THE MOTOR WORLD.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 20291, 27 December 1927, Page 4

THE MOTOR WORLD.

By ACCELERATOR

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS. The Big Tree Bulletin and Calendar are to hand, both of which fulfil their puri pose. GREETINGS. I have received greetings from General Motors New Zealand, Limited, and the Big Tree Organisation, and they are heartily reciprocated. OTAGO MOTOR CLUB. Tlie fixtures for the motor cycle section are as follows; —Wednesday, January IS, sports evening; Saturday, January 28, silencing competition; Saturday, February IS, hill climb; Tuesday, February 28, club run; Saturday, March 3, Southland beach races; Wednesday, March 7, pillion run; Saturday, March 17, beach races, Waikouaiti; Easter tour, April 6, 7,8, and 9; Saturday, April 28, paper chase. PETROL TAX. No indication can be gathered in official circles in Wellington as to when the price of petrol is likely to go up under the new tax, and it was gathered from a reliaole source that the Wellington offices of the distributing company have no idea when the change is likely to take place (says a northern exchange). Holiday makers may fairly safely assure themselves, however, that there is little likelihood if higher prices for two or three weeks .it least, and it is even whispered that, according to the stocks available when the imposition of the levy was announced, no increase ought to be made until well into February. The head offices of the larger distributing companies are in London, and'it is from there that any changes will ho ordered. EGOTISM! The Nelson Automobile Association has the worst system of sign-posting in the South Island, which is sad, because that association is such a live body. N.A.A. is the important message of the signposts. Those letters are invariably _ at the top of the board, with the direction name as a sort of after-thought. In one place, at least, two boards have been set on a post. The top one reads N.A.A., and underneath is the direction notice. Surely this is extravagance and lack of understanding in signpost values. Just past Springgrove, I think (says a Christchurch scribe), there is no direction indication, but the N.A.A. lettering is displayed alone. Scottish for no, one supposes. The direction message should be set out in large letters; it should eclipse in display the initials of the body which erected the sign. BRITISH EXPORTS. Exports from England for September were £188,158, and show a considerable decrease compared with August figures, but still are higher by £34,105 than those of September of last year. The nine months’ total exports amount to £2,485,868 —an increase of £375,027 over last year’s figures for the same period. Below arc shown September’s export figures for 1925, 1926, and 1927: — 1925. 1926. 1927. Motor cycles £134,978 £103,864 £115,943 Value of parts and accessories 62,337 50,120 72,215 £197,315 £153,993 £188,158 No. of machines 3,392 3,758 2,675 MAROUBRA SPEEDWAY. Sydney’s famous motor speedway at Maroubra has lost a lot of money for its promoters in the two years since it was completed (states an Australian journal). The broad concrete track, with its saucerlike banking, cost, with accessories, £42,000. There were good attendances at the first few meetings, but Maroubra is a long way out, and the tramway service not of the best. Several months ago the company sold the track to J. S. Taylor, one of the original shareholders, for £10,850. The purchaser resold to another company, which planned to introduce night trotting; but the plans went awry, and motor racing did not pay rent and interest, even on the much-reduced capitalisation. J. S. Taylor has now bought the property for £2500. The speedsters arc wondering what is to become of th~ track. When Australia has a motoring industry of its own it might come in handy as a testing ground, on the lines of England’s Brooldauds. COLOUR