1928 Douglas DT5 Dirt Track-Speedway Bike

Description

Introducing our 1928 Douglas DT5 Dirt track and Speedway bike. The Bristol-based Douglas Foundry commenced motorcycle production in 1907 with a horizontally-opposed twin. In the late 1920s speedway, or dirt track racing came to the UK. Almost all major UK manufacturers listed a dirt-track ready model, Douglas was the first manufacturer to get established in the sport.

Motorcycle dirt track racing had its origins in both South Africa and the USA during the early 1920’s. Of the various machines used, the horizontal twin-cylinder Douglas, with its low centre of gravity proved particularly suitable. The Douglas factory was quick to capitalise on this new sporting phenomena and developed the DT5 for dirt track racing and other off-road sporting disciplines.

The first dirt track race in Britain under ACU rules took place at High Beech, Epping Forest in February 1928. While local competitors rode conventionally using both footrests, Australian and American riders introduced their exciting ‘broadsiding’ riding style. Hundreds of people were expected to attend but thousands turned up to witness the well-publicised event. The meeting lasted until sunset and it was Alf Metcalf riding a Douglas who won the first race of the day to establish Douglas as the machine to have. The success of this event rapidly led to cinder-racing tracks being constructed around Britain, at either greyhound tracks or football grounds. 1929 was the best sales year for Douglas DT models and the famous American rider, ‘Sprouts’ Elder was employed by Douglas with a stable of 10 machines and a dedicated mechanic.

Experience here a true legend of early speedway racing with this 1928 Douglas DT5 Speedway bike, a machine that defined the sport in its formative years. Developed specifically for speedway competition in the late 1920s, the DT5 features Douglas’s iconic 500cc flat-twin, overhead-valve engine running on methanol, delivering exceptional balance and a remarkably low centre of gravity, perfect for the aggressive leg-trailing riding style of the era.

Built with a special lightweight frame, three-speed hand-change gearbox, and strengthened rear wheel, the DT5 was engineered for pure performance. Like all authentic speedway machines, it dispensed with clutch and brakes, relying on full-throttle riding and magneto cut-out speed control. Virtually unbeatable between 1927 and 1929, the Douglas DT5 remains a cornerstone of British motorcycle racing history and a highly desirable piece for the serious collector and historic competition enthusiasts alike.

Comes registered with a V5C logbook, Frame No: TF611 Engine No: EL 516

• Douglas
• Motorsport
• Prestige
• DT5