High Road and By-Road

Waikato Times, Volume 107, Issue 17964, 8 March 1930, Page 12 (Supplement)

High Road and By-Road

CASE FOR THE LIGHT-WEIGHT,

There are many people who contend that the miniature motor cycle, while suitable for town riding, is not adapted to country conditions. Of course, one has to agree that on some runs a really fast and powerful machine does not cover the ground in a speedy and effortless manner but if things are considered carefully it may be found that the speed is more apparent uhau real, and that in actual practice the effortless manner is more noticeable than the shortness of time taken. It is well known that a machine with a small engine toy its very “fussiness” gives an impression that it is toeing over-driven on long fast straights, and bigger models will, of course, pass and leave it, but on tortuous and twisty going the small, handy, and light “250" will corner, slow up, and accelerate again in a way that lends itself to the maintenance of a surprisingly high speed. Thus, the only difference between the two types is that whereas the rider of the big machine has a very ■easy time in using his superior speed on the straights and taking things gently' at other places, the rider of a smallengined machine, to effect the same average speed will have to take advantage of every little incident in nls favour. However, speed is not the main consideration, and, although the smaller-powered onglno may take a little longer time, the difference in running is worth consideration. Also, there can bo no argument that a light, easily-handed mount Is infinitely safer than a heavy maohino on tire extremely dangerous lose surfaces which are so prevalent on some vf our main highways. SECOND-HAND VALUES. Used motor cycles differ widely In price, even similar models being ticketed with anything up to 50 por cent, variations. This 13 easily explained, however, by the fact that n machine carefully handled and given little work over a period of twelvo months could easily bo worth twothirds of its listed price, while one that has been badly treated may only be worth about one-third of its original cost.

How, then, it is reasonable to ask, can a person determine whether he is obtaining fair and equitable treatment when he is purchasing a used motor cycle? In the event of a buyer having no mechanical knowledge he must rely on the standing of the firm with whom he is doing business to ensure getting full value for money, and, of course, exercise common sense in effecting a selection so as to obtain a suitable type. Motor cycle buyers, in the main, however, appear to be well equipped with the mental characteristics necessary to drive a bargain, and to appreciate a reasonable proposition when it is put before them.

A COLUMN FOR MOTORISTS.

1,330,000 CREVROLETS IN 1925.

Surpassing by 150,000 cars and trucks its previous record annual achievement, the Chevrolet Motor Company manufactured 1,350,000 automobiles in 1929. Due to the tremendous popularity of the six cylinder car introduced a year ago, 1929 is the banner year in Chevrolet history. Daily, weekly and monthly production records were broken over and over again during 1929. The most signiCcant achievement of Chevrolet during the year was the placing of a million cars on the road in less than eight months. Although the first Chevrolet six did not go on to the streets until last January 1, tnere were a million in owner operation early last August.

SPARKS. Prom May 1, 1930, all motor oars in France must be fitted with an improved pattern of anti-dazzle lamp. * * « * Magistrate: What is the charge? Offloer: Driving while In a state of extreme Infatuation. * * * * Of 942 motor vehicles involved in accidents in England during the past two months, only 3 per cent., were driven by women. ; • * • • Owing to small entries the hillclimbing fixture arranged for Sunday by the Hamilton Motor Cycle Club has been cancelled in favour of tocaoh races which will he held at Ooean Beach, Raglan. • * * * This is the season (remarks an exchange) when municipal and other roads authorities spray tar on popular roads, and many costly cars suffer as a result. Here Is the cure for our tar mcnance. Immediately you notico tor turpentine, remove with a little butter turppentine, remove with a llttlo butter and a clean rag. Do not allow the tar to stay on the body work until it hardens, for then it is very hard to remove without permanently damaging the finish.