Bikers pay homage to Franklin

A VERY special motorcycling event took place on the Northside last week with the unveiling of a plaque in Drumcondra.

The plaque at 18 Whitworth Road marks the birthplace of Charles B Franklin who was Ireland’s first motorcycle racing star and enthusiasts paid homage to the man at the ceremony.

Historian Harry Havelin presented a talk on Franklin who was an engineer of note and who was born on October 13, 1880 and died on October 19, 1932.

Franklin gained legendary status for designing motorcycles for the Indian Motorcycle Company, including the original Indian Scout of 1920, the original Indian Chief of 1922, and the Indian 101 Scout of 1928.

Before that he had been part of the Indian motorcycle team that won first, second, and third place in the 1911 Isle of Man TT, finishing in second place.