Lhasa Roadsters Part 2: Humber

Not all the bikes in Lhasa were Chinese. Being fairly close to India, you would expect a few Indian roadsters would make their way north. Plus, the Brits had a trade office in Lhasa until 1947, so if you were really lucky you might find an exceptionally old British bike.

Let's examine the roadster below. At even a casual glance you can tell it is not Chinese. The large loop springs on the seat and center pull brake rods are not usual on a Chinese bike. Plus, the headlight speaks of a foreign origin. Very few Chinese bikes (except mine) use a light and dynamo. And then there is the strange double tube fork...like Humber.

 

Well...whaddya know? Humber indeed! But is it British or Indian?

The super sprung seat is from an Atlas, which of course is Indian. The rear package rack also looks Indian with its strip steel construction. Hardly conclusive though. Note also the handlebar mounted rat trap "map holder"

So let's take a look at the headbadge. Yep. The "Humber"...Cycle Corp. of India. A welcome immigrant  from warmer climes to the snowlands.

 

Comments

[Larry Bone]

I'll be darned. Some interesting "offsets" in the brake rods as well...particularly the long rod that runs along the downtube. I remember adjusting carburettor choke linkages using precisely that method! ;-)