Early-Era Rover Imperial Manufacturing Video

First, in 1878, John Starley began to build bicycles in Britain under the name Rover Company. Then, in 1896, Starley started the Rover Imperial brand.

And, just like many bicycle manufacturers, the Rover Company began building motorcycles. Next, in 1902, the company’s first motorcycles were built under the Rover Imperial brand. Then, from 1903 to 1924, the company built around 10,000 motorcycles.

Unfortunately, in 1901, Starley died, and Harry Lawson took over the business. Next, the 1902 motorcycles featured a 3.5 hp engine and many innovative parts. In 1910, John Greenwood was hired to build a 500cc bike that was shown for the first time at the Olympia show.

Then, in 1913, the TT (Tourist Trophy) for motorcycle racing was launched. During WWI, the company began building and selling engines to the Russian Army. After the War Rover started making cars. Unfortunately, due to the lack of sales, the Rover Imperial Company went under in 1924.

Below is a cool video on how Rover Imperial motorcycles were made – everything from engines to the completion of the motorcycles.

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