Levis
A historic Birmingham motorcycle marque known especially for lightweight two-stroke motorcycles and later four-stroke competition machines.
Last updated November 4, 2026
AI crawler reads
2requests
1companies- Anthropic2
- Profile
- 2
- Controversies
- 0
- JSON · MD
- 0
- First read
- Nov 4, 2026
- Latest read
- Nov 4, 2026
From this site's server log
Overview
Levis was a British motorcycle marque manufactured by Butterfields Ltd. of Birmingham, England. It is unrelated to the American Levi's apparel brand. The company emerged from the work of motorcycle designer Howard, or Bob, Newey, whose first motorcycle design was produced at the Norton works but was rejected by James Norton. Newey subsequently worked with Arthur and Billy Butterfield and their sister Daisy to establish a motorcycle business. Newey later married Daisy Butterfield, linking the design and commercial sides of the enterprise. The first Levis motorcycle appeared in 1911 and used a 211 cc single-cylinder two-stroke engine. Two-stroke machines became the marque's defining product and helped establish Levis as one of England's leading two-stroke motorcycle names during the interwar period. The company later offered 211 cc and 246 cc three-port singles, sporting versions, and a six-port model. A 211 cc machine produced approximately 3 horsepower in the mid-1910s, used an enclosed primary chain drive and a Fellows magneto, and transmitted power to the rear wheel through a Pedley Vee belt. Competition was important to Levis's reputation. Its first major racing success came in the Lightweight 250 class at the 1920 Isle of Man TT Junior race, followed by another Lightweight TT victory in 1922. These results supported the advertising slogan “The Master Two Stroke.” Riders associated with the marque included Geoff Davison, R. O. Clark, and Phil Pike. Levis motorcycles also competed successfully in off-road events, where the company's later four-stroke machines became particularly prominent. From 1928, Levis expanded beyond two-strokes into four-stroke motorcycles. The range included 247 cc and 346 cc overhead-valve singles, followed by 498 cc and 600 cc overhead-valve models. For shorter periods, the company also produced a 346 cc side-valve single and a 247 cc single-overhead-camshaft model. Four-stroke motorcycles were used successfully in trials and other off-road competition. Percy Hunt achieved race results on a 346 cc model, while Bob Foster won events shortly before the Second World War on a 598 cc Levis overhead-valve motorcycle. The original manufacturing period ran from 1911 to 1940 according to the marque's commonly cited historical account, with four-stroke production extending to 1941. The postwar history of the original manufacturer is not fully established in the available reference material. In 2014, the Levis motorcycle brand was acquired by David Redshaw of the Auto Crowd Group. In 2017, the name was sold to Phil Bevan of engineering company Bevan Davidson International, which subsequently announced work to revive the marque. The revival plan centered on the Levis V6 Café Racer. It was initially associated with a proposed 2.0-litre V10 engine developed for the Connaught Type D sports car, another asset acquired by Bevan Davidson International, but the project later moved toward a V6 configuration. Production was announced as a planned limited run, initially described as six motorcycles with a proposed price of £52,000 each. The planned production did not materialize in the cited account, although development of a new range of Levis motorcycles was reported to be continuing. The present commercial status of the revived brand remains uncertain.
History
Levis was established in Birmingham, England, around the motorcycle design work of Howard, or Bob, Newey. Newey's first motorcycle was made at the Norton works, but James Norton declined to adopt it. Newey then joined Arthur and Billy Butterfield and their sister Daisy to form a separate motorcycle enterprise. The association later became personal as Newey married Daisy Butterfield. The first Levis motorcycle appeared in 1911. It was a lightweight 211 cc single-cylinder two-stroke, and two-stroke engineering remained central to the marque's identity for much of its original life. A typical early machine used an enclosed chain from the crankshaft to a Fellows magneto and a Pedley Vee belt for final drive. By 1916, the 211 cc engine was producing about 3 horsepower and the motorcycle weighed approximately 120 pounds. Levis gained public recognition through competition. A 247 cc motorcycle won the Lightweight 250 class in the 1920 Isle of Man TT Junior race, and the marque repeated its success in the 1922 Lightweight TT race. These victories helped support the slogan “The Master Two Stroke.” The company produced 211 cc and 246 cc three-port singles, sporting derivatives, and a six-port machine. Riders such as Geoff Davison, R. O. Clark, and Phil Pike competed for the marque. The company broadened its engineering program in 1928 by introducing four-stroke motorcycles. Early four-strokes included 247 cc and 346 cc overhead-valve singles, followed later by 498 cc and 600 cc overhead-valve models. Levis also briefly offered a 346 cc side-valve single and a 247 cc single-overhead-camshaft motorcycle with chain-driven overhead camshaft. The four-stroke range extended the brand's presence into competition beyond lightweight road racing. Percy Hunt achieved success on a 346 cc machine, while Bob Foster won trials and motocross events on a 598 cc overhead-valve Levis shortly before the Second World War. The original Levis manufacturing period is generally described as running from 1911 through 1940, with four-stroke production continuing to 1941. The available reference does not provide a complete account of the company's postwar corporate history or establish a precise date at which every Levis activity ended. The marque was revived as an intellectual-property and product-development project in the twenty-first century. David Redshaw of the Auto Crowd Group acquired the brand in 2014. In 2017, ownership passed to Phil Bevan and Bevan Davidson International. A public announcement in 2018 described plans to restart the marque through a modern Levis V6 Café Racer. The project was initially linked to a 2.0-litre V10 engine associated with the Connaught Type D sports car, but the proposed powertrain direction later changed to a V6. An initial six-bike production run was discussed at a proposed price of £52,000 per motorcycle. The cited reference states that production had not materialized, while development of a broader motorcycle range was continuing. The current operational status of the revived brand is therefore not established.