ROUTES IN SOUTHLAND. There are so many divergent routes leading from Christchurch south, north, and west, that visiting motorists find difficulty in finding their way out of the city (remarks “ Chassis ” in the Sun). it is time, therefore, that tho Canterbury Automobile Association followed tho example of the Southland Association and applied the colour route system to tho city from its centre. It is well-known that Southland, in addition to its excellent roads, has the most complete colour route system in the Dominion, and_ the energy of tho Southland Motor Association has been responsible for placing' the province far in tho lead in respect of colour-direction signs. Tho main “black and yellow” bands which start on tho West Coast, and pass through Nelson, Blenheim, Christchuren, and Dunedin, have been brought down Tay street to the Post Office. From that point three routes commence—tho “green,’’ the “yellow,” and tho “blue” —which all load out of the North road. At Cooper’s Corner, tho ‘‘ green ” leads straight on through Winton, Dipton, and Lumsden, to terminate at Kingston, while the “ yellow ’’ and “blue” routes turn westward and run together past Underwood and Wallacetown. At Argyle corner they separate, and while the "yellow” bands pass through Waianiwa and Otautau to Lake Monowai, the “ blue ” route touches Riverton, Orepuki, and Tuatapere, terminating at Clifdcn on the Monowai road. As all those colour routes start from the Post Office, a stranger may now find his way to Dunedin, to Kingston, to Otautau and Monowai, or to Riverton, Tuatapere, and Monowai, as ho may desire without the necessity of asking any directions. This gets over the ' difficulty that is so often experienced by motorists in finding their way out of a strange city, and all that a visitor to Invercargill has to do is to follow the colour plates from tho centre of tho town, and he will eventually arrive at whatever destination ho desires. WEST COAST ROADS. Motorists in Canterbury are prone to associate wretched weather and quagmire roads with tho West Coast. For the last two or three weeks'Westland has been bathed in sunshine; on this side of Iho mountains it is common knowledge that the weather has been atrocious for this time of tho year. So much for the weather. The roads on the West Coast are in good order with one exception, and that is the road on either side of Jackson’s, a road which is a positive disgrace to tho Government department which has charge of the route. From Christchurch to Kaikoura, Blenhom, Nelson, Inangahua, Greymouth, Hokitika, Franz Josef Glacier, and the Fox Glacier tho roads are in good touring condition, and perhaps the best stretch of all is the 94 miles from Hokitika to Waiho Gorge. That stretch is splendidly surfaced, idea! alike for wet or dry weather travelling. Of course in occasional patches on tho loim route mentioned there are potholes, but”they are few. Marlborough has beautiful main highways. Too much pulverised material is dumped on ibe road approaching Reefton from tho north. Jn South Westland the roadmen arc on the job at different points. High fern and bush has been cleared from certain corners, ami small creeks, troublesome in verv wot weal her, arc being bridged.^ However, there is a fly in the lubricant. It i, the road near Jackson’s. The men working for the Government, are supposed to he "grading the road. For miles they arc ridging the middle of Hie narrow road with earth and broom plants It is im-pj.-ible to travel at any great speed unless broken spring? arc desired. roadman told me the road would bo nil right in a fortnight or so. R i- s Kjg,nr assurance with Christmas right upon ... . l!: d the touring -onon in full swing. If this is the only way that the road can be improved why wait till tbi= season of the year to cany out the work. At best it is a poo r effort and potholes would be nrcfcrable to the road as it is at present.

