Waratah motorcycles were manufactured in Sydney, Australia, from before 1911 to around 1948, although Waratah badged motorcycles were sold into the 1950s.
Initially Waratah motorcycles were manufactured by the Canada Cycle & Motor Agency, Ltd.Queanbeyan Age (NSW: 1907–1915), Friday 3 November 1911, page 4. Not only was a Waratah machine equipped with 4.5 hp Fafnir engine available in 1911 but the articles states that "'The Waratah' is too well known among motor cyclists to need any labored praise here". This strongly suggests that Waratah was already well established in the market and hence had been in production for some years. on George Street, Sydney, who from at least 1910 built from standard parts, or rebadged BSA bicycles as, Waratah bicycles.Abridged prospectus for share offering in Canada Cycle & Motor Agency Limited, The Sydney Morning Herald, Thursday 6 October 1910, page 6The Sydney Morning Herald, Saturday 27 July 1912, page 13 W.A.Williams had been the manager of the Sydney branch of this business and in 1905 he bought it, retaining the name until 1913.A–Z of Australian-Made Motorcycles 1893–1942 by Robert Saward, Turton & Armstrong Pty Ltd, In 1913 the bicycle and motorcycle part of the business was taken over by his sons, Perce and Reg, and the name was changed to Williams Bros.,The Sydney Morning Herald, Monday 10 March 1913, page 12 and later P&R Williams. This business, initially at 213–7 Elizabeth Street, Sydney, is widely known as the manufacturer of Waratah motorcycles from 1914 to 1948. Subsequent addresses of 255-259 Elizabeth St by the early 1920s, and 117 Goulburn St in the later 1920s are detailed in newspaper advertising, also detailing that the business changed its name to P.and R. Williams Pty Ltd, and later moved to 74-78 Wentworth Avenue Surry Hills.
Initially, they made small machines assembled from predominantly British components, including Villiers engines, Sun frames, Druid and Brampton forks. In fact, in 1921 they described themselves as sole importers of Villiers-Waratah Motor-Cycles. Fafnir and V.T.S. engines were also used.
In the later years (post World War II), they badge engineered using, it is believed, Norman and Excelsior machines.
They were Australia's longest running motorcycle manufacturer. However little information seems to have survived, presumably because these were low-value utility machines.
Models There is no detailed definitive history of the Waratah models, but from books, press articles, sales brochures and adverts, the following outline picture seems clear: <1911 to 1913?: 4.5 hp model with a Fafnir engine 1914 to ~1930: 197 cc and 350 cc models, built from Villiers (and initially also V.T.S.) engines and various frames and forks. 1930s: 125 cc, 148 cc and 250 cc models, built from Villiers engines and various frames and forks. post-war: Badge engineered Norman (possibly) and/or Excelsior (almost certainly). Possibly there was also a Waratah autocycle.The Sydney Morning Herald , Saturday 26 April 1947, page 23
More details are known for certain years: + Year Models 1911 Waratah machine equipped with 4.5 hp Fafnir engine. The machine is described as being "English" suggesting that it is either manufactured from imported English components or possibly badge-engineered (although the Fafnir engine is German). Earlier adverts clearly indicate that it was manufactured not imported by the statement "MANUFACTURERS and IMPORTERS of Excelsior, Douglas, and Waratah Motor Cycles" since the first two were imported. The company was also manufacturing Waratah bicycles at the time. Adverts for these Waratah motorcycles appear to have run for only a fairly short time in late 1911, perhaps reflecting a limited availability of the machines themselves.
An advertisement in 1916 selling a second-hand Waratah refers to it as "3.5 h.p. overhead valve, Bosch magneto". As this is clearly a 4-stroke engine and the later Villiers and V.T.S. machines were 2-strokes, this is most likely another early model, presumably with a Fafnir engine since they used on some engines overhead inlet and side exhaust valves. 1915 A model with a Villiers two-stroke engine was offered.The Queenslander (Brisbane, Qld.: 1866–1939), Saturday 9 October 1915, page 41The Brisbane Courier, Monday 27 December 1915, page 2
It also seems that Waratah motorcycles were offered with V.T.S. engines. V.T.S. were manufactured by The Valveless Two Stroke Engine Company Ltd. of Birmingham, England, and sold exclusively to Sun Cycle & Fittings Co. Ltd. (whose frames were used on Waratah motorcycles). This was a 269cc engine.
