Douglas was based in Bristol unlike the majority of motorcycle manufacturers who were grouped in the Midlands or London areas. The Douglas brothers company was based in foundry work, but in 1907 W.J.Barter joined Douglas and designed a flat twin. This type of engine layout became the hallmark of the company which continued production until 1957 finishing with the Dragonfly. Similar to the BMW, Douglas retained the popular chain drive to the rear wheel.

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1955 Dragonfly 350cc

1957 Dragonfly 350cc

 

Mk IV & Mk V 348cc, ohv flat twin, 340lb, 65mpg, 75mph Hard to find, this fine handling bike for it’s day was a little fragile in the engine bay.  Dragonfly 1954-57, 348cc, ohv flat twin, 395lb, 55mpg, 75mph Oddly styled touring boxer twin featuring Earles forks and faired headlamp and petrol tank along with chain final drive unlike the similar BMW which was based on this design. Nice unusual machine with almost adequate performance.