Motorcycle enthusiasts often marvel at the ingenuity and creativity of early 20th-century bike designers, but few designs are as intriguing as the 1915 Williams Clady motorcycle. This remarkable machine represents a forgotten chapter in motorcycle history, blending aviation-inspired engineering with innovative design. As the last surviving example of the four ever built, this rare motorcycle is a true collector’s treasure.
A Unique Piece of Motorcycle History
The Williams Clady is powered by an 873cc three-cylinder rotary radial engine, uniquely housed inside the rear wheel. Producing 10 bhp, the engine also integrates directly with a two-speed transmission. This unusual approach to motorcycle design highlights the experimental nature of early motorbike innovation. It’s easy to see why this bike stands out—not only for its rarity but also for its bold engineering choices.
J. Newton Williams, the creative mind behind the Clady, was an inventor with roots in aviation. His collaboration with Glenn H. Curtiss, a pioneer in both aviation and motorcycles, likely inspired the crossover design. The result was a motorcycle that borrowed heavily from early aircraft technology, making the Clady as much an engineering marvel as it was a mode of transportation.
The Engineering Behind the Williams Clady
One of the most striking aspects of the Clady is its rear-wheel rotary radial engine. Unlike conventional radial engines, the cylinders of this design spin along with the wheel, a feature more commonly associated with early aircraft. While this innovative placement saved space, it posed unique challenges, such as delivering fuel and oil to the rotating engine—challenges that the Williams team managed to overcome.
The motorcycle features a Bosch magneto ignition system, a twist-grip throttle control, and a two-speed manual gearshift. A sprung leather saddle and leading-link front fork add a touch of rider comfort, while the rigid rear frame reflects the engineering norms of the time.
Additional details, such as a cylindrical fuel tank mounted behind the handlebars and a chain-driven footboard starter system, emphasize the Clady’s unconventional yet thoughtful design. With white-painted steel components, matching fenders, and a black truss-spoke rear wheel, the motorcycle is both functional and visually striking.
The Clady’s Journey Through Time
The Williams Clady was part of a short-lived series of experimental motorcycles produced between 1910 and 1915. J. Newton Williams built just four of these radial-engine motorcycles, each incorporating refinements to the design.
This particular model, the third iteration known as the Model C, marked a significant leap forward in terms of engineering and aesthetics. It featured a low, modern-looking frame constructed from triangulated steel tubes, a short leading-link front fork, and a fuel tank integrated into the top frame tube. Remarkably, the engine eliminated the need for cooling fins, as its rapid spinning provided sufficient airflow for cooling.
The Clady has an illustrious history of testing and riding. Williams’ prototypes were rigorously tested for thousands of miles, with his son, N. Halstead Williams, recording extensive rides. Decades later, this surviving Clady was ridden by Brad Wilmarth, a Cannonball veteran, who covered over 11,000 miles on the bike despite its unconventional mechanics.
As the last known survivor of an already rare design, the Clady embodies the adventurous spirit of early 20th-century motorcycle innovation. From its aviation-inspired rotary engine to its minimalist frame, every aspect of the Clady tells a story of bold experimentation and engineering ingenuity.
Whether you’re a collector, a historian, or simply a fan of vintage motorcycles, the 1915 Williams Clady is an extraordinary reminder of the creative spirit that defined the early days of motorcycling.
Source: Mecum