These machines, presumably with either make of engine, were available either with our without a two-speed gearbox. 1916 Models with VilliersThe Brisbane Courier, Friday 18 February 1916, page 4 and V.T.S. two-stroke engines were offered. One model, at least, was supplied with a 2-speed counter-shaft gearbox. 1917 AdvertsThe Sydney Morning Herald, Saturday 31 March 1917, page 16, 17, 18, 19 in March describe apparently second-hand (so perhaps 1916 models) 2.5 hp Waratah machines. The former is described as having lamp, horn and tools. Williams Bros. also provide the following testimonial from their Tamworth Agent: "Mr. Pritchard, of Tamworth, who bought Waratah Motor Cycle off me some time ago (the same machine that I averaged 38 miles an hour on in the big road race) says he has ridden his Waratah over 30,000 miles, and has never had a new ring or part flitted, except two new chains and tyres. He still has the original belt, and the machine is still in first-class running order." 1919 Adverts refer to a new, and what is presumably a second-hand two-speed, 1919 Waratah. 1921 ReportsThe Sydney Morning Herald, Thursday 3 November 1921, page 8 on a race meeting mention a 2.75 hp Waratah machine. Whilst it may not be from 1921, it is presumably not much older if it is in competition. 1922 ReportsThe Sydney Morning Herald, Wednesday 15 February 1922, page 16The Sydney Morning Herald, Wednesday 22 November 1922, page 16 on race meetings mention 2.25 hp Waratah machines less than 600 cc and 2.75 hp Waratah machines with less than 350 cc. Whilst they may not be from 1922, they are presumably not much older if they are in competition. 1924 A 1.5 h.p., two-speed Waratah was offered. There are reportsThe Sydney Morning Herald, Tuesday 6 January 1925, page 6 that mention 1.5 hp Waratah machines, which are probably the same model. Auction salesThe Brisbane Courier, Friday 23 May 1924, page 20 also mention 2.5 hp Waratah machines, although they may also be of earlier manufacture. An advert in the Townsville Daily Bulletin describes a Waratah machine with a Villiers Two-Stroke engine and two speed gearbox that gives 110 mpg and that "easily climbs Stanton Hill on top gear". The advert shows a picture of a machine with enclosed primary chain and a belt drive to the rear wheel, an angular fuel tank slung under the top frame tube, no obvious electrics and no suspension other than seat springs. 1925 ReportsThe Brisbane Courier, Thursday 5 November 1925, page 14 on a race meeting mention a 1.5 hp Waratah machine. Whilst it may not be from 1925, it is presumably not much older if it is in competition and that it is the current stock model is implied by subsequent advertising. The existence of this 1.5 hp Waratah model is confirmed by other advertisements.The Brisbane Courier, Wednesday 4 February 1925, page 15The Brisbane Courier, Saturday 4 July 1925, page 24The Brisbane Courier, Wednesday 18 November 1925, page 19 This model had a Villiers engine and was apparently capable of 30 mph. and 140 mpg. (However, one advertisement seems to indicate it was 1.25 hpThe Brisbane Courier, Wednesday 17 June 1925, page 20 and another refers to 40 mph.) 1926 At least two models were offered: A 1.5 hp modelThe Brisbane Courier, Wednesday 10 February 1926, page 17 was reported to deliver 140 mpg. It was also stated that "Rated at 1.5 hp the Waratah engine develops over 4 Brake Horse Power."Townsville Daily Bulletin, Tuesday 4 May 1926, page 2 It had a two speed gearbox, with an optional clutch and kick starter. This was presumably the 147 cc model that was exhibited at the Sydney Motor Show.The Sydney Morning Herald, Monday 18 January 1926, page 14 A 147 cc, 1.5 hp Waratah also took part in the sixth annual six- days' trials of the Motor Cycle Club of New South Wales.The Sydney Morning Herald, Saturday 1 January 1927, page 10 A 3.5 hp model may have been new this year.Townsville Daily Bulletin, Saturday 6 November 1926, page 2 The standard bike had a pump and full tool kit. A gas lighting set and horn was optional. 1927 A Waratah model equipped with three speed gear box, electric light and horn was offered.The Longreach Leader, Friday 4 January 1929, page 16 A 1.5 hp Waratah was offered as a "low priced machine which is proving very popular amongst motor cycling enthusiasts requiring a machine of exceptionally low upkeep."Townsville Daily Bulletin, Wednesday 6 July 1927, page 9 A 1927 advert refers to a, presumably second-hand and thus probably pre-1927, 2.75 h.p. Waratah. 1928 Two models were offered:The Brisbane Courier, Thursday 20 December 1928, page 7 1.5 hp Villiers engined machine, possibly 197 cc or 147 cc.The Sydney Morning Herald, Thursday 27 December 1928, page 5 Probably single top tube Sun lightweight frame and lightweight Druid forks. 2.5 hp Villiers engined machine, possibly 350 cc. Sun saddle tank frame and Brampton forks.
A classified advert from 1930 refers to a 2.75 h.p. Waratah. 1929 At least two models were offered as described in several (apparently promotional) press articlesThe Brisbane Courier, Thursday 1 November 1928, page 7.The Brisbane Courier, Thursday 31 January 1929, page 6.The Brisbane Courier, Thursday 14 March 1929, page 3The Brisbane Courier, Thursday 21 March 1929, page 8The Brisbane Courier, Thursday 18 April 1929, page 7 typically detailing improvements over the previous year's models: The "Utility" 1.5 hp 147 cc modelThe Sydney Morning Herald, Tuesday 8 January 1929, page 6The Sydney Morning Herald, Friday 11 January 1929, page 8 which was "assembled in Sydney from British components" now had a heavier frame and a saddle tank finished with a red panel. A three speed gearbox with clutch and starter were fitted. Wheels were larger being 26 x 2.5 and both were fitted with 5in. diameter internal brakes. Villiers electric lighting was fitted as standard. There was "positive handlebar anchorage twist grip control", long nickel exhaust pipes and soft top saddle. The quoted fuel efficiency is 160 mpg, with other running costs being negligible. The larger, 2.5 hp sports model was of the same construction but had a two-gallon petrol tank, separate oil tank and 25 x 3.25 well-base tyres. It had the 2.5 hp, 247 cc sports Villiers engine with twin ports and detachable aluminium cylinder head. Apparently it was an excellent hill climber and fast, and was capable of 55 mph. It was fitted with a three speed gearbox, clutch and kick starter, twinThe Sydney Morning Herald, Wednesday 16 January 1929, page 13 long nickel exhaust pipes and had 6V electrics, including a battery. It was fitted with a separate oil tank and had larger brakes than the 1.5 hp model. The existence of the 1929 2.5 hp model is also attested to by a later advert."For Sale" advert in The Sydney Morning Herald, Saturday 6 April 1946, page 20 (The suggestion that the 2.5 hp model was added to the range in 1929 does not seem reliable, and may relate solely to availability from the Queensland agent.)