MOTOR-CYCLING

Star (Christchurch), Volume XLIV, Issue 457, 19 May 1932, Page 11

MOTOR-CYCLING

BY

"MAGNETO.”

PZZTITBES. May 28—" Christchurch Star's” experts’ trial. May 29—Sporting trial, Ashburton Motor-cycle Club. 4—Miniature T.T., Pioneer Club. *.* J.J j.j INCREASE IN INSURANCE. Registration to Cost More. Without notice and without warning the third party insurance payment on motor-cycles has been increased to fl. «n!s action on the part of the Government is to be deplored and the motor«*»"cle organisations. through their mouthpieces, the North and South Island Motor Union, should enter a strong protest against this increase of ss. The reason for the action could in all probability be traced to the large number of accidents that have occurred in which >iilion riders have been involved. Ano'V*r cause has been that every accide*»n seems, in which a motor-cycle is involved, is classed as a motor-cycle accident irrespective as to whether the rider was at fault or not. Whispers of this increase reached the inner circles of the motor-cycle organisations some time ago, and it must be said that those responsible for watching the interests of motor-cyclists have been seriously remiss in not taking action. vz vi :: THE WORLD'S RIDERS. Census of Motor-cycles. The number of motor-cycles in the various countries in the world runs into six figures in only five countries, according to the United States Department of Commerce. The published figures given for the total number of machines in use in various countries in 1930 were:— Great Britain, 734,123; Germany, 725,000; France. 427,000; United States, 110,757; Italy, 105,546; Australia, 83,086; Sweden, 56,678; Switzerland, 50,150; Austria, 1

50,000; Africa, 41,451; New Zealand, 37,404; Czecho-Slovakia, 37,000; Holland, 32,000; Japan, 24,332; Denmark, 24,000; Spain, 13,403; Hungary, 11,041; Canada, 9421; Russia, 8837; Poland, 7940; Ireland, 7000; Norway, 5818; Finland, 5404. vz Notes. Entries for the “ Christchurch Star’s ” experts’ trial are coming in satisfactorily. Indications are that they will probably total twenty. At least two riders who have competed in North Island trials are seeking permission to enter. One of these is almost a certain starter, while the other is without a machine at th& present time. Complete details of the past performances of the competitors will be contained in next Tuesday's “ Star.” Intending competitors are reminded that entries close on Monday next. k The run which was to have been held by the Corsair Motor Club last Sunday will be held this coming Sunday. The destination is Moeraki Downs. A feature of the run will be a hill-climb and a treasure hunt. Members are asked to meet at the corner of Moorhouse Avenue and Colombo Street at 9 a.m. vz i . T h e Pioneer Sport* Club's next event ,s . Miniature T.T. races to be held at Rolleston on June 4. There will be two classes—3so c.c. and over 350 c.c. There is a prospect of a sporting trial being held before the end of the season. RBW MODELS TESTED. A Likeable Two-stroke. Perhaps the world’s most economical transport is the modern light--1 weight two-stroke. Much less than a

penny a mile will run these little machines and, in the case of the Coventry Eagle Eclipse model tested this week, greater weather protection is afforded than in the larger types of motor-cycle. The Coventry production has, ample, well-designed leg-shields which make it practically impossible to get the feet wet. The machine is fitted with a lively 147 c.c. engine.. The- unit is housed in a pressed steel frame of amazing strength and lightness and with a huge advantage of being easy to clean. There is no brasing, no lugs and rib tubing, and even the forks are along the same lines. The equipment on this mount is superior to that which is customary on two-strokes of this type. Battery ignition is standard and - a separate generator charges a full-size motorcycle battery. The headligh't is of really useful proportions. For a twostroke the machine is very silent. The handle-bars are nicely fitted out with controls, including a twist-grip for the throttle. So far as riding is concerned, this machine leaves nothing to be desired. It has a handy seating position and the engine has a remarkable twist of acceleration that makes shingle riding easy. The braking is good, although one could wish for a better location of the foot pedal. On rough going the forks showed that they were not designed for that class of work, but the comfort was better than that of a good many 500 c.c. models. Altogether a smart and useful mount and one that should prove very popular locally. Bell Cycle and Motor Co. are the agents.