1911 French Gladiator 350cc M.A.G. side-valve V-twin. This model was originally manufactured by Motosacoche in Switzerland starting in 1910. Motosacoche also produced engines for installation in motorcycles made by other brands, such as JAP and Villiers. Since they could not put their brand name on these engine blocks, they were sold under the name MAG. This was simply the address of the Motosacoche company—Acacia, Geneva. This lightweight V-twin was highly sought after, and a partnership was formed with the Clediaber group (Clement), which owned CLEment, GlaDIAtor, and HumBER. Royal Enfield had invested in this group, and so starting in 1911, Royal Enfield’s two-speed system was installed on these models. This was a period when gearboxes did not yet exist, so they were still in the development and discovery phase of the gearbox. The system used two primary chains running over sprockets of different sizes, and the lever to the left of the tank allowed the rider to select first or second gear. Starting was done with a crank that could be stowed under the left leather bag.

This barn find is completely original; the engine is separate and has good compression. Missing parts include the two chain guards. This is a very early model with sharp corners on the fuel tank; by 1912, these had been rounded off. This model was manufactured by Motosacoche, Clement, Gladiator, Humber, and Royan Enfield.