Better known in New Zealand for their ladies' bicycles, Raleigh's history of motorcycle production can be traced back to 1887 when Frank Bowden was told by his physician that he should try bicycling for his health. Riding his first pushbike at the age of 38, Bowden was impressed and went to Raleigh Street, in Nottingham, to find its makers. There he met Woodhead, Angois and Ellis, a three-man team which built the bikes under their own names. Bowden immediately offered to purchase their bicycle-manufacturing business. Like many bicycle manufacturers of the day, Frank Bowden saw the potential of combining combustion technology with bicycle geometry. Launching his new venture with the rather bland slogan of Raleigh: Motor Cyclogy for the Utility Rider, it is not surprising that, like so many others of the day, they failed to engage with the contemporary rider. They closed their doors for the first time in 1906. Not giving up, however, Raleigh acquired Sturmey Archer patents in 1919 and Raleigh refocused its motoring ambition. Producing motors and gearboxes for a number of firms, Raleigh also developed a range of its own motorcycles. The MH30 was the large-capacity OHV engine which owed much of its success to the influence of designer - rider D.R. O'Donovan - who defected from Norton to Raleigh in the late 1920s. Relatively modern, the MH30 offers a two-port design, forward-mounted magnetos, three-speed gearbox, a diamond frame and Raleigh girder forks. Add to this its attractive saddle tank with original cream panels and you have one very handsome and original machine. Offering immaculate provenance with relatively low miles, this Raleigh is a superb and rare example of English engineering. This bike is accompanied by a complete history of previous ownership from its release in 1930.