MOTOR CYCLING

Evening Star, Issue 20033, 26 November 1928, Page 12

MOTOR CYCLING

PREPARATION FOR SUMMER

No motor cycle can give satis factory results unless it receives a certain amount of attention, and now the days are lengthening riders should begin to prepare for tho summer season. First, the machine should be cleaned thoroughly, using plenty of paraffin and a stiff brush. The cylinders must be removed and tho carbon deposit cleared. Tho valves must bo gronud with tine paste, and whilo they are removed it may pay to fit now valve springs. The crank case should be drained of all oil, washed clean, and now oil supplied. In replacing the cylinder, care should be exercised to make a good joint between its base and the crank case. Attention may now be turned to the carburettor, which must he cleaned, and if the needle valve is worn it must be replaced. All supply pipes and petrol filters should be cleaned, and if the tank shows any sign of containing foreign matter it will pay to remove it and carefully clear any particles that may cause blockage of tho feed. With regard to the magneto, it is advisable to take this to an expert, who will clean and examine it for a few shillings. In the case of the gear box, it is generally sufficient to see that it is filled with the correct quantity of suitable lubricant, but to be on the safe side, remove the clutch and clean the plates. Now there comes the innumerable bearing surfaces, hubs, steering head, fork spindles, fork dampers, etc. All should be removed and examined, and, where necessary, packed with grease. The controls also call for examination, and if any wires are frayed they should be renewed. Brakes must not bo forgotten, and new linings may be advisable. The driving and primary chains need thorough cleansing after winter work, and a good soaking in oil will add life and also give more silent running. No tour can be enjoyed with defective tyres, so remove the outer covers, clean the rims, and apply a coat of preservative. All cold patches can, with advantage, bo vulcanised, and any cuts in tho outer cover should receive attention. To complete tho overhaul, examine the tool-kit and make sure all tools are packed with a supply of odd nuts, split pins, chain links, and a puncture repairing outfit. OFFER OF “ ANY PRICE.” An amazing story comes from Dudley, England, how a trickster was feasted by a famous firm of motor car manufacturers, how he offered “ any price,” for a car that had been built for a European king, and then “ bought ” a second-hand car, finally vanishing and leaving his bills unpaid. A man of stately bearing, whose “ wealth ” evidently impressed, persuaded a Dudley garage proprietor to drive him to the Midland town where tho world-famous ear is made. They were to stay the night, and the cost, whatever it might be, was to be paid by the visitor. At the best hotel in tho town an elaborate supper was prepared, where, on the pretence that “ the girl in the office ” could not change a £lO note, £2 was borrowed from the owner of the taxi. Next morning coffee was ordered for two, and a beautiful electric torch was given to “ my Dudley engineer.” They went by train—the car had to be left at the hotel as a security, so as not to arouse suspicion—to the works, where “ our mutual friend ” was royally received by the manager. The visitor was snown over the works, every part of a car was demonstrated, but, “ unfortunately,” the company had only one car to his liking, and that had been specially made for the foreign monarch. Offers of “ any price ” for this did not move tho management, and finally, following telephone Calls, it was stated that at their London show rooms tho company would have a car to his liking. More feasting took place—not at “ our friend’s ” expense—and then the company sent a luxurious car to taka the party to London. With much ceremony, they were provided for at a West End hotel, where, haying stayed the night, they were taken in the car to the showrooms.

Elaborate demonstrations, however, failed to convince the “ gentleman ” that the company had the suitable car. It was suggested that as he wanted immediate delivery he might be willing to look at a second-hand car at a firm where bodies are built. With an air of injured deference, the customer was driven to this establishment. He was shown the car, expressed a desire for a demonstration, and, having been taken a hundred-mile trip, said he was delighted. The price, £1,668, was agreed upon, tho “ purchaser ” remarking that “she was a lovely thing,” but he wanted extras, including a silver eagle as a mascot. Returning to hi s hotel to settle the deal at once, he regretted his solicitor would not be available for an horn - or two, and again ho presided at a popular table. Subsequently ho was driven to his solicitors, left the car to enter some offices, and from that moment was not seen again. Tho man had enjoyed a series of runs, had been feasted royally, and had left without paying hotel bills. Two chauffeurs had been left stranded, to make a disconsolate journey back of more than a hundred miles, lie firm had not sold a car, and no services had been paid for.