Have you ever seen a motorcycle like this? 1951 Turner 'By-Van'

In a time before Deliveroo drivers, there was...
The 1951 Turner By-Van!
This truly unique machine was one of the eccentricities of the motorcycle world and made its brief appearance in Brussels in 1946.
Since modern problems always require modern solutions, Turner wanted to combine the fuel efficiency and simplicity of a motorbike with a delivery van.
The machine was an oddity because it had front-wheel-drive using a 125cc Royal Enfield Flying Flea engine mounted on top of the pressed steel forks. The whole of the remainder of the machine was fully enclosed to form a large parcel holder with a saddle on top for the rider and a lid for access.
Sadly, it was far too radical even for Europe, which was to have its fair share of oddities over the years, so no more was heard of it.
Also featuring in this video is the 1913 Sun Motorcycle (nearing completion), as well as the 1898 Quadrant and a new project, a Yamaha FS1E!
We hope you enjoy!

[@tristanbuckoke9121]

I love seeing Sammy in the restoration workshop. Great work mate cheers from Australia 🇦🇺

[@twigglykevin]

Wonder if anyone painted one, back when, with black spots to look like a cow. First thing that came to mind

[@MrJoeblofromidaho]

Wear a helmet. Protect the knowledge

[@gerry343]

Sammy has more faith in stirrup brakes than I ever had. Barely sufficient on a pedal cycle and absolutely useless when its wet!

[@Lio833]

Eccentric British design 🇬🇧… Looks like a hoot too… thanks For all the bike guides & workshop tours Sammy…

[@mitchfleming274]

Don't show Amazon

[@stevecolwill9761]

I had the very great pleasure of being shown around your workshop by Sharon, at the BMW meet yesterday. The FS1-E looked complete abd the by-van had been painted up ready for reassembly. Always a treat to visit the museum, see you again soon!

[@domenicozagari2443]

Have you got any Anzani engines.

[@toolscarriagesmodellbauand7246]

What a great thing, this Turner By-van. Hope to see this motorcycle next in your museum.

[@1.6Kilometres]

Lovely! These are the bikes my Grandad ride taking his tools to jobs, taking my Granny and Great Granny to church and taking vacations that produced such stories of the ham on fire. Thank you!

[@paulraybould9969]

Why restore an original vehicle which is as it came out of the factory, surely it would be better to preserve the original patina

[@romandybala]

I agree. Shame to take the life history out of it. There are two schools of thought on it and I am of the "keep it original" brigade.

[@perry92964]

i'll bet if they brought those to tiwan or korea or nam where everyone was riding bikes this thing would still be in production

[@retromechanicalengineer]

Another day in paradise, you said it Sammy.

[@SkyrayModels]

Wolverhampton Birmingham? Villiers St is in Wolverhampton and NOT Brum.
Great looking vehicle, shame so few were ever made.

[@441rider]

Stuart Turner then Edward Turner the UK has good engine designers. The Stuart Sirius uniflow steam engine with a twin 3" bore would have made a good steam motorcycle.

[@fredfarnackle5455]

Well I never! The By-Van is a new one on me, never heard of it. Of course, there was no way Sammy could resist taking it for spin himself!🤓

[@admiralbeez8143]

I must get to this museum while Sammy is still with us!

[@mark-i7l6c]

love x

[@derf9465]

Lovely place, grew up nearby and visited often.

[@flatbrokefrank6482]

Interesting design Sammy - stay safe

[@willhorsley2105]

Love it! Must visit again

[@S7midnight]

Nice bike, probably too little place for cargo is what killed it.