The spelling of the word "Greeves" can be a bit tricky. It is pronounced as /ɡri:vz/ with a long "e" sound followed by a "v" sound. The first letter "G" is pronounced with a hard "g" sound, and the final "s" is silent. The spelling of this word has roots in Old English and is derived from the surname "Grieve" or "Greaves," which originally meant a person in charge of a lord's lands. Despite its unique spelling, "Greeves" remains a relatively uncommon word in modern English language usage.
Greeves is a noun that refers to a type of lightweight motorcycle or minibike that was manufactured by the British company, Greeves Motors Ltd. The term is primarily used to describe off-road motorcycles produced by the company in the 1960s and 1970s.
These motorcycles were known for their distinctive design elements, which included a tubular steel frame, leading-link front suspension, and a powerful two-stroke engine. Greeves motorcycles were particularly popular in motocross and trials competitions during this era.
The term "Greeves" is often used synonymously with "Greeves motorcycle" to denote any model produced by Greeves Motors Ltd. However, it generally refers to their off-road motorcycles due to their significant presence in these disciplines.
The impact of Greeves motorcycles on the motorcycle industry is notable, as the company introduced several innovative features to their bikes. Not only did they incorporate novel suspension systems, but they also developed their own engines and made advancements in frame geometry. These technological innovations greatly influenced the design and performance of subsequent off-road motorcycles.
Though the production of Greeves motorcycles ceased in the 1970s, their legacy lives on through their contribution to the advancement of off-road biking. Today, Greeves motorcycles are highly regarded by vintage motorcycle enthusiasts and collectors for their iconic design, historical significance, and the competitive success they achieved in their prime.