Bennett and Wood

B & W Motorcycles

The B & W Hornet and Wasp motorcycles were manufactured by Bennett & Wood, Sydney, in 1937-38. They were the predecessors of the Acme.

The new B. & W. Hornet 150 c.c. motor-cycle.
New Utility Machines Suit Local Conditions

MENTION of the new B. and W. "Wasp" and "Hornet" motor cycles in these columns last week has been responsible for many inquiries for information concerning them. Therefore the following particulars are published.

Both "Wasp" and "Hornet" motor cycles are newcomers to the Australian market. They are specially designed and manufactured to suit local conditions for riders who seek a small, cheap, economical utility machine. The B. and W. "Wasp" is powered by a Villiers 125 c.c. unit construction engine, fitted with the latest flat top piston and detachable alloy cylinder head. The three-speed gear-box is incorporated in the power unit. This little machine has a very sturdy frame of the best quality, weldless steel tubing.

A saddle tank, of 1½ gallons capacity, gives a very low riding position. The forks are of exceptionally strong pressed steel, while adequate springing absorbs all road shocks and ensures comfortable riding. The electrical equipment is Villiers direct lighting, a 5½in. head lamp and good tail light being fitted. The "Wasp" is capable of 140 miles to the gallon, under ordinary running conditions, and weighs, fully equipped, 1101b.

THE "HORNET"

The B. and W. "Hornet" is a machine of similar type, but is fitted with a 150 c.c. Villiers two-port engine, and uses a Burman three-speed gearbox. The "Hornet" has additional refinements such as twist grip throttle, larger tyres and heavier chains...

The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW) Thu 25 Mar 1937


BENNETT AND WOOD

THE long-established firm of Bennett and Wood Pty. Ltd., agents for B.S.A. and Harley Davidson motor cycles and commercial vehicles, also 'James' and B. and W. 'Wasp' and 'Hornet' motor cycles, invites everybody interested in the latest models to visit their pavilion at No. 30 Suttor-avenue during the Royal Easter Show.

Housed in their large and spacious pavilion, the motor cycles make a splendid display of all that is the latest in utility, sports and commercial delivery outfits. The B.S.A. range comprises seventeen models from the small 2-50 S.V. to the big 9-86 twin h.p. machine.

Truth (Sydney, NSW) Sun 10 Apr 1938


Source: Trove
(The "Truth" newspaper was reputedly the worst ever published in Australia, typifying the term Yellow Journalism. It was later absorbed by "The Daily Telegraph", owned by Rupert Murdoch.)