MOTOR-CYCLING.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20986, 24 September 1931, Page 14

MOTOR-CYCLING.

NEXT YEAR'S MODELS. GENERAL IMPROVEMENTS. Although it is confidently expected that there will bo few radical alterations iu motor-cyclo design for 1932, arid the one or two of next year's models which have already arrived in tlie Dominion incorporate no sweeping changes, several interesting new machines have appeared in England, and will probably make their appearance locally before long. An English authority has summed up tho position by saying that tho aim of manufacturers has been to develop and improve existing design rather than to scrap tho knowledge acquired by past experience and to branch out with entirely new lay-outs. At least one leading manufacturer has announced tho addition of a four-cylmder machine to his range, while several other firms have produced twins of good eloign. For tho most part, however, designers have concentrated on tho development of tho single-cylinder type, particularly overhead valve models. Attention has beon paid to improving valve-gear, both in respect of strength and mechanical silence, while exhausts -will bo generally quieter on next year's models. Pistons of new dosigu, and mado from a recently-per-fected alloy, should do much to lessen tho slap which has been an unpleasant feature of many machines in tho past. Iho fourvalvo principle has gained many new adherents for next year, while tho new engines are generally sturdier and develop greater power than those of past years. An effort has been mado to improve accessibility, and to "clean up" machines generally. Tho various periodic adjustments have been simplified, and accessories housed more neatly, so that thev are out of tho way in the event of a crash, and yet aro easily reached for inspection or cleaning. There has been a definite movement in tho direction of easier maintenance, a feature that, should make a strong appeal to local riders. Frames and Transmission. Although it has not yet been announced definitely whether any gear-drive machines will be offered for next year, it is known that manufacturers aro intent on producing improved transmission. The problem of tliu high-speed chain is being investigated thoroughly, and it, would appear that, tho era of unit construction has definitely commenced. Several machines will comprise unit construction with automatically tensioned chains, duplex chains without tensioners, chains running in oil baths and various other methods for ensuring a longer lite i<>r this sorely-tried component. Four-speed gear-boxes, which were incorporated in many of the 1931 models, will bo more generally used next year, while, one or two makers have also standardised foot gear-changes. Last year, designers were successful in producing soine machines that were real ' ticklo-staiters, even in the coldest weathbr, but these will be eclipsed bv at. least two makes for next year, both of which will be equipped with self-starters. Tho advisability of offering spring frames has been a vexed question for some years past, only ono or two firms standardising this equipment without adding materially to the cost of their product For next year, however, several makeis have reached the stage when they are prepared to list machines fitted with spring frames, and these should prove popular among riders in the Dominion. Although ! the equipment of a modern machine in- j eludes large-section tyres and a good saddle, the extra comfort provided by a j spring frame will undoubtedly appeal to enthusiasts everywhere, specially those who have long stretches of indifferent roads to cover. On rough surfaces, a spring frame not only gives greater comfort/but also makes for additional secur. ity, an important point in a country where a bad patch of road may bo encountered without warning. SPEEDWAY WINNINGS. One frequently hears reports of tho big money being earned by speedway riders. Although conditions were exceptionally favourable to the star performers in the early stages of cinder track racing and particularly so at Western Springs, conditions have now become stabilised throughout the world, and there are very few riders even among the "top-notcliors" who are making £SOO a year. Tho following extract from the "Motor-Cycle" concerning English conditions is interesting:—"l have been at some pains to arrive at an averago figure which might be termed the salary of really first-class speedway riders after all expenses in connection with machines, transport, etc., havo been deducted. "Here is tho caso of a. real topliner who has done very well indeed so far this season, lie averages two team matches a week, and three meetings a week in all. In team racing to date his average is seven points a match, which means £l4 a week. Appearance money at three meetings brings in a further £ls. and his winnings from other races amount to about £lO a week. This means a gross weekly total of about £4O, and his speedway expenses amount to approximately half that figure. This leaves him with £2O a week at the very outsido (in practice it is often considerably less) for about six months of tho year and nothing for tho remainder. Spread over 12 months, it is equivalent to a salary of £lO a week. "lie may win a £IOO championship, but this is always counterbalanced by the fact that he may also —or instead —bo laid up for a space through accident; it is largely a matter of luck." THE NORTH SHORE CLUB. Tho North Shore Motor-cyclo Club has arranged for its members to take part in a run to Maioro Bay, via YVaiuku, on Sunday. Riders will leave tho Auckland railway station at 10 a.m. ANOTHER BRITISH VICTORY. British machines swept tho board in a recent Italian hill-climb, known as the Cernobbio-Mount Bisbino. Two Sunbeams and a B.S. A. wore first, second and third respectively in tho 500 c.c. class; a Velocelto and two Sunbeams were first, second and third respectively in the 350 c.c. class, and an A.J.S. fourth; a J A.P.-engined machine won the 250 c.c. class, with an Ariel second; and a Vil-liers-engined machine made tho best 175 c.c. time.