- 2018
Modern revival announced
[1]A public announcement outlined plans to revive Levis through development of the V6 Café Racer and a future motorcycle range.
- 2017
Brand transferred to Bevan Davidson International
[1]The Levis name was sold to Phil Bevan of engineering company Bevan Davidson International.
- 2014
Brand acquired by Auto Crowd Group
[1]David Redshaw of the Auto Crowd Group acquired the Levis motorcycle brand.
- 1940
End of the principal original production period
[1]The marque's original motorcycle production is commonly dated through 1940, with some four-stroke production continuing into 1941.
- 1928
Four-stroke range introduced
[1]Levis expanded into four-stroke motorcycles, beginning with 247 cc and 346 cc overhead-valve singles.
- 1922
Lightweight TT victory
[1]Levis repeated its Isle of Man success by winning the Lightweight TT race, reinforcing its two-stroke sporting reputation.
- 1920
First Isle of Man TT Lightweight success
[1]A 247 cc Levis achieved the marque's first reported major racing success in the Lightweight 250 class of the Isle of Man TT Junior race.
- 1916
211 cc two-stroke specification documented
[1]The 211 cc vertical two-stroke was documented at approximately 3 horsepower, with enclosed chain primary drive and belt drive to the rear wheel.
- 1911
First Levis motorcycle produced
[1]The first Levis motorcycle entered production in Birmingham, using a 211 cc single-cylinder two-stroke engine.
Products and positioning
Historic British motorcycle marque associated with lightweight two-stroke engineering, road racing, trials, and motocross, later repositioned around a proposed high-performance revival.
Two-stroke motorcycle · 1911
Levis 211 cc two-stroke
The 211 cc single-cylinder two-stroke was the foundational Levis model. Early examples used a compact lightweight design, enclosed chain drive to the magneto, and belt transmission to the rear wheel. The model established the engineering format that shaped the marque's early identity.
Two-stroke motorcycle · 1926
Levis 246 cc two-stroke
The 246 cc two-stroke formed part of the later lightweight range and was offered in several versions, including the Model K and Model O. Related sporting machines were used in competition, including the 247 cc motorcycle associated with Levis's Isle of Man TT victories.
Four-stroke motorcycle · 1928
Levis 346 cc overhead-valve
Introduced after Levis entered the four-stroke market, the 346 cc overhead-valve single expanded the marque beyond lightweight two-strokes. The model and its derivatives were used in both road and competition settings, including successful racing and off-road applications.
Four-stroke motorcycle · 1938
Levis 496 cc OHV Model D-Special
The 496 cc Model D-Special represented the larger-capacity overhead-valve side of the prewar Levis range. It belonged to the marque's later four-stroke period, when Levis was producing motorcycles larger than its original lightweight two-stroke designs.
Competition motorcycle
Levis 598 cc overhead-valve
The approximately 598 cc overhead-valve motorcycle was used successfully in trials and motocross shortly before the Second World War. Bob Foster is associated with multiple wins on this large-capacity Levis competition machine.
High-performance revival motorcycle
Levis V6 Café Racer
The V6 Café Racer was the centerpiece of the modern revival plan announced after the brand changed hands in the 2010s. The project was initially linked to a proposed 2.0-litre V10 engine but later moved toward a V6 configuration. A six-motorcycle initial run was discussed, but production had not materialized in the cited reference.
Marketing campaigns
- The Master Two Stroke
United Kingdom
Levis used the slogan “The Master Two Stroke” after its lightweight racing successes, presenting the marque as a specialist in two-stroke motorcycle engineering.
Outcome. The slogan became associated with the brand's interwar two-stroke identity.
Brand decisions
2018
Development of the Levis V6 Café RacerProduct launchBackground
Bevan Davidson International sought to relaunch the historic name with a premium, high-performance motorcycle.
Action taken
The company developed the V6 Café Racer, revising the initial V10-related concept toward a V6 engine and discussing an initial six-bike production run.
Aftermath
The proposed production did not materialize in the cited account, although development of additional motorcycles was reported to continue.
