1930 Ravat ER2 175cc French barn find project

1929 Ravat ER2 175cc French barn find motorcycle

Ravat was created in 1898 in Saint Ettienne in the Loire region of France by Jules Ravat and Auguste Argaud. Like many other companies they originally built bicycles and in 1911 built their first motorcycles fitted with two stroke Vap or Villiers engines. After the first world war they launched a large range of bikes with various engines including Blackburne and Zurcher. The ER2 model was launched in 1928 and the early bikes has a flat tank whilst later bikes were modernised with saddle tanks. The model was dropped in 1931. The company continued to produce bikes until 1958.

This bike has been in a barn in the Auvergne region of France for some years. It has survived pretty well and is in very good barn fresh unrestored condition.

It is a 1929 model that i believe left the factory as a Flat tank bike. It was quite common to fit later tanks to modernize the look of early bikes and that is what i think has happened to this bike. It is entirely up to the next owner whether it is kept as it is or attempt to source an original replacement or refabricate one. I have a friend with an identical bike so can supply pictures and measurements if needed.

Mechanically it has a 175cc two stroke Zurcher engine with three speed Staub gearbox. The engine turns over fine with excellent compression and the hand change gears engage correctly and the clutch operates. The timing chain and cover are missing but this engine was fitted to a lot of bikes so replacements can be sourced or new ones are available from a couple of specialists in France. As previously mentioned the tank is not the original but the paint matches perfectly and the patina is very nice. The interior of the tank is excellent.

The only other part that i can see is missing is the leather door for the tool box. Both tyres are inflated and hold air but are old.

The handlebars have been turned downwards to look more sporty but can easily be put back higher and the chrome is excellent. It has been fitted with a flywheel driven dynamo and electric lighting kit. The chrome headlamp is in superb condition. The rear light is from a later 1950s bike. The saddle is the original leather one and is in nice usable condition. It has a very nice period passenger seat with correct foot pegs. The rear axle mounted stand needs some adjustment but is all there including the retaining clip. The two tone green paintwork is very attractive and has really nice patina.

If you are looking for a 1920s bike at a reasonable price this could be for you. A good size, substantial machine that will be extremely unusual in the UK.

There is no log book with the bike. However i will supply a French certificate de cession and i will Nova the bike for the new owner so registering in the UK will be straight forward. I also provide a help sheet that explains how to register a French motorcycle in the UK should you need one.

The bike will be arriving in Capel near Dorking and it is for collection from there. I can supply the details of a reliable courier should you need one.

Payment is by cash on collection, bank transfer please no paypal due to the extortionate fees.