MOTOR CYCLE NOTES

Shannon News, 30 November 1928, Page 4

MOTOR CYCLE NOTES

England produces 43 per cent, of the world's motor cycles, gnd is easily the first on the list. Germany comes second, and the U.S.A., with one-eighth ox* the world’s total, is third.

Half a dozen American manufacturers have already introduced their 1929 models, but the great majority of firms •will reveal their new programme at the New York show which opens or. January 4. Figures lately issued show that during last year 1664 foreign motor cycles, 1 valued at approximately £77,525, were imported into France. Belgium supplied the major portion of the machines (1380), Great Britain being credited with only 232. On some machines the head lamp is placed rather low, causing considerable difficulty in operating the bright and dim switch. An old Bowden lever soldered on to the switch with the handle pointing upward has been found to remedy this difficulty. Riding a 348 c.c. Vclocette on Brooklands track, F. G. Hicks seeured the 350 c.c. and 500 c.c. solo championships and the 350 c.c. sidecar championship. He was placed* second in the 1000 c.c. race. The best speed recorded for ono lap was 103-J- m.p.h. The following news has been received by cablegram from the BS.A. Melbourne office: —‘‘Alexander Finlay creates two records despite seven punctures, riding a B.S.A. 1929 Two-port 4.93 with sidecar. Allpowers, Melbourne to Sydney and return, a distance of 1130 miles, in 42hr. 51min; average speed, 26.3 m.p.h. Also, under 500 c.c. class Melbourne to Sydney, a distance of 565 miles, in lOhr. 38min; average speed, 34.2 m.p.h. Machine officially sealed in top gear. ” A significant feature of the British export business is that in spite of, the decrease in the ’sale of motor cars, to the extent of £1,287,911 tor the first

siy months of the year, motor cycle figures show an increase of £589,307 over the same period. With the idea of being the first motor cyclist to make an ocean-tp-ocean trip across Canada, a young Englishman is to attempt the feat on a 497 c.c. Ariel sidecar outfit. It lias only been accomplished once by motor car.

With the object, of creating greater interest in Canadian motor cycling in general and in particular of securing an influx of members, the Motor Cycle Club of Toronto recently fixed up u two-wheel trailer, on which was mounted a small house bearing the notice “Join the Toronto Motor Cycle Club,’’ and sent it out eh a tour of the district.

Last December the South Canterbury Club ran a 24-hour reliability trial. This event was so well supported that the committee has decided to organise a similar event this year. No particulars are yet to hand, but it is understood that the trial will take place early in December, and will probably be over the same course as last year.

On December 1, the New Zealand light-weight motoi cycle championship will be decided at the New Brighton .Trotting Club’s ground. In addition to the championship race the programme includes eight other races. The championship will be a big draw to North Island riders, and the Pioneer Club is confident that there will be- a record entry. The light-weight edass is for machines of 350 c.c.,. commonly termed 2-f h.p., and the race will be over a distance of eight miles.