I'm building a '32 Twin-bar motorbike (T prefix) and now that I'm ready to assemble I noticed there's no hole for a rear reflector. When did the reflector become mandatory, and also when was the white visibility strip added?
The photocopied pages I have show that bikes were sold with reflectors in 1927 but not 1926. Without original catalogues I cannot verify this because the years were handwritten on the pages.
Also, I had the same question about the white paint a couple years ago and the answer was that catalogues show 1936 but there were suggestions regional regulations may have had different requirements.
Marcel, I believe that legislation was passed in some provinces in 1935 making the white portion mandatory on the back section of the rear fender. Since this was not required in all provinces, this was often done at the dealer level. My 1934 catalogue does nt show fwnders with this white section. I will email you today.
The first catalogue appearance of the white paint safety feature is the 1936 model year, where it is both shown and mentioned. It is not shown or mentioned in the 1935 model year catalogue. However, the layout for the 1935 catalogue was likely created in late 1934 and it's possible that the factory floor introduction of the safety feature took place in 1935 ot even very late 1934.
As for the reflector, the 1932 model year catalogue shows and mentions reflectors for both the Regular and Superb versions of the Motorbike. See attached catalog image. Being a T-code, it's possible that your Motorbike could also be a 1933 model manufactured in late 1932 but the 1933 literature shows and mentions the same reflector.
The photocopied pages I have show that bikes were sold with reflectors in 1927 but not 1926. Without original catalogues I cannot verify this because the years were handwritten on the pages.
Also, I had the same question about the white paint a couple years ago and the answer was that catalogues show 1936 but there were suggestions regional regulations may have had different requirements.
Marcel, I believe that legislation was passed in some provinces in 1935 making the white portion mandatory on the back section of the rear fender. Since this was not required in all provinces, this was often done at the dealer level. My 1934 catalogue does nt show fwnders with this white section. I will email you today.
John Williamson
The first catalogue appearance of the white paint safety feature is the 1936 model year, where it is both shown and mentioned. It is not shown or mentioned in the 1935 model year catalogue. However, the layout for the 1935 catalogue was likely created in late 1934 and it's possible that the factory floor introduction of the safety feature took place in 1935 ot even very late 1934.
As for the reflector, the 1932 model year catalogue shows and mentions reflectors for both the Regular and Superb versions of the Motorbike. See attached catalog image. Being a T-code, it's possible that your Motorbike could also be a 1933 model manufactured in late 1932 but the 1933 literature shows and mentions the same reflector.