MOTOR-CYCLE TRIAL.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 18285, 22 December 1919, Page 4

MOTOR-CYCLE TRIAL.

' The Pioneer Club’s motor cycle reliability trial on Anniversary Day to Akaroa and bar.: via the Summit resulted in very close competition both in the solo and side-car event-, tod the judge (Mr W. H. Benson) had ui.'Acuity in coming to a decision. The results ere as follow: SOLO TRIAL, . F. V. Thomas (4i h.p. Harley-Davidsoni: Reliability 9EO, condition of machine SO, total marks 1000, 1. . iR, H. Parker (4 h.p. Triumph): 000, 40. 899 2. C. 801 l(5 h.p. Indian): 950, 48, 038. VT. ©alley (7 h.p. Indian): 950, 47, 997. T. C. Tyson (7 h.p. Henderson): 945, 4H, 093." Special prize for best performance cf private owner. H. S. Batchelor (5 h.p. Indian): 940, IS, OSS A. Eopor (7 h.p. Excelsior): 930, 38, 965. "A. I. Parker (4J 8.5. A.):, 900, 37, 937. A. Smith (7 h.p. Harley-Davidson): 600, 48, Siß. SIDE-CAR TRIAL. ' It. L. Kennett (7 h.p. Harley-Davidson): 930, 49, 999, 1 and special prizo for best performance of private owner. G. Lambert (7 h.p. Indian): 950, 47, 99;. - ■ Vf. Jones (7 h.p. Harley-Davidson): 910, 60, 990. G. Henderson (7 h.p. Harley-Davidson) • 935, 42, 977, The judge, in his report, says:—-This siwcossful trial gives further proof of tno efficiency and reliability of the modem mo.osycle, which > appears tc bo equal to almorrt toy test. The course was particularly stiff for one day’s run,', only-a few miles being. Slat, and the remainder long and steep nuls with numerous tricky bends and sharp pinches and the manner in which machines pud riders tackled, and finished this gruelling ton is highly creditable. The weather was very hot, and in view of tho continuous tlimbing it is surprising that only one competitor, on an old machine, had a short stop For over-heated engine. Another strikin;; leaturs was tlio exceptionally clean condition yf the engircs, which, considering the amount ijf oil necessarily used by each competitor, thaws very conclusively that modem oiling -jystoms aro economical, clean and cfficiont, at used intelligently. In the side-car class, both Kennett (the winner) and Lambert (second) put up very fino performances inweed, and only-tho condition of tho respective; piachines enabled mo to separate them. Tho 'bird place winner bagged all tho hard luck, las but for taking a wrong road and having! ■difficulty in turning, which necessitated a short stop, and thus entailing a penalty, this fompetitor must huvo won. as will be obvious rom the fact that he was the only competitor iji this class to gain full marks for “ condition of machine.” In the solo class, the performance of Thomas (the winner) was also highly meritorious, he being the only competitor in the trial to gain maximum marks both for “ reliability ” and " condition of machine.’’ His machine at the one! of the journey was in a condition of perfect cleanliness and tautness, and sot a standard. that was only equalled by one other competitor. But for this, several other machines under usual conditions prevailing in most trials must have gained higher marks. Reference must also be made to the excellent performance of Tyson, on a machine several years old, and who, but for a slight mishap, would have finished very close to tho winner. Out of sixteen competitors to start, thirteen finished, those failing to finish being Lee, who had an accident on Little Akaloa Hill, but was fortunately not hurt; Moir, who retired at Akaroa on account of brake troubles; and Hamilton. who pulled out through persistent tyro troubles on tho return -journey. In several previous trials it has not been possible to compliment the observers or competitors on the accuracy or completeness of their reports, but it is quito pleasing to state that in this trial tho reports are such that little fault can be found, and my work in arriving at decisions lias accordingly been somewhat reduced. Future observers and competitor* kindly note.