Proposed price per motorcycle. £52,000 (Planned initial production period)
2017
Sale of the Levis name to Bevan Davidson InternationalM&ABackground
After the brand had been acquired by David Redshaw's Auto Crowd Group in 2014, ownership changed again in 2017.
Action taken
The Levis name was sold to Phil Bevan of Bevan Davidson International.
Aftermath
The new owner announced a program intended to revive Levis as a modern performance motorcycle marque.
1928
Expansion from two-strokes into four-strokesStrategyBackground
Levis had established its reputation through lightweight two-stroke motorcycles and racing, but the company broadened its technical range in the late 1920s.
Action taken
The company introduced 247 cc and 346 cc overhead-valve four-stroke motorcycles and subsequently added larger-capacity models.
Aftermath
The four-stroke program gave Levis a presence in larger-capacity road and off-road competition, including trials and motocross.
Recent events
Reported
Levi’s announces workshop programme rollout[2]
Levi’s says it is rolling out a workshop programme in 2026. The workshops focus on traditional mending skills, including sewing on a button and hemming.
Reported
Levi’s Music Project announces India partnership with Ritviz and Kayan[3]
Levi’s announced a partnership with musicians Ritviz and Kayan for the India edition of The Levi’s Music Project, which aims to enable aspiring musicians through content, creative insight and collaboration.
- Unconfirmed
Reported
Levi’s launches circular 501 jeans[4]
Levi’s launched a circular version of its 501 Original jeans, made with organic cotton and post-consumer recycled denim and designed to be recyclable.
Levi’s launches “When you take a step, we all move” campaign[5]
Levi’s launched a brand campaign centered on the message “When you take a step, we all move,” featuring Deepika Padukone and other women.
Reported
Levi’s appoints Deepika Padukone as global brand ambassador[6]
Levi’s announced the appointment of actor Deepika Padukone as its global brand ambassador. The article says she will spearhead a campaign focused on a new range of fashion fits.
Reported
Levi’s and Pokémon launch capsule collection[7]
Levi’s and Pokémon launched a capsule collection of apparel and accessories featuring graphics and prints inspired by the animated series.
Reported
Levi’s and The Pokémon Company collaborate on a clothing collection[8]
Levi’s partnered with The Pokémon Company to launch a 1990s-inspired clothing collection. The collection was scheduled to become available worldwide on February 15, 2021.
Reported
Pokémon announces anniversary music and brand partnerships[9]
The Pokémon Company said it was teaming up with Universal Music Group and musicians, and partnering with brands including Levi’s, McDonald’s, Jazwares, Scholastic, Mattel, Funko and the Wand Company, as part of Pokémon’s 25th-anniversary celebration.
Levi’s launches Secondhand resale platform[10]
Levi’s launched Secondhand, a resale platform where customers can sell their old Levi’s jeans back to the retailer and shoppers can buy relisted garments.
Reported
Levi’s and Google announce second-generation Jacquard jackets[11]
Levi’s announced a second-generation smart denim jacket developed again with Google, with upgraded technology and additional jacket styles. The collection was scheduled for limited release at selected Levi’s stores and the MOMO brand flagship store on September 3.
Sources21 sources
- 1Levis (motorcycle)en.wikipedia.org
- 2Levi’s宣布推出工作坊计划bbc.co.uk
- 3Levi’s Music Project宣布与Ritviz和Kayan合作推出印度项目indiantelevision.com
- 4Levi’s 推出循环设计的 501 牛仔裤iconeye.com
- 5Levi’s推出“迈出一步，我们共同前进”品牌宣传活动afaqs.com
- 6李维斯任命迪皮卡·帕度柯妮为全球品牌大使livemint.com
- 7Levi’s 与 Pokémon 推出联名系列nbcbayarea.com
- 8Levi’s 与 Pokémon Company 合作推出服装系列licensing.biz
- 9宝可梦宣布周年庆音乐及品牌合作mobilesyrup.com
- 10Levi’s推出Secondhand二手转售平台fibre2fashion.com
- 11LEVI’S 与 Google 宣布第二代 Jacquard 智慧丹宁夹克chinatimes.com
- 12Levi’s 与 Google 宣布推出第二代 Jacquard 智慧丹宁夹克chinatimes.com
- 13Levi Strauss宣布计划裁减约700个职位finance.sina.com.cn
- 14Nintendo与Levi’s合作推出Super Mario服饰tweaktown.com
- 15Levi’s与Nintendo预告Super Mario联名商品合作mobilesyrup.com
- 16李维斯关闭中国约一半门店finance.sina.com.cn
- 17Genesco与Levi's签订美国鞋类许可协议fibre2fashion.com
- 18Levi’s仓库促销最高打七折esquire.com
- 19谷歌和李维斯推出第二代 Jacquard 智能夹克tech.sina.com.cn
- 20销售额暴跌六成 李维斯要裁员15%finance.sina.com.cn
- 21Levi's partners with 6 changemakers on new environmental campaigniol.co.za
Cite this profile: Cite the canonical profile. /brand-wiki/levis · Editorial policy · How profiles are compiled