VICKERY, LTD.

Waikato Times, Volume 97, Issue 1600, 31 May 1924, Page 8

VICKERY, LTD.

FRANCIS-BARN ETT LIGHTWEIGHT. UNUSUAL FEATURES. A departure in light-weight motor cycles is featured this year by Messrs Vickery, Ltd., at the Winter Show. This is the machine/which is of: attractive . appearance despite its-wide departure from the orthodox. The frame construction shows that one pair of Dent tubes support the gear box and take the engine torque and transmission stresses, leaving the rest of the frame to support 'the' weight, of the engine and rider only. The ends of the tubes are simply flattened and drilled, while where a larger hole is needed than the tube will safely stand a sleeve is driven over and the whole flattened, which makes a. perfectly rigid job without any brazing being squired.

'; The construction of the steering .head reverses usual practice, since the column is stationary and forms part of the frame, while the casting which carries the cups rotates with the handle-bars and forks', there being thus no lost motion due to play, in the links, as on most machines. Triumph type spring forks are used, with a leaf spring, which appears to give every satisfaction on light machines. Another new feature worthy of mention ' are the. quietly detachable wheels, knock-out spindles being provided, while adjustment is '.rried out by slackening a lock nut and screwing up one of the cones. Both hand and foot brakes act on each side of the rear wheel, that on the inside being operated by a toe pedal, while the right is operated from .the right handle bar through a Bowden cable. The power is obtained from a 147 c.c. ViL liers engine supported on two V-shap-ed engine plates, attached to a strong tube which also supports ihe brake pedal, and is relieved of all bending strains by the long bolt which passes through it and the frame tubes, ana also carries the footrests. A twospee'd gear box is fitted, also a-Villicrs flywheel magneto,' single lever carburretor, large cylindrical silencer, 1* gallon petrol tank, and spring peak saddle mount.

The Francis-Barnett is a' value for money product, and the absurdly low price of £46 at which the machine is being retailed cannot fail to attract th 3 attention of air who have been waiting for the opportunity to arrive when a motor cycle could be purchased at a figure in keeping with the average man's financial standing. A trial trip was carried out on a new Francis-Bar-nett, from Hamilton to Raglan. The journey was accomplished on top gear all the way, and the' consumption worked out at 130 miles to the gallon-; truly a remarkable performance. For the rider who needs a mount possessing- a great degree of comr fort, easy of control, and low cost of upkeep, he cannot do better than arrange for a demonstration. of one of the popular Douglas motor- cysles, Which,-Messrs; ■Vickery, Ltd., are also showing. The flat twin models have become famous .; all over the world since they were first placed on the market. The twin engine gives delightfully smooth arid effortless running. It is quiet, powerful enough for ordinary purposes, easy to start, and economical to run. During the war the Douglas Company sold some 25,000 machines to the Allied Governments for use in the various war areas. This surely is convincing proof of their strength and reliability, as many of them were ridden under most strenuous conditions. It may be truthfully said that the Douglas was the pioneer lightweight motor cycle. The new models are being unpacked, and it-is hoped to exhibit them at the show on Monday. The firm is also showing the wellknown Indian models, which are noted for their power and dependability. -- Enquiries respecting the" various lines handled by Messrs Vickery, Ltd., will'be'welcomed, and prompt attention will be given to all instructions in correspondence received.