CORRESPONDENCE.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 December 1923, Page 7

CORRESPONDENCE.

A MOTOR CYCLIST. MEETS WITH TROUBLE. AND IS SHOWN THE WAY OUT. Sir, —Just a line or two re a conversation between two motor cyclists on the road, which may interest your readers, especially those who are thinking of buying a motor. First motor cyclist, who we will call “Jones.” He has been pushing his machine some distance, and is sitting down on the roadside to cool down. Second motorist, whom we will call “Brown,” pulls up and inquires if he can be of any assistance. Jones: Yes, you might be if you are a Hickson, otherwise I guess I will have to ask you to be kind enough to tow me to the nearest town. Anyhow, have a cigarette before we commence to doctor the old ’bus. Brown: How did you come by such a broken down old mangle as that ? Jones: Oh, I didn’t know much about a motor cycle, when 1 bought it, and I got it very cheap as I thought, and the chap from whom I bought it said that he had no trouble with it, but was buying a car.

Brown: There have been a lot fall in over that gag. I fell in once, but I bought it from a dealer, who said that he had taken it in as part payment on a new one, and I can tell you that before I owned it many months I had spent nearly as much on repairs as I gave for it, and the dealer said that it was in good order; could guarantee it, in fact. Jones: Why didn’t you remind him of his guarantee? Brown: Oh, it was just a casual remark of his. “No written guarantee about it.” That’s where I fell in. Now you see this machine here. Well, I’ll tell you about it. I happened to be in Eltham and came to a shop next to the Bank of New South Wales, and in the window could see a large display of secondhand motors. Also some new “Harley Davidsons,’’ 1924 models, which machine, I can tell you, is a fine job, and 1 went inside to have a look round, and it’s the first time I have seen a place where only motor cycles are dealt in—no push bikes, prams, fish-hooks or underwear. Just motor cycles and accessories, and the used machines were the finest lot 1 have seen, yet, all nicely cleaned. Nothing loose or shoddy about them, same as new, and at half the price of a new one. Well, the proprietor came along and inquired if I were looking for a machine, but I told him, “once bitten, etc.,” and that I had finished with second-hands. Then he explained to me that he could sell a machine to me that he would guarantee would not cost me sixpence for repairs for at least six months from date of purchase. Jones: In writing?

Brown: Yes, in black and white. He explained to me how every machine is taken down and examined before he bought it. If found satisfactory it was put in the workshop, and I can tell you it’s the cleanest and best equipped plan for motor cycles that I have come across. The machine is dismantled here to the last bolt and nut, thoroughly overhauled, not only the engine, but the bicycle parts as well, such as head cones and cups, wheel bearings, etc. When finished, it’s taken out for a gruelling test on the road, after which it is again put in the workshop for a final examination and any adjustments required. Well, in face of such arguments, I thought I would venture again in a second-hand, and this is it. I have now had it over twelve months, and it has never stuck me up, and the only thing that has happened was a couple of spokes broke about five months ago, and although my six months’ guarantee had elapsed, I took it in and they were renewed for me for nothing. How is that for a square deal?

Jones: They seem to be an exception. I think I will put an axe into this old crock instead of spending anv more on it, and invest in something reliable. Where did you say this place is? Brown: You cannot mistake it. It’s in the centre of the main street of Eltham, next to the Bank of New South Wales, and the proprietor is J. H. Bodie, ’phone 164, and, by the way, if you haven’t too much ready cash, don’t let that worry you. The terms ate easy enough—l am, etc.,

BARLEY DAVIDSON El th sun, Decsmbw SO.