[ltema of news—short descriptions, of tours, the state of the roads* tf&a., comment, or inquiries will be welcomed by “ Accelerator.”]^

i MOTOR CYCLE NOTES. During the summer touring spend a few minutes every morning going over all the bolts and nuts on your machine. * # * When away from homo and touring the country carry a 10ft or 12ft length of light rope to liso as a tow line in case of emergencies. Don't wait until after dark before thinking where you are going to camp overnight. Select a good site and prepare the camp while there is light. It is often a good idea to carry a mediumsize adjustable spanner in the coat of your overalls when touring. This may save undoing the tool bag several times When travelling in strange country you I may need your brakes more frequently than I whon on familiar roads. See that all Brakes [ are in good order before leaving for the holidays. The cost of a our depends to a far greater degree than most people magine upon the question of meals for there is a surprising difference between an hotel bill for bed and breakfast only and a similar account which inoludes lunches, teas and dinners. Those who wish to avoid all unnecessary expenditure, therefore, will bo well advised to take their meals on the road. The purchase of a kettle and a saucepan makes this possible. The popularity of the dirt track for motor-cycle races is growing overseas, and such a r.peedway is at present being built a few miles from Durban, within the existing horse racecourse. The track will be approximately a mile in circumference, and a feature of the scheme i 9 that there will be no banking whatsoever at the curves, which will not be very severe. The width on the straights will be 60ft.., but at the curves this will widen out to 160 ft, thus allowing competitors ample room for cornering- , SPARKS. The more patient pedestrians, the fewer pedestrian patients. * * • The Canal Reserve road is in a desperate condition once more. * # » Chauffeur: ' Don't stand gaping there—fetch the village doctor," Peasant; It's him you have run over." * * * Motorists are grateful for the improvement made to the Stanmore road bridge approaches. About 3250 dealer demonstration number plates have been issued in New Zealand this year. * • « New Zealand's "True Blue" spirit in the "True Blue" pump—Big Tree. —Advt. » * # The chief trouble with motor headlights is that they are too much in the publics eye. • » • Tho world's shortest motoring poem Is said to be the following:—6o M.P.H., F.W.8., 5.0.5., R.I.P. * # « A 7 h.p. car running under observation of the Victorian Light Car Club broke a petrol consumption record on November 24, when it covered 55.7 miles - in an hour on the Motordrome track for the consumption of one gallon of fuel. * # * " Jack fell out of his oar the other day and broke his peninsula." " His what? ' " Peninsula! A long neck stretching out to sea." * # o According to Sir Herbert -Austin the Austin programme for 1928 provides for a production of nearly 70,000 ears. The largest business among Austin agents for 1926-27 was done bv Rootes. Ltd., of London who sold cars to" the value of £1,135,000. * * » Blue —that's our colour. The "True Blue" Big Tree pumps—sentinels of service.—Advt. « * • Judge: Did you sound your horn before striking this farmer's pig? Defendant (owner of a very decrepit automobile) : No—l thought he'd prefer not knowing what hit him. * • • An American car covered with £2OOO worth of 2*l carat gold plate made its appearance at tho Paris Motor Show. Over 25,000 square inches wero plated and the deposit averaged one grain of gold per square inch. » » # Motor camping parties should take care that baggage is packed so that it does not overhang the running boards. Last summer touring cars were noted with bulging packages projecting over a foot boyond the step on each side. » « # Tho spei'dornetor registers only a fraction of the motion of a motor car. For every mile that tho average six-cylinder car runs, the pistons travel more than two miles and a-lialf in their movements in the cylinders. « • » The council of the Auckland Automomile Association is dissatisfied with the method adopted by some local _ bodies of setting traffic traps with a single stop watch. It is considered that it is unfair to prosecute on the evidence of one man. The North Island Motor Union has been asked tp make some recommendation for uniformity. Fiend for statistics: " Now, if all the automobiles in the world could be gathered together at one time and placed end to end, allowing about 4in between tho bumpers of each, and all were to proceed at a given rate, say, for example, four miles an hour--" Pessimist: "It would seem just like Sunday afternoon on the boulevard." » # » Motorists! Fill up at the "True Blue" Big Tree pump. Sweeter running.—Advt. » • • Should tho car become bogged a grip for the back wheels can sometimes bo pro vided by setting the handbrake slightly so that ' the action of tho differential Is temporarily upset. This will prevent one wheel from revolving independent of the other and digging the hole still deeper. A sack tied round a slipping wheel will often pull the car out when it has settled where it is difficult to attach the chains » » » Tho motorist who is undertaking a tour of 600 or 700 miles should remember before leaving that the oil in the sump will require additions to keep up the level. It is a good idea to carry a quart or halfgallon can of the chosen grade of lubricant as a garage selected at random might supply an inferior brand. If the car has been run 400 or 500 miles since the crankcase was drained it is wise to renew the oil in the sump before taking to the road Once away from home there is a tendency to neglect lubrication until the end of the holiday.

