Kempshall Non-Skid motorcycle tyre
Date made: early 20th century
Description: A rubber motorcycle tyre found whilst clearing out a shed at the Grove (Ramsey) in 2017. The tyre was discovered at the back among Gibb era artefacts. The letters KEMPSHALL NON-SKID are visible on the sides, along with the dimensions and serial number. The tread has heavy road wear. This type of tyre was in use around 1911, and is described in the Motorcyclist's Handbook of that year.
The most likely source is P.W. Owen, Tourist Trophy rider 1911-13, who was a friend of the Gibb sisters and who visited them at the Grove. Owen's racing goggles (1976-0694) were also found among the Gibbs' possessions.
It is possible/probable that this tyre was used in a pre-1914 Tourist Trophy race. An advert placed in 'Motor Cycling', May 28 1914 stated that Kempshall tyres were used in the previous year's TT races, with 5 out of 6 racers using them gaining 'gold medals'. The advert stated that 1913 was the first year in which Kempshall tyres were used at the TT.
Materials: cotton, metal: iron, rubber
Object name: tyre
Collection: Social History Collection
ID Number: 2017-0070
Subject tags : #TT&MOTORSPORT