier two pole version, ensured a more powerful beam of light from the headlamp at low engine speeds. It had single spring front forks and a rubber saddle. Transmission was via a three speed gearbox with clutch and kick-starter. The tank (enlarged in this new version) held 1.75 gallons and the machine was fitted with leg-shields as standard.
• Model "250" 2.5 hp machine capable of 60 mph. with more robust frame and forks and more powerful headlamp. The sporting engine had double ports and an alloy head, stated to develop 10 hp from a 2.5 hp unit. Other specifications were similar to the smaller model, except for twin silencers.

Presumably the Model "150" was the 148 cc two-stroke Waratah that was offered.

A 2.5 hp two stroke machine capable of 90 mpg. was offered. "Electrics" were either standard, or an option.

• 1.25 hp machine.
• Model 150, capable of 50 mph.
• Model 250, capable of 60 mph. This is presumably the 2.5 hp model.

A 125 c.c. machine was apparently available. Presumably this is one of these machines, most likely the 1.25 hp. Reference to a 1.5 hp Waratah makes this seem quite likely. There is a (not exactly authoritative) reference to a 2 h.p. two-stroke Waratah.

• 1.25 hp two-stroke machine,
• 1.5 hp Villiers machine, capable of 100 mpg.
• 2.5 hp machine.

A 150 cc machine was available (presumably the 1.5 hp machine). It had a foot change. A 250 cc machine was available (presumably the 2.5 hp machine) and a foot change was either standard or an option. A 2.25 hp machine is referred to in a classified advert, but this seems unlikely to be reliable.

• 150 model
• 250 model

One of these models (presumably the 150) was also described as a 1.5 hp two-stroke Waratah.

Another (presumably the 250) was described as a 2.5 hp Waratah.

There are also references to a 1.25 hp machine capable of 150 mpg.

• 1.25 hp two-stroke machine. It was described as being of unit construction, fitted with a speedo and capable of 130–140 mpg.
• 1.5 hp machine.
• 2.5 hp two-stroke machine.

One of these, presumably the 2.5 hp, was known as the 250.

• A 1.5 hp two-stroke machine. It was capable of 100 mpg and a speedo and generator were fitted (or at least were options).
• A 2.5 hp machine.

A 1.5 hp machine was offered.

• Model "125": Villiers 10D, 122 cc, 1.25 hp engine.
• Model "197": Villiers 6E, 197 cc, 2 hp engine

They were both offered in "R" and "D" versions:

• "D": Battery-less Villiers direct lighting system
• "R": Constant power lighting system with rectifier, wet battery and electric horn.

There was also a Model "125" Two Speed, which was an ultra light utility machine, with an Excelsior Goblin MK. II engine.

• 125 cc two-stroke machine.
• 200 cc two-stroke.

• 125 cc 1.25 hp machine.
• 197 cc "D" 2 hp machine.
• 197 cc "R" 2 hp machine.
• 125 cc 1.25 hp 2-speed machine.

Presumably the "D" and "R" designations were the same as in the ~1949 brochure. One of the 125 cc machines was also offered. One of the 197 cc variants was also offered as 200 cc.