On Two Wheels

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 70, 14 June 1927, Page 11

On Two Wheels

MOTOR-CYCLE NOTES The eyes of the motoring world are now focussed on the Isle of Man, where the premier race of the motorcycle fraternity is held. The following are particulars of the classes to be run this year: June 13. —Junior T.T. For machines up to 350 c.c. June 15. —Lightweight T.T. For machines up to 250 c.c. June 17. —Senior T.T. For machines up to 500 c.c. The “stop” signal, which may bo noticed fitted in the left-hand rear platform window on many of the city tram-cars is an excellent idea, and would prove invaluable to all motorists if it would operate ten or twelve yards before a stop, instead of just at the moment of stopping. Further improvement might be made by fitting a more powerful lamp for illuminating the stop sign. BEWARE! Those who have acetylene lighting equipment should always extinguish the headlamp when getting benzine at any' of the filling stations. The engine should also be stopped. There, have recently been several fires caused by r the headlight or exhaust gases igniting the benzine vapour. Only the timely use of a fire extinguisher by the attendant has saved some of the machines, although in the most recent case the motor-cycle was a total wreck. * * * There were 600 new motor-cycles sold in New Zealand during April, details of which are given below. This is very nearly a record. The previous best figures were for December, 1925, with a total of 094. The 133 “other makes” is made up of several machines whose totals are not very high: Indian, 99; 8.5. A., 77; Douglas, 76; HarleyDavidson, 69; Triumph, 66; A.J.S., 35; Norton, 15; Matchless, 13; Sun, 9; Raleigh, 8; other makes, 133; total. 600. The total sales for the three previous months are 1,122, an average of 374 per month. These figures do not include sales of used machines. * * * SPORTS M.C. CLUB There was a good attendance at the annual, meeting of the Sports MotorCycle Club, held last Tuesday in the Chamber of Commerce. The following officers were elected; President, B. May; vice-presidents, L. Coulthard, W. Wadham; secretary, V. Penny; assistant secretary, L. Russell; auditors, Messrs. O. Litherland and A. Myers; committee, Messrs. H. Fletcher, C. Walker, AV. Marrett, L. Millar, H. Ratcliffe and L. Crosbie. * * * A good deal of discussion took place upon the question of limiting the club’s vice-presidents to two, as the rules permit the appointment of an indefinite number; however, it was decided to elect two only'. There were four nominations. The club has also decided to elect a patron, but owing to doubts regarding method of nomination this position was not filled at the meeting. * *■ * The balance-sheet for the year ending May 31 revealed a surplus of a few pounds, after meeting rather heavy expense for the year. In view of the fact several sports meetings to be postponed owing to bad weather, the financial position was considered quite good. * * * A large sum had been spent puttinghills in order for hill-climbing competitions. This outlay will be handsomely returned when the weather is more reliable and hill-climbing again becomes seasonable. * * * IT IS RUMOURED: That a really silent motor-cycle. was seen last week-end. The rear chain was broken and it was being towed' * * * That W. Herbert, local Indian exponent, will not visit Australia this year, as most of the racing tracks are now; closed for the season. * * * That the British motor-cycle industry suffers under the disadvantage that theirs is the only country in the world where motor road racing is not permitted (except in the Isle of Man). That the new 35 O.H.V. B.S.A. is a real “hush-hush” bus. The muffler has a volume equal to six times cylinder capacity. * * * That a local garage proprietor was more than staggered when the proud owner of a 15 Sun asked the correct gearing for sidecar work. * * # That the new Hudson works are extremely busy. They are now turning out over 100 machines per week. Of these 80 per cent, is of the new O.H.V. type. Further, a new engine building shop is under construction, capable of turning out a further 200 engines per week. * * * That the first Brough Superior (a 656 model) landed in Auckland by J. and W. White, was purchased by L. Anderson, of Otahuhu.