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Richard Lea and Graham Francis started out as bicycle makers based in Coventry in 1895. They dabbled in cars in the early years of the 20th century before switching to motorcycles in 1912 with a range consisting of just one model, a high quality 3.25hp JAP engined V-twin with enclosed chain drive. Quickly detachable wheels and silky running were the main selling points, and the price was £69:10s. In 1914 the engine was uprated to 3.5hp and continued until 1921 when a MAG 3.5hp engine and 5hp JAP were offered. George Bernard Shaw was one of Lea-Francis’s better known customers, and they continued motorcycle production until 1924, concentrating thereafter on cars until the nineteen fifties.
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