MOTOR – CYCLING

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 185, 6 August 1931, Page 15

MOTOR - CYCLING

. . BY

"MAGNETO"

TH2 STEERING DAMPER. Some of its Uses. The steering damper has come into favour mainly through its adoption by racing motor-cyclists, and nowadays no sports model machine is considered to be complete without it. There was a time when designers said that the use of the steering damper was an admission of faulty steering, and that it would tend to reduce efforts towards improvements in frames, forks, an<l general layout. This, perhaps, would be true if all roads were perfectly smooth. Unfortunately, ho such road exists. . That, indeed, is the whole point of the steering damper—to prevent the wobble which would otherwise he set up when a machine was driven at speed over an uneven surface. Years ago, before a hill-climb, the expert motor-cyclist screwed up the steering head of hip machine dead tight, for he found that with a tight head less wobble was experienced. At the conclusion of the climb he slacked off the head and rode hofne. The steering damper gives the same effect as this in a much more simple and efficient When to T7»e.

It should not, however, be misused, and although a steering damper is invaluable, it should not be brought into operation unless high speed is desired. Moreover, when the speed burst has been finished, the damper should be i slacked off, for there is nothing more [difficult and dangerous to ride in traffic than a solo machine with tight steering. The average modern machine is so designed that up to 40 m.p.h. or 50 m.p.h. it will run perfectly without a steering damper. It is when these speeds are exceeded that the damper should be brought into action. The slightest frictional effect is all that is necessary, and too much will usually cause the machine to run in long, gentle swerves, although the uneven course will automatically be straightened out as speeds of 60-70 m.p.h. are reached. Gauss of Skids. It is probable that many unaccountable skids have been caused by the unadvised use of the steering damper when greasy tramlines, etc., have been taken at low speeds; for solo work, this is one point to watch. On the other hand, the number of accidents at high speed which have been prevented by the steadiness and case of steering provided by the damper are incalculable. It is thus well worth its price, provided that it is properly used. Although it was first introduced by racing men to ensure the steadiness of solo motor-cycles at speed, it is now largely used by side-carists, and at touring speeds. Indeed, it is of more use to the side-oarist than to the solo rider. Rome combinations, when properly lined up, wteer well; others, however, no matter what Is done to them, always evince a tendency towards !Y\ ndl < eba J wol >ble. In all probability inis is due to incorrect weight distribution. but no matter how it is caused it has seemed in the past to bo incurabic by all ordinary methods. To drivers of machines such as these I*’®, Veering damper is invaluable, for, provided that the outfit is in reasonable n A V, , H instantly cure that handlebar wobble, most prerifivtrTo- Io '?. • K P eedfe '. which makes ?. anything but the smoothest t oads a veritable torture. DRIVING CHAINS. Lubrication is Important. ondun- n ’a, C ! er ','„, motn '--cycle chain will me ect 55.1 Ordinary amount of lirtfE ,e # * aml ev<?n abuse, but it is tintiisc to forget that such treatment will inevitably affect its life and efficienev £r^! n ? to^ Cyclif,t who lias a real S: *!*? funeral condition of his machine will, therefore, ho well advised occasional nttontioh to this imMtinnii ? f the transmission. Lubrils an * m Porta.nt factor. Chains unich are not enclosed should be rem?io« «-o?r°^ in ? ately over Y SOO to 1000 Y a «hcd in paraffin or petrol till hL tb ’r.f lr €d rV and . tlien I numerated in a hath of molten—hut not boiling— grease severaT^uiTnute rcase and ffraphite) for

Correct adjustment Is essential if an. > Kt J'® ss ts and snooks ore to be avoided. Makers recommend a vertical c"nt?;"o? ,bf f, b ° ut «, in ar “> Si" in the g jAgliJMite'iS %|ffi ,1*88; ln?oSb a , !n v, in . , ita “ShUet »o»nton A sprocket having- badly Vforn or hooked teeth should he replaced, fur w

it only increases the tendency toward undue wear, and it is, therefore. not 1 wise to fit a new chain to a sprocket in such condition. The connecting link, perhaps the weakest point in a Chain, should be inspected periodically. Should any indication of wear be evident renewal is advised. :: Notes. The prospects for Sunday impromptu runs Nuem bright. Already' there has* been considerable interest shown among motor-cyclists and every one that I have spoken to seems pleased about a revival of these events. There is likely to be a revival of interest in speedway racing soon. It will be some time before the track reopens and there Is considerable speculation as to who the leading riders will be. It is known that Ernie Marsh. Jack lloro and Ernie Pye will not be among those who will shift the cinders. However, there will be plenty of riders available. There were some promising riders among the B grade men last yeur and there is every reason to believe that Percy Lunn and Charlie Blaeklocli, last year’s most proinihent riders, will be back in harness. :*: The death of Jack Garmson removes one of the Dominion’s best riders from our midst. Although most of the local riders did not know him personally, the sympathy of every motor-cyclist will be extended to h}s relatives. :*: One of the most missed officers of the I Pioneer Club will be Geoff Hockley. There never wns a more popular rider than this Harley exponent. Geoff is not so keen on COtilpOtition work as he was, but it is to be hoped that he will retain some of his great interest in the sport. Mr W. Harrison, who will be remembered as the mechanic who kept Percy Lunn's dirt-track machine in tune, lias commenced business on his own in Ferry Road. Mr Harrison has had considerable mechanical experience in the motor trade and some credit for the wonderful performances of Lunn's machine, particularly from the reliability angle, must go to him. “Shorty” Wicks has stated his intention of racing at Monica Park this year. ” Shorty ” was the most famous of the younger brigade. He has been riding a lozig time now and his exploits on the Harley have made him a popular figure. Now on a faster machine, a Rudge of proved capability, he should he among the first (light before the season has gone far. :: In fitting the spring-connecting clip of a chain, the open end of the clip should lie away from the direction of travel of the chain. There will then be no likelihood of any obstruction forcing the clip out of place. Breakages are rare with well-cared-for chains, but a full set of spnro links and a rivet t‘x tractor should have their places in all tool bags.