MOTOR-CYCLING

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 136, 30 August 1927, Page 7

MOTOR-CYCLING

NEWS AND NOTES The members of the Sports Motor Cycle Club had a very successful outing to Waiuku on Sunday. Over 40 members turned out—the biggest number for this year. Leaving the Harp of Erin at 10.30 a.m., the riders proceeded via Karaka and Patumahoe, arriving at Waiuku at 12.30 for lunch. The return journey was begun at 2.30 p.m.. the route followed leading through Pukekohe. No trouble was experienced in the outing, and a very enjoyable time was spent by all. SPORTS CLUB’S DANCE The women members of the Sports Motor-cycle Club are to be congratulated on the success which attended their initial effort of holding a club dance and social. Never before in the history of motor-cycling in Auckland has a similar function proved such a success. The attendance numbered over 200.

The dance was held in the Blue Pavilion Tearooms, where the Continental Serenaders’ Orchestra provided the necessary music. Concert items were provided by Mr. C. Walker, and the Aloha Hawaiians, and an exhibition of dainty dance steps was given by Misses Maher and Hardy. Mr. Percy Kenny and partner were adjudged winners of the Monte Carlo waltz. During the evening Miss Ellen Ford presented prizes won in the recent reliability trial, R. Ranby, of Te Aroha, being present to receive the premier honour. There is no doubt that the evening was thoroughly enjoyed by all present, and it is understood that the club intends holding a series of dances. The date for the next function will be announced as early as possible. The Sports Club is the strongest club of its kind which has existed in Auckland, its membership being in the vicinity of 300. By fostering the social side of the movement the club is filling a real need, a.s many members who are not inclined to enter the club’s field competitions will join in a social evening. RACING AT FOXTON The first motor-cycle races of the season will be held at Foxton on October 29, when the middle-weight championship will be decided under the new rules recently decided by the N.Z.A.C.U. All machines must be under 500 c.c., and will get away to a rolling start. This form of starting is new here, but is much favoured in Australia and America. It has the advantage

that while spectacular to watch, it affords every rider an equal opportunity at the start.

In practice a pilot rider takes the machines round on a preliminary lap, and as they pass the starter in fairly close order they get#the starting flag. If that is missed the first time another lap has to be covered until the riders line up. The distance to be covered in the championship is 10 miles. W. Herbert, Auckland (Indian); R. Ranby, Te Aroha (Indian) : C. Lowe, Napier (0.E.C.): and H. Moller, New Plymouth (Norton) will be contestants for the honour. SALES DURING JULY Sales of motor-cycles during July have been slow, and the total sales for New Zealand, 266 machines, is the lowest figure for any month this year. Only 47 machines were sold in Auckland Province. Wellington and Palmerston North come very close with 46, while in New Plymouth and Wanganui sales totalled 38. Following is a summary of sales totals for different makes in order of popularity:—Douglas, 46; Triumph, 34; Indian, 31; 8.5. A., 30; Harley-David-son, 26; A.J.S., 19; Matchless, 10; all others, 70. These figures do not include sales of used machines. The: sales during August have boen much better, and the July total has already been passed. HINTS FOR RIDERS When repacking the hubs with grease do not use graphite as this will ruin the ball races. Heavy cup grease should be used. Do not use vaseline or thin grease, as the heat from ‘ the brake will cause it to melt, leaving the bearing dry. He * * When fitting connecting links in chains always lit with the open end of the spring clip trailing; that is, the open end opposite the direction of chain travel. This prevents the clip flying up or being knocked off by any obstruction. * * * An Sin. Crescent spanner is the handiest tool a motor-cyclist can carry, but it has one disadvantage—the jaws will not open wide enough to take the larger sizes of spark plugs. The next size Crescent will not fit the average tool bag. By taking out the moving jaw of the spanner and filing an extra groove at the end of the adjusting teeth, it can be made to fit all spark plugs and large nuts, such as side-car nuts and axle nuts. All tyre-valves should have dustcaps fitted. With the English type of valve this will prevent dust being blown under the valve rubber and causing a slow leak. With the Schrader type, the cap will stop a slow valve leak and will prevent dust getting in the valve seating. When travelling fast centrifugal force will open a Schrader valve and completely deflate the tyre, but with a cap fitted this cannot happen. Auto salesman (desperately): But, madam, if you take this car we will put your initials on it free. Mrs. Will Saver: But my husband , says it’s not the initial cost that counts, j but the upkeep!”