MOTOR-CYCLING.

Press, Volume LX, Issue 18051, 17 April 1924, Page 9

MOTOR-CYCLING.

RACING FIXTURES. April 19th—Hastings Motor-Cycle Club. April 19th and 21st—Rotorua Motor Club. April 21st—Napier Motor-Cycle Club. April 30th—Feilding Motor-Cycle Club. NOTES. H. D. Singleton, the Ace rider who had a bad spill in soft sand on the beach last Saturday, is still in a serious condition with concussion and a broken arm. Yesterday he had not regained consciousness.

Spencer Stratton, the young New Zealand Indian rider, has gone to Victoria to compete in the Kyneton Carnival at Easter. He had already been entered for a good many of the races, and if he repeats the success he had at Geelone last year spectators should be treated to a good many thrills.

Motor-cycling enjoys great popularity. Contrary to the opinion of some people, its adherents are not confined to hair-brained youths whose only desire is speed and noise. It has invaded the domnin of both young and mature, irrespective of sex, and has a definite place in the scheme of things that tend for progress

It has been said that the use of the motor-cycle has served as a draining ground for amateur motor mechanics and an experimental field for automobile engineers. In that way the twowheeler has exerted considerable influence on the motor-ear industry. In a general "irav motor-cycling has evolved an individual tvpe of motorist. The average motor-cyclist is far more kepn on intricacies of mechanical details than the motor-car owner. He takes a personal pride on the running of his machine, studies all its peculiarities and learns to make the most of its possibilities.

Tn the recent Paris-Ni"e Trial, U.S.A. motor-cycles gained the followina awards:—24 h.n., one entry,(Contant), gold medal (no marks lost); 3i h.p.. one entry (Berrenger), gold medal (no marks lost): fi h.p. and sidecar (Cox), bronze medal.

It is probably no exaggeration, says "Motor Cycling," to say that the average 19124 motor-cycle is nearly 10 miles per hour faster than its prototype of live years ago. We refer, of course, to touring solo machines and not to special sporting models. This advance has automatically brought to the forefront tho problem of ensuring that every motor-cycle built shall possess adequate . roiid-holding properties and shall be so designed that it may safely be riden at its maximum speed by ai comparative novice. To this fact must be attributed the undoubted improvement which has taken place during the past twelve months, for it is now unusual to find a machine wliich does not steer perfectly and hold the road well up to its maximum speed. Stiffer frames, better spring forks and hirge tyres have all been contributory factors, but the- introduction of frictional shock absorbers for the springing system has probably been the most potent factor of all. By adopting such fittings, as standard and incorporating thorn in the design of the machine, our motorcycle manufacturers have gone a step farther than car manufacturers, who are content for the most part to look on shock absorbers as accessories.

The members of the Pioneer Sports Club, together with members of the Nelson and Wellington organisations have been invited to visit Blenheim at Easter as the gueste of the local motorclub. Fishing excursions, a regatta, motor-runs and launch trips have been arranged • for the entertainment of the guests. Alwitt a dozen Christchurch' .motor-cyclists are leaving at G. 30 a.m. to-morrow for the.scene of' the activities.

If in operating tho kick starter it is found to slip out of mesh, though the pinion and ratchet gears are apparently properly adjusted, it will lie found that the kick' starter bracket • and. motor base anchor bolts are loose. The bolts must be tightened and the kickstarter adjusted. It is necessary to remove the. short chaih guard to perform this operation. The'wrench for spark ulngs and rear axlo'. nuts> fits the kick-starter adjusting stud nut.

VISITORS TO BLENHEIM. (special to "the press.") BLENHEIM, April 16. A dozen members of the Pioneer Club, Christchurch, have signified their intention of visiting Blenheim for the Marlborbugn Motor Cycle Club's, holiday activities, and a similar number is expected from Nelson. The Christchurch contingent will arrive on Friday night, and tho Nelson people at about the same time. On Saturday the club here has arranged a run to the Jordan, and this trip is likely to be very popular with motor cyclists as well as motorists, who are also invited to participate. The road to the Upper Awatere is in great order, and is claimed to be one of the best in th,e province for motoring just now.