Sport of Motor-Cycling

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22172, 27 July 1935, Page 5 (Supplement)

Sport of Motor-Cycling

By NON-SKID

No. I. [Tho following article js the first of three written specially for the many bov readers of the New Zealand Herald who tako a keen interest iu motor-cyling.] There can bo few boys in New Zealand who liavo reached the age of 15 without developing a keen desire to own and ride a motor-cycle. Some, more fortunately placed than others, ha\ e their wishes gratified by indulgent parents and are proud possessors of sleek machines. Tho majority, however, although equally keen, have to relj on their own efforts to securo mounts, anil look eagerlj forward to tho time when they will bo able to save enough to purchase the model 011 which they have set their heart. Hundreds of young fellows who have recently started work set aside each week from their wages as much as possible toward achieving their ideal, eager for the day when they will be able to place their order for a now or second-hand mount to carry them about their business and pleasure. Motor-cycling is a young man's sport, demanding as it does in its devotees good health and a sound constitution, keen sight, stamina and ability to tako occasional hard knocks. There is a saying current among Auckland motorcyclists that a rider is not fullyfledged until bo has had three spills, and while this is no doubt an exaggeration, t lie re is an element of truth in it that all beginners would do well to recognise. The keen footballer does not lose his enthusiasm when brought down heavily, and the hockey player accepts an occasional blow 011 tbe shins as part of the game. In the same way an enthusiastic motor-cyclist is not deterred by a spill. There is skill required in every branch of motor-cycling, even 111 avoiding injury when falling, as tho beginner will soon discover. An experienced rider is rarely moro than slightly shaken if Jiis mount skids on a greasy pavement or in loose metal and he comes down. The choice of a machino presents a knotty problem in most cases. Even when the amount of money available is strictly limited, there is still a wide range from which to make a selection,

SUGGESTIONS FOR BEGINNERS

while for tho prospective purchaser to whom prico is a minor consideration, there is a bewildering array of attractive machines. As a general rule, however, tho use to which a machine is to be put and tho sum it is desired to spend, fix the buyer on a definite typo. Tho choice of an individual machine from tho class decided upon is largely a matter of personal preference and detail. It can be said without exaggeration that all tho new motor-cycles offered for sale in the Dominion are good, but it is equally true that some are better than others. Hero the advice of an experienced friend is of great value in making a final choico. Diversity oi Types Tho types of motor-cyclo available on the Now Zealand market fall generally into seven classes. There aro "twostrokes," "two-fifty," "three-fifty," "five hundred" and' "six hundred," "singles," "twins" and "fours." Such are tho terms invariably used in the trade, and a knowledge of them is of assistance. A purchaser is also offered most models in either side-valve or overhead-valvo form. Generally the "two-strokes" and "two-fifties" aro the utility types, tho "three-fifties" slightly more powerful mounts for ordinary use, tho "five hundreds" and "six hundreds" are intended for riders who demand a high performance, and the "twins" and "fours" aro luxury models, as powerful as many small cars, for use solo or with side-cars. Prices in New Zealand rango from .about £JO for tho smallest " twostrokes" to approximately £175 for some of the big "fours" and roadracing "singles." In the days of tho belt drive, the rim brako and tho acetylene lamp, motor-cycles lacked the remarkable reliability and cleanliness that aro practically universal to-day. A few years ago designers embarked upon a general "cleaning-up" scheme, minimising controls, removing unsightly excrescences and making their products virtually cars on two wheels. This move was one of the most important in motor-cycling circles in recent years, as it brought tho sport within tho reach of many people, not mechanically inclined, who had been dismayed at tho multiplicity

of "gadgets" and controls on earlier types. The tendency toward enclosing such parts of the engine and transmission as did not call- for frequent attention made tho motor-cycle a much less formidable vehicle and greatly increased its appeal. For tho price asked, a small motorcycle gives a surprisingly high performance, coupled with the economy of operation that has helped to make it "everyman's mount." Tests conducted in Auckland in the past have shown fuel consumptions to range as high as 200 miles per gallon of petrol, and while the average owner cannot expect such startling results without a specially tuned machine, they give an indication of the very modest appetite for fuel of a rapid and reliable vehicle. Economy of Operation The annual fees payable in connection with a motor-cycle in New Zealand total £1 12s, consisting of registration 10s, third-party insurance £l, and number plate 2s. In addition, tho rider is required to possess a licence, which costs 5s a year. Most machines are very completely equipped when delivered to the owner, the extras to bo added being in most cases luxuries that are by no means essential. Move-over, any convenient shed or out-building makes an excellent garage. A costly structure, complete with pit, bench and folding doors, is never needed; as long as a motor-cyclo is not exposed to the weather it will come to no harm, and cleaning and adjustments can easily be done in tho backyard.

Ono of the most interesting aspects of owning a motor-cyclo is the knowledge of internal combustion engines that oven tho most amateurish owner can gain. While it is by no means necessary for the owner to carry out such periodical tasks of maintenance as decarbonising the engino and grinding-in tho valves, those who are sufficiently keen can provide themselves with a fresh interest in doing this work themselves. Tho first time it is advisable to have a competent friend to lend assistance, or else to follow very closely the instructions in tho manual, if one is provided. Subsequently, after learning tho routine of such tasks, it is possiblo to complete them alono with excellent results.

When puchasing his first machine tho novice should make a resolution to

keep his mount in good order and thoroughly cleaned, not merely for tho first few months, but as long as it is in his possession. Very many riders loso their pride of ownership as soon as a new and even more glittering machine comes on the market, but the real enthusiast is usually seen astride a mount perhaps several years old, but ono -that runs sweetly and silently, and shows its owner's devotion in its clean motor and gearbox and well-kept paint. After all, the owner of a. twowheeler has infinitely less cleaning to do than a man who has a motor-car. While the keeping of a motor-cycle in spick-and-span order may involve greater attention to detail than is required with a car, it is surely asking very little for the owner to spend say an hour a week in attending to a mount that may carry him 300 miles or so during that period.