Harry Lindsay dies at 92

Harry Lindsay 1953

Popular motorcycle importer and rider, Harry Lindsay passed away on the morning of 11th November 2018 at the age of 92 years.

He was the third generation of the Lindsay family involved in the motorcycle trade.

His grandfather, Robert Lindsay, was already a motorcycle manufacturer in 1898 producing the famous ‘Celtic’.

Robert Lindsay was also fundamental in developing the pneumatic tyre along with his close friend John Boyd Dunlop, eventually convincing him to set-up the first tyre factory in the world on Golden lane, a mere 50 feet from Lindsay’s own business premises.

The first pneumatic tyre prototypes were actually tested on Robert Lindsay’s racing bicycles, winning many all the races they entered.

Born in 1926, Harry’s grandfather Robert and later his father James, traded from premises in Ship Street, Dublin. Lindsay’s was one of the oldest motorcycle businesses in the British Isles, founded in 1897, although prior to that date they were already assembling bicycles and producing steel cart wheel rim casings.

Harry’s passion for motorcycling took priority over everything else and was still riding well into his 80’s. He was a generous sponsor with many riders coming under his support over the years. His sons Alan and Ralph were both accomplished trials riders.

Lindsay was the official Bultaco importer for Ireland and had very strong connections with the Bulto family in Barcelona. He also imported the ‘Super Ser’ brand of gas heaters made by the San Adria de Besos company.

His ongoing relationship with the Bultaco brand led him to enter a Bultaco team in the 1967 Production 250cc TT, with riders Bill Smith and Irishman, Tommy Robb placing 1st and 2nd.

Harry had also been Ireland’s agent for Vincent motorcycles and as such laid claim to being one of only a handful of people fortunate enough to ride Reg Dearden’s supercharged Vincent Black Lightning.

Arrangements:

Harry Lindsay’s funeral will take place at St. Mary’s Church in Blessington, Co. Wicklow on Friday, 23rd November at 2 pm.

7 thoughts on “Harry Lindsay dies at 92”

  1. He was such a lovely person to talk to and laugh. What a knowledge and wisdom. I met him several times during the Irish National and enjoyed every minute. Will miss him
    Thanks Harry

  2. A great personal friend and we enjoyed many evenings/ nights in the `Den` planning the next scam. R. I. P. JHR.

  3. Sorry to hear of the passing of Harry , a great patron of Irish motorcycling always had a friendly word of wisdom and sometimes devilment. I was lucky to be a benefactor of Harry’s generosity back in Bultaco days. Very lucky to have known him and my sympathy goes out to all the family

  4. I recall many happy occasions Harry spent with my parents Cromie and Phoebe McCandless. Another of the old gang has left us.

    John McCandless
    Isle of Man

  5. Harry was a distant cousin, my grandfather Bolton and his sister Annie, Harry’s grandmother, were siblings. Our family knew of Harry but only tracked him down in 2009. About 12 of us had a great day with him and loved seeing and sitting on his motorcycle collection- must be in our genes. RIP Harry, I am sure you’re still out there somewhere on your Black Shadow. Maggs, Williams, Power and Bolton family

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