1929 Levis 247cc '6 Port'
Registration no. BF 5880
Frame no. 20593
Engine no. 24817

Manufactured by Butterfield Ltd of Stechford, Birmingham, the Levis motorcycle derived its name for the Latin word for 'light', which was one of the diminutive machine's many virtues. One of the pioneers of the two-stroke motorcycle, the firm commenced manufacture of its 211cc, single-gear lightweight in 1911. Soon dubbed 'Popular', the model was a huge success for the Birmingham marque, remaining in production until 1926. Levis dominated 250cc racing in the early 1920s, winning the Lightweight category at the Isle of Man TT in 1920 and 1922, and duly introduced a new 247cc production model alongside the Popular for 1921.
This Vintage-era Levis two-stroke lightweight is the sporting '6 Port' model, which was produced alongside the cheaper, four-port Model Z and advertised as 'the 60mph 250cc two-stroke'. A 'barn find' in 2002, 'BF 5880' subsequently underwent a complete 'last nut and bolt' rebuild, which was completed by a previous owner in 2009. It was displayed at the annual 'Levis Cup' event in 2011 but not ridden because of the owner's ill health. The immediately preceding owner (a relative) acquired the Levis in 2014 and rode it on several occasions, though only over short distances. Since the vendor's purchase earlier this year, the machine has been thoroughly checked over, cleaned and polished. The two-stroke enthusiast's ideal 'Banbury' mount, this beautiful little Levis is offered with sundry restoration invoices and photographs, old-style logbook, expired MoT (2012) and V5C registration document.