From a chance discovery in a remarkable private motorcycle collection to award-winning appearances at the Isle of Man TT, Joan Crawford’s much-loved Bond Minibyke has a fascinating story. In a letter published in Old Bike Mart, Joan shares how she acquired the little 125cc machine and uncovered its connections to the Bond manufacturing business.
For Joan Crawford, of Northern Ireland, the Bond Minibyke holds a very special place in a family motorcycle collection. Its story began when her husband, David, drew a picture of his very first motorcycle – a Bond Minibyke powered by a 98cc Villiers engine.
Years later, during the summer of 1983, Joan and David visited John Ellis at his home in Celbridge, Ireland, where he kept an extraordinary collection of cars and motorcycles. Joan recalls that it was one of the biggest vehicle collections in the country at the time, with every machine carefully kept under cover.
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David was invited to remove and replace the covers. Before lifting one in particular, he told Joan that he already knew what was underneath.
There, to their surprise, was an unregistered Bond Minibyke, looking just like the machine David had drawn years earlier – except this example was fitted with a 125cc JAP engine.
A return visit and a remarkable purchase
In 1990, Joan and David contacted Mr Ellis to ask whether he would consider selling the Bond. He agreed, and the couple travelled to County Kildare to collect it.
Joan remembers arriving at his magnificent Georgian home on a lovely sunny day and noticing that all the windows were open.
Mr Ellis explained that heavy rain had caused his mill race to overflow, and he had put the heating on in the house to reduce the water flow.
Over tea and scones, Joan had the opportunity to interview him about his business career in England before his retirement to Ireland.
What she discovered was the story of an entrepreneur whose approach to business was, in her view, well ahead of its time.
The man behind the Bond
According to Joan’s account, John Ellis began with GM Motor Distributors Ltd on Stanningley Road, Armley Park, Leeds 12.
The business provided servicing, spares and sales from a garage large enough to accommodate buses and lorries, complete with a waiting area offering tea and coffee.
His business interests also included an engineering works, clothing manufacturing, a laundry and dry cleaners, each developed with additional facilities or services.
In 1950, Ellis met Laurie Bond, who wanted to sell the manufacturing side of the Bond business.
Ellis subsequently developed Bond manufacturing in Leeds, at the same address as his garage, meaning Bond machines were being manufactured in two different parts of England.
However, after approximately three years, problems emerged with frame breakages at the headstock.
Despite several attempts to resolve the issue, manufacturing was eventually discontinued, with the final 125cc model produced in August 1953.
Just 39 miles on the clock
The Minibyke that Joan and David purchased was particularly special.
John Ellis had taken the machine, fitted with a Wipac headlamp, directly from the production line. When the Crawfords acquired it in 1990, it had covered just 39 miles.
There was another remarkable connection to its history.
Joan discovered that when Ellis moved to Ireland, he purchased Straffan House, which later became the famous golfing resort, The K Club.
As Joan points out, her little Bond had once enjoyed a rather prestigious address!
Bringing the Minibyke back to life
Once the couple brought the Bond home, they discovered that its petrol tank was leaking.
A specialist welder was needed to manufacture a replacement, and with the assistance of a riveter, the machine was put back together.
Joan and David subsequently added a horn, saddle bag and pocket watch.
The completed machine became a source of great pride, and Joan particularly enjoyed riding it at the Isle of Man TT during the Vintage Motorcycle Club event in 1996.
Her efforts were rewarded when she won the Best Overseas award on both the Tuesday and Thursday.
Sadly, two years later, Joan developed rheumatoid arthritis and had to give up riding motorcycles.
Her enthusiasm for the hobby remained undiminished, however. She continued her involvement with the motorcycle community and only retired a few years ago from her position as Secretary/Editor of the Thirty Motor Cycle Club of Ulster.
A very special place in the collection
Today, the Bond remains the pride of Joan and David’s predominantly Italian motorcycle collection.
But its importance goes far beyond its unusual design, manufacturing history or award-winning appearances.
As Joan explains, the Minibyke represents the beginning of David’s lifelong passion for motorcycles.
And that makes this little British machine something very special indeed.
With thanks to Joan Crawford, Northern Ireland, whose letter originally appeared in Old Bike Mart.
