Coventry Eagle

Here is a link to a cyclemotor site, beware the saddle prices are NOT cheap. Most of the smaller Coventry Eagle machines had single cylinder twinport Villiers engines, I have never seen one with a Levis engine fitted.

Hiya, thanks for the replies guys, Ref the Levis engine the bike we have is a 1932 CE with CE own engine in it (not Villiers) but I was told that CE didn't build their own, they only designed it and got Levis to build it. I have picked up a few snippets on the engine but no reference to Levis. As for the saddle for the Auto-ette, I am still looking and measuring the depth of my pocket. Thank you all, Bud.

A 1938 Coventry Eagle 250cc, seen last weekend at a show

I am contemplating the purchase of a 1933 Coventry Eagle "silent superb", 250cc motorcycle. I have found in a list of manufacturers in Coventry of that period a listing Coventry Eagle in Duggins lane, Tile Hill. Exactly where ? The engine fitted was made by Herbert Hayward, also of Coventry, previously unknown to me, he had premises in Cross road but that is all I can find. Can anyone shed any more light on Mr Hayward please ?

Reading 'Coventry's Motorcycle Heritage' by Damien Kimberley I get the impression that Coventry Eagle had moved to 201 Foleshill Rd some time after World War One and that they produced motorcycles up until 1950. It then says that they concentrated on bicycle production at their final home in Duggins Lane until they closed in 1968. I can't find any mention of Herbert Hayward in the book but he might be lurking somewhere, listed under one of the many motorcycle companies that graced the city in the first half of the 20th century.

I've been looking at that bike, looks lovely - was it you who bought it? Herbert Hayward was a director of Gulson Engineering Co. of Gulson Road Works, manufacturers of internal combustion engines, machine tools and tooling. The same address was also used for the Hayward Engineering Co., also engine makers. I'm thinking the engine was a H.H. design, produced in the Gulson Rd. works for Coventry Eagle.

Hi Matchle55, it says that Coventry Eagle moved into an old MoD factory in Duggins Lane. Living in Duggins Lane, the majority of the houses were built early 30's, so the only places I could think of are where either past Lant Close or Kinorigo are. When I worked for Wickman, we dealt with a tooling factory that was knocked down to build what is now called Eagle Drive!!!, it was still there when we moved in 2001.

Thanks for the replies guys, it looks like someone has beaten me to it. However, if that falls through it's mine.

Mick was that Berkswell Engineering? My Dad was there in the late 70s iirc. I remember it well as got bitten by a Dog whilst playing out front waiting for him outside!

Hi Neil, yes it was. When I went there it was ran by a guy called Derek Cockersole. When it was demolished there was a big outcry about the preserved trees that were felled.

Mick that name rings a bell. I can't remember where Dad moved next. Will ask my Mum and report back

Coventry Eagle After a lot of searching I have finally found one. It's been languishing in the USA for a few years so now it's all systems go. I have restored quite a few bikes in the past but I think it is going to cause some serious head scratching. It was produced with this engine which was a joint venture between Coventry Eagle and a firm called Levis. Not successful, the engine was replaced by a Villiers unit. Wish me luck

Best wishes.

Fingers crossed Please keep us updated.

My one and only new bike was a metalic blue Coventry Eagle (drop handlebar), must have been late 40s early 50s.