LUXURY ON TWO WHEELS.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 32, 14 March 1914, Page 5 (Supplement)

LUXURY ON TWO WHEELS.

REMARKABLE NEW MOTOR

CYCLES.

WIDESPREAD INTEREST OF MOTOR CYCLISTS.

Never before has a motor-cycle been awaited with such interest as the new "Matchless" machine, nor has the anticipation of riders been so amply fulfilled upon inspection of the superlative production of the famous Woolwich firm.

The new '' Matchless'' special sidecar model is the outcome of the skill and experience of the two most sucfeessfuj. motor-cyclists of the day —Messrs H. A. and C. R. Collier. The knowledge gained in years of practical use and experience of motor cycles has been concentrated* in this machine. c - The vital part of any mechanicallypropeiled vehicle ■ is the power plant. Therefore this is worthy of first consideration. The engine, is of 7 h.p., bore 82 m.m., stroke 94 m.m., giving a cubic capacity of 996 cubic centimetres. The design is one of superlative merit and shows minute attention to detail. The valves are of great size, the inlet over the exhaust, and are practically indestructable. They are operated by a side rod, which together with' the valve mechanism is entirely enclosed in a tube and cover. The latter contains oil and automatically lubricates the working parts at all times. The engine bearings are of great size, and are lubricated under pressure. The balance ,of the engine is amazing. The machine 'remains still, and the handlebars are absolutely motionless when running the engine at a "scream." The "Matchless" engine develops 12 h.p. on brake tests, this ,is guaranteed. The question of transmission is of paramount importance, and has received great attention. The drive is taken through a shock-absorber, which imparts a hitherto unknown "silkiness" to the drive, of whatever character. The amount of movement is restricted within definite limits, so that continuous gradual slip at high sp'eeds or when hill-climbing, is quite impossible. The drive then passes through a Renolds silent chain ljin wide (no "whirr"like roller engine chains), thence through the metal to metal clutch (running in oil and beautifully smooth in action), to the three-speed gear box and" final drive to back wheel. The top and bottom gears are direct, so that the machine will climb under all circumstances. A neat kick-starter is, of course, incorporated. In concluding the description of the power unit, one of the most valuable points may be elucidated, viz., that we positively guarantee that under no circumstances whatever will a single drop of oil -exude from the overhead inlet valve tubes and covers, the timing gear, magneto drive cover, gear box, gear striker, or kick startery and all this with pressure-fed lubrication. The most usual result of this system on motft* cycle. ; engines is that the exterior has an oily mess clinging to it in every spot. Another idea to hide oil leakage is an aluminium cover especially over the valve gear, etc. There are none of these novice-catch-ing "gadgets" on the "Matchless." Neither is there any oil where it is not wanted. v

The frame (upon which the rider's safety depends) is a magnificent piece of work. All lugs are steel stampings of great strength arid with unusual overlap on the frame tubes they hold together. The side-car lugs are incorporated in the whole. The "Matchless '' forks with the inimitable '' one spring in tension, the other in compression, '' are fitted and the fork tubes are seamless (solid drawn), tapered tubing, circular outside and oval diameter within. The shackles are more than twice as strong as any of the various imitations, and the links are oiled by greasecups. Just a little refinement—these grease-cups—neater than lubricators, and the grease has got to go in, whether it is thick or not, because it is pushed, so to speak. The tank is of ,18-guage steel-welded and carries 2% gallons petrol and £ gallon oil. It is so neat one does not realise its capacity. Glass i inspection port is provided flush with' the fillercaps.. Thus is -another '' fiddly bit'' in the slhape of the '' tell-tale'' abolished. The well-known "Matchless" handles with triangle and centre rib. and twice as expensive to make, and many times more comfortable to "use, than any other sort, are retained without alteration. The wheels have 650 x 65 rims, car type, spokes staggered and with a supporting butt to each nipple, and to. the back wheel there is fitted a tyre of exclusive design (3in) specially manufactured for the "Matchless" firm. It has a massive and practically plain tread of real rubber. The front wheel and side-car tyres are interchangeable car pattern 650 x 65 Hutchinson. This is over-size tyreing with a vengeance. All the better for the owner 'a pocket. Ample mudguards, spring seat, (not saddle, please note), and immaculate "Matchless grey''enamel complete the whole.

The machine is capable of speeds from three miles an hour on top gear~ The acceleration is terrific, and hills do not count worth twopence. These are points which cannot easily be ''written up." We demonstrate this on the road to your entire satisfaction. The "Matchless" registered design side-car'"must be seen to be appreciated, points which cannot easily be The beautiful workmanship abolishes in a moment all previous standards. The coachwork is real mahogany and everything is in keeping. It has in a word every possible thing to lend aid in the direction of easy steering, safety, accommodation, 1 and comfort? Please note that the coachwork is the product of a high-grade British coaehmaker, not a cabinetmaker, like uineteen-twentieths of the so-called "coach-built side-cars," which are guaranteed to do anything under the sun except give satisfactory service. All motorists should see these machines and side-cars. They cost no more than machines which do not come within £2O of their value. They are without a peer, nor yet an equal, and the evidence of your own eyes will show you that this is the honest truth, every word of it.

MATCHLESS MOTOR AGENCY, N.Z 90 Manchester Street, Christchurch. 596