By ACCELERATOR,

THE MOTOR CYCLE SHOW AT OLYMPIA. A THRIVING BRITISH INDUSTRY. It has long been recognised by motor cyclists the world over that in this branch of the motor industry Great Britain reigns supreme. Judging by the number of foreign visitors to the Olympic motor cycle show, which was held during the first weeks of November, it is clear that there is no immediate danger of Britain losing her position in this industry. As the Motor Cycle says: Half a dozen other nations would give their eyes to hold the position which we hold in the international motor cycle markets, and in the technique of designing and building machines.” The export manager of one well-known firm stated that during the show he had done business with every country in Europe, and that the volume of sales effected with European representatives pointed to a forthcoming boom in motor cycling on the Continent. Other exporters agreed that sales to Germany and the Balkan States were unprecedented, while there is no doubt that the overseas business which was. done at the exhibition this year has create.d a record. Meantime the Home demand for motor cycles remains as steady as ever, and this, together with the _ increasing number 9! motor car owners, is reflected in the rapid growth of the Automobile Association. Founded in 1905, this is the largest motoring association in the world, and to-day numbers more than 350,000 members. _ There is little fundamental change in the design of the motor cycle. Progress during the past year has been mainly in the direction of increased efficiency, coupled with ' greater convenience and comfort to the rider. RIDING POSITIONS MORE COMFORTABLE. In many cases the riding position has been lowered, and more attention has been given to the fitting and springing of the seat. As regards saddles, detail modifications are all that have been found necessary in the range of the Brook’s saddles for 1928. Structural alterations in the mattress and the use of cold rolled tempered steel adapt this for the roughest of road travel and ensure a long and useful life for the saddle. Examples shown by this firm cover all the requirements of the motor cyclist. Tourist, sports and rasing models were in view, as well as a now pillion seat, giving a very low and comfortable riding position. The Champette, a saddle specially produced for ladies riding, was also shown. TRANSMISSION BY CHAIN. A feature of the show which was foreshadowed last year, is the almost universal adoption of all chain drive. The choice of a power transmission medium is of vital importance, and the recent international races ' provide confirmation of the durability of the Renold transmission and its ability to withstand the gruelling test of functioning on the fastest machines on the track. The Senior T.T., as well as every important Continental race this year, was won by machines fitted with Renold chains. Two records were achieved in the Ulster Grand Prix and 11 first were gained in the international races by machines s 6 equipped. In consequence it is hardly surprising to find the all-chain drive practically speaking standard. MACHINES OF UNDER 200 C.C. In reviewing .the individual stands of the motor cycles shown (and in these notes it is, of course, possible to mention only a few of the many interesting examples that were on view) we come first to the small powered machines. Two new models of 172 c.c. capacity were to be seen on the stand of the James Cycle Company. These little twostroke machines with three-speed gear are remarkable for their efficiency and reliability and represent'wonderful value for money. The sports model is capable of doing 100 miles to the gallon on a standard run, and the super sports, when run in, can attain a speed of 55 m.p.h. The latter is designed with an exceptionally low saddle position, while the handlebar and foot rests are so arranged as to provide a comfortable position for riders of varying stature. The James Cycle Company is one of the oldest in the industry, and these two new models make a valued addition to the range of their products, which, by the way, is claimed to be the largest in the world. The addition of a small two-stroke machine to the B.S.A. group aroused particular interest, and was generally considered .to be one of the outstanding features of the show. The new model has a unit construction engine and two-speed gearbox, with clutch and kick starter. Owing to the ability of the two-stroke engine to pull well at low speeds, the two gears provided are considered sufficient for all conditions and gradients. This machine is fully capable of doing long-distance journeys at a good average speed. It is