MOTOR-CYCLE REVIEW

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 20150, 19 May 1928, Page 9 (Supplement)

MOTOR-CYCLE REVIEW

THIS YEAR’S IMPROVEMENTS. The A.J.S. A.J.S. motor cycles are designed and manufactured in their own works at Graisloy Hill, Wolverhampton, which is equipped with the most up-to-date plant and machinery and covers over 13 acres; -whilst in Walsall Street there is a sidecar and chassis works with a floor space of over 150,000 superficial” feet. The range of models for 1928 covers all phases of the pastime, as there is a <

machine to suit every class of rider, each bearing the accumulated result of research and long manufacturing experience. This year there has been added to their comprehensive range by the introduction of a new 2.48 h.p. light-weight model which is being marketed in response to an insistent demand for a smaller edition of the famous 3.49 h.p. A.J.S. All the new models have a lower riding position, which has been obtained by employing a different method of saddle suspension. The saddle has no under-frame, the front being hinged to the top tube, whilst the coil springs arc anchored to what is virtually an extension of the lower tank tube. Another factor contributing towards greater comfort is the fitting of larger tyres on several models. The overhead camshaft machine w r as first introduced in the 1927 T.T. races, and since then has given proof of its efficiency by winning such important events as the 350 c.c. Grand Prix d’Europe, the Belgian Grand Prix, the Swiss Grand Prix, the Austrian Grand Prix, the Brooklands Grand Prix; and it has also figured conspicuously in the Grand Prix of Nations and the Ulster Grand Prix. The overhead camshaft is chaindriven and fitted with a patent tensioning device and a re action damper, which after exhaustive tests has proved to be the last word in reliability, and is undoubtedly the most efficient, simplest and most silent form of drive for an overhead camshaft. The automatic mechanical lubrication of the engine is on the “dry sump” principle. A gear driven pump draws oil from the tank on the down-tube and supplies a pre-determined quantity to the cam box and to the big end. After lubricating the cams and rocker gear, the oil flows into the chain-case and lubricates the chain and half-time gears, and then falls into the sump by gravity. Oil is pumped to the connecting rod big end via passages in the driving-side main shaft and web of fly-wheel, and oil thrown from the big end by centrifugal force lubricates the k cylinder walls and the small end of con•necting rod. Surplus oil flows by gravity into the sump from whence it is pumped back into the tank, so that oil is constantly being circulated throughout all the working parts of the engine. Every moving part of the engine is enclosed, and automatically and mechanically lubricated. For very high, continuous all-out speeds, a. pre-de-termined quantity of oil may be passed direct to the cylinder walls by the turn of a needle valve. The Harley-Davidson. The Harley-Davidson manufacturers are well-known as the makers of one of the best heavy motor-cycles in tho world. It is acknowledged that the .1200 c.c. and the .1000 c.c. models are the best made by the company. In the 1928 models arc apparent many improvements on the previous machines. Jhe greatest lubrication advancement in years is represented by the throttle, controlled motor oiler. ” Tho Harley-Davidson mechanical oiler, standard for years, is now controlled’ by the throttle so that the proper amount of oil is positively fed tho motor at all ranges of speed. Hand pump is used for flushing and refilling the crank case. This all-spced-piler greatly lengthens motor life and reduces upkeep cost.

Double safety is assured the rider of a 1928 Harley-Davidson. Now a builtin front wheel brake is supplied in addition to tho positive rear wheel brake standard for years. The front wheel brake is of tho internal expanding type controlled by conveniently located handle-bar lever. Working parts are few and easy and positive in adjustment. These front and rear wheel brakes give the rider absolute control over his mount at all times. A motor feature in keeping with modern engineering practice is an air cleaner now obtainable on all 1928 Harley-Davidsons. Injurious dust, dirt, and grit are trapped and expelled, preventing their reaching the motor through tho carburetor. Carbon deposit and wear on reciprocating parts is reduced. Adds to motor life. The air cleaner is fitted on side valve singles and on twins using the deluxe type of carburetor. THE INDIAN. The Indian “Scout” model is the most popular machine made, by this American company.

Tho heavier models of the Indian cycle are not as popular in Wanganui as the “Scout” because they are. more suitable for a sidecar attachment

also in the light-weight twins there is far less competitive selling. The frame of the cycle is of the double tube type, reinforced, and allows of a low saddle position. The ignition is of the Splitdorf high tension magneto type and the electric system is fed by the 6 volt battery, charged from a generator. Drive: Primary; helical gears connecting motor and transmission. Completely enclosed and runs in encased oil-bath. The motor ip of two cylinder of V arrangement with a bore of 2j|in. and a "stroke of 3 l-16in. The cylinder-heads are removable. The “Scout” is 1 equipped with side by side valves enclosed and efficiently lubricated.