Douglas Motorcycles, Kingswood, Bristol, definitely realized the true value of a proper service manual for those who wished to carry out any work on their motorcycles with their introductory statement The most valuable axiom for the amateur mechanic is ‘A little knowledge is dangerous’. The greatest enthusiasm cannot replace experience and it is strongly urged that operations are not undertaken unless there is a reasonable possibility of satisfactory completion. And how true is that?
There would be very few manuals from the 1950s that would be as complete as this one from Douglas Motorcycles of Bristol. Covering models from 1948 to 1951 models including the Mark III to Mark V, Competition, 80 Plus and 90 Plus machines. The 90 Plus was the true competition race machine available from dealers should you have the funds, and as a 180 degree opposed twin were being revved to over 10,000rpm along the Glen Helen Straight in the I.O.M T.T. races. Britain’ version of the BMW?
Running adjustments and general maintenance are covered including carburettor settings, tappet, clutch and ignition. Later it discusses the complete overhaul of the engine, clutch and gearbox with some excellent diagrams. There is also a section on the removal of the rear fork (swing arm) and Douglas’ famous torsion bar suspension.
Click on the front cover below to see the 80 page manual.
It is a 12M PDF.