economical to run, and is light, comfortable, and easy to handle. THE PRESSED STEEL FRAME. The new Coventry Eagle light-weight, possessing a pressed steel frame of unique construction, was undoubtedly one of the most interesting exhibits at the show. The two sides of this frame, which is such as can be produced on a mass production basis, have a perfectly clean outline. This, apart from giving the machines a neat and imposing appearance, also gives immense strength to the structure. At present the new frame is only being adapted to the two stroke models manufactured by this firm. Three models of this type of machine were on view. Two of 172 c.c. capacity and one of 147 c.c. The latter is essentially a utility machine, and there is every reason to believe that it has a wonderful future before it. The petrol consumption is 150 to 180 miles per gallon, while the tank capacity is approximately 2Jgal. Thus the wide touring range of this little machine will no doubt be of considerable interest to overseas riders. LIGHT-WEIGHTS—SOME NEW MODELS. The smallest of the Excelsior models displayed was their 2J hip. two-stroke. This machine, which has a ground clearance of Sin, and is consequently particularly suitable for overseas conditions, weighs less than 2001 b. The petrol consumption is approximately 85 to 90 miles to the gallon, and the maximum epeed is 60 m.p.h. The makers state that this little two-stroke is the most popular machine of their present range of motor cycles, and that the sales of this model, both at home and abroad, are far in advance of any of the other types marketed by them. The frame is of the double loop type, with straight sloping top tube and saddle tank, while other features worthy of mention include a soft-top saddle, adjustable handlebars, and quioK adjustments to the brake rods. Several entirely new models have been added to the already extensive range of Royal Enfield productions. One of these is a spo-ts O.H.V. in the 350 c.c. class; while two new two-stroke models of 2.25 h.p. have been introduced. Perhaps the most interesting newcomer to the Royal Enfield group is the 2.25 h.p. single-cylinder four-stroke machine. This is fitted with the makers’ three-speed gear, and gate change gear control. The “ 250 ” model is an extremely goodlooking little machine. The saddle tank and the compact layout of the ermine and gear units result in a very workmanlike appearance, while the low saddle position and spring seat saddle provide additional comfort for the rider. A new light-weight of the 24 h.p. class was shown on the A.J.S. stand. This has a single-cylinder four-stroke engine of 248 c.c., and is a perfect miniature of the well-known A.J.B. 348 c.c. side valve model. Supplied with the maker’s threespeed gear this little machine incorporates all the latest modifications in the A.J.S. practice, such as the boltcd-on cylinder head and oil-tight tappet guides. The 2.77 h.p. Triumph, which was introduced to the public for the first time last year, remains unchanged in design. Among the well-tried features which are retained on this model may be mentioned the Triumph spring forks, mechanical oil pump, and internal expanding brakes. This light machine has a single cylinder, four-stroke S.V. engine, and a three-speed

gear. Daring its first year on the mar-

ket it has earned a very fine reputation for roadworthiness, excellent performance, and easiness of control. THE 350 C.C. CLASS. Under this category three distinct models were shown on the Humber stand. This firm specialises solely in the 350 c.c. single-cylinder four-stroke class of motor cycle, but markets O.H.V. side valve, and O.H.V. camshaft twin port models, examples of all these being exhibited. No noticeable change has been made to either of the two first mentioned _ machines, but the last-named is an entirely new model, which will doubtless make an immediate appeal to the sporting fraternity. A diamond frame, composed of straight tubes, is employed, and Renold chains are fitted throughout. A new fnodel exhibited on the New Hudson stand created a considerable amount of interest. This machine, the O.H.V. twin port. “ Plus-Power ” model, will certainly delight the heart of the speed lover. It is similar in design and construction to the machine used with such success in the Senior T.T. this year. With its entirely new engine and gearbox designed by Mr H. Le Vack, its large capacity saddle tank, low_ back frame, and generally low riding position, it presents a very handsome and racy appearance. While its performance has already been proved in speed events during the season. A CHANGE IN APPEARANCE. The most outstanding feature of the new “Matchless” models from the point of view of appearance is that they are fitted with large pressed steel saddle tanks of handsome shape, finished in black, with white cellulose enamel panels on the side. In the 350 c.c. class a new model has been produced by Messrs Collier. This has a 3.47 h.p. A.H.V. engine, with twoport head and two large exhaust pipes equipped with large nickel-plated silencers and fishtail outlets. _ Torque stays are employed in conjunction with a diamond frame and the chain and torque stays are trussed together. A number of machines of 3.47 h.p. were shown on the A.J.S. stand. These' included two models on which the ingenious system of chain-driven camgear has been standardised, as well as two 348 c.c. side-by-side valve machines. Despite the fact that the overhead camshaft machines and the new light-weight attracted considerable attention, ,tbe better-known A.J.S. models still retained their popularity with the visiting public. MACHINES OF 500 C.C. An ideal machine for overseas conditions was to be seen on the Ariel stand, one of the main features bein'* the improved type of frame of extremely strong and robust construction. The low centre of gravity, coupled with the low riding position, is a point of considerable value in this connection, while the ground clearance is quite sufficient to meet all normal demands. . , ~ , The 497 c.c. two-port Ariel, which was introduced for the first time at the last Olympia Show, was again on view. This machine is a typical super sports model, and makes a valuable addition to the range of single cylinder machines marketed by this firm. The “ Special,” an entirely new model, based on racing and competition experience throughout the past year, was exhibited on the Rudge Whitworth stand. This machine, while following well-tried practice, is entirely new. The straight tube frame, with its double top tubes, is designed to withstand both hard work and higher speeds. The new welded saddle tank is extremely robust, and allows of a touring radius of 200 miles without • replenishment. The engine, with its radial exhaust ports and plated exhaust pipes is an O.H.V. single-cylinder four-stroke of 490 c.c., and is buiit on the lines of the famous Rudge Whitworth racers, combining speed and power to* gether with silent running. . This firm has paid especial attention to the question of silence, with the result that the new model makes no more noise than a high-grade car, while the annoying valve clatter is here completely absent. The “ Special ” has a guaranteed speed of 70 m.p.h., and its excellent steering and braking qualities enables the rider to make full use of its speed in perfect safety. PRICE REDUCTIONS IN 1028 MODELS. Considerable reductions in the prices of their 1928 models have been made by H.R.D. Motors, Ltd., of Wolverhampton. This has been made possible by a larger output scheme, for the demand for these machines has steadily increased of late owing, no doubt, largely to the fact that two T.T. races have been won in the last two years by “Howard Davies” motor cycles. A number of models of 500 c.c. were shown, the most interesting of which, from the point of view of the speed man, being the "Super 90." This machine can be equipped with the long-stroke 500 c.e. T.T. engine, or with the 596 c.c. O.H.V. two port engine at a slightly increased coat. The sturdy duplex frame, powerful brakes, and the general layout of this model speak eloquently of T.T. experience. SPEEDY SPORTS MACHINES. The “ Flying 500,” a fine example of the modern sports machine, was to be seen on the Coventry Eagle stand. This is an ideal mount for the speed man, and is capable of a very high speed, while the steering is easy and the braking particularly emooth. The frame is braced by torque tubes, which are bolted below the seat pillar, and extend forward to the front engine plates to form a stiffening cradle. Both footrests and handlebars are adjustable. „ * A number of improvements have been made to the 495 c.c. twin cylinder James, the new frame and neat saddle tank having entirely changed the appearance of this model. Two tank rails are now employed, the upper running in a straight line from the steering head to the seat pillar. Slight modifications have been made to the engine, and other alterations include a new gate gear control mounted on the tank. Two machines in the 500 c.c. class were displayed on the Excelsior stand. The side valve standard model has a duplex cradle frame of exceptional strength, which gives great stability and a low riding position. The same frame is also employed in the 500 c.c. O.H.V. double port model, and sidecar lugs are incorporated as standard.