the latest

on the

British line

PFEW RADICAL CHANGES have been

made to motorcycles from Europe. In

the main manufacturers have left well

enough alone, concentrating on detailed

small matters to improve comfort and

safety. There has been no drastic change in

matters of transmission or. in most cases,

suspension. Several new models announced

are facsimiles of machines already pro-

duced as established favorites. In some

cases, despite added refinements, the pur-

chase price has been reduced.

AJS-MATCHLESS

With neither addition nor subtraction to

* or from a well known range. Associated

Motor Cycles Limited will continue pro-

ducing 19 models in their London factory7.

Nine carrying the winged M motif, the

remainder the well known initials AJS.

Several interesting modifications have been

made, all, without exception, improve-

ments our editor has long looked for. None

the less it demands a vastly experienced

eye to spot them easily.

Increased braking power to the front

wheel is achieved from a brake actuating

lever with a forward pull, ensuring maxi-

mum movement of the forward shoe. Bud-

dy seats, fitted to all spring frame models

will doubtless provide a more comfortable

ride to driver and passenger. Unfortunate-

ly, supply at the present does not permit

use of them on their other models.

Yet, another improved seal for the pri-

mary chaincase is fitted to all models.

This, in the form of an endless band man-

ufactured from synthetic, oil resisting rub-

ber, will be easier to remove and replace

than the seal introduced a year ago. Other

modifications common to all models in-

clude fitting of a chromium plated ring

in the top piston ring groove in order to

reduce cylinder wear as has been proven

by extensive tests. Rear fender ends are

now detachable and footrest hangers fitted

outside the lower frame tubes.

Finished in Wedgewood Blue enamel, the newest Ariel Square Four is

fitted with a rakish-looking pair of double headers in place of the old

single stack and now has a five-gallon gas tank instead of four-gallon

Pip-squeak of the Royal Enfield line is the RE 125. It has taken on the

appearance of quality with the fitting of a full swinging-arm rear

suspension. While not oil dampened, it appears to be quite sufficient

Much talked about Norton 88, a 498 cc twin, is equipped with new race-bred, swinging-arm rear

suspension that has been proven most road-worthy. This machine competed in the ISDT

HEADED FOS TOM GARAGE

By William Onslow

The manufacturer has. in giving thought

to the many pleas for a “Sneakproof,”

designed and produced a simple, yet ef-

fective locking bar only a few inches in

length. Available as an extra and costing

only a few cents, it will prevent all but

really brutal attempts at removal.

The robust suspension systems of both

makes are little changed, only the tele-

scopic front fork being slightly altered in

a very minor way. The upper fork covers,

previously securely bolted to the steering

crown, are now retained by rubber wash-

ers. The lower covers are retained by pres-

sure of the main springs. Models des-

tined for the American market will have

chromium gas tanks and wheel rims that

will put added sparkle to an already lus-

trous finish.

ARIEL

Information already divulged by the

Selly Oak concern omitted the usual ref-

erence to motor component parts. This

could mean that little change, if any,

will be made to motors already known. It

does, however, allude to the general lines

of what is to be a nine model range that

includes two new models in the multi class.

The entire range is to be fitted with a

new type heavyweight Burman gearbox,

the clutch operating lever retained inside

the outer case gearbox shell. Ariel type

plunger springing and quickly detachable

rear wheel is available for all models to

which those fittings are not standard.

Newly introduced, a new Square Four to

be known as Model “4G” Mk 2, It is

finished in attractive Wedgewood Blue

enamel, with a five-gallon tank in lieu of

the smaller four-gallon one of the already

known Squariel; this multi should prove

a certain winner. It differs also in having

two double exhaust manifolds with semi-

dual stacks. This, with a standard pattern

front fender replacing the valanced style

fitted to the Mk I, imparts a look of po-

tency and speed. Suspension units allow

a 3V2 in. movement rear, and 6% in. front

wheel movement.

Second newcomer is an added Hunter

twin, Model KHA, It is, as implied by

the model letters, a version of the Model

KH, having light alloy head and barrel.

Both are fitted with a four gallon gas tank

and the colors will distinguish either model

at a glance. Deep Maroon is chosen for

the KH, Wedgewood Blue for its sporting

compatriate. The same paintwork serves to

identify the Hunter single—the prefix

“Red” has been dropped from all models

—500 cc Model VH from the Model VHA.

Paintwork of the 350 cc Hunter, Model

NH, will be a claret tank with gold lining.

■ 7 Ur A

Frame, fenders, forks, etc., black enamel.

The model VB, 600 cc sidevalve will be

finished in stately black and finally the

500 competition Hunter in deep claret

enamel and polished dural fenders.

BSA

Several alterations in details are to

be made to a large range that will be more

colorful in the coming year. Models of over

250 cc will be fitted with a neat, stream-

lined headlight cowling; its pressed steel

form housing speedometer, light switch

and ammeter. A newly designed registra-

tion plate moulded to the sweep of the rear

fender will grace all machines except the

variations of the 125 Bantam. These carry

not only a stop and tail light combined

but a red reflector at the lower extreme.

Other modifications deal with separate

group models as instigated by the BSA

concern last year, thus producing similar

machines under a group letter heading.

The letter “A” is designated to the twin

cylinder machines. Three in number, hav-

ing one piece crankshaft, push rod oper-

ated overhead valves and single camshaft,

they are the 650 Golden Flash “Aio,”

the 500 “A7” and 500 “Star Twin” sports

edition of the “A7.” Each receives ample,

but quite smooth stopping power from

seven and eight-inch diameter brakes at

rear and front respectively. They each

share the detail alteration to gas tank fit-

tings and the tank will be affixed by a

horizontal bolt front and rear. Such bolts,

passing through rubber bushes, serve to

isolate the tank from the frame and will

eliminate considerably shock and vibration.

Other modifications to the three are:

Finned collars for the stacks, replacing the

plain clips, an alteration to the prop stand

lug now brazed instead of clipped to the

frame, and the fitting of a spring loaded

oil seal in the crankcase drive side to pre-

vent oil seepage to the primary chaincase.

Together, they boast extra glitter from

chromium plated wheel rims and tank

panels, but paint jobs differ. The A7 ma-

roon ; its sports counterpart, polychromat-

ic mist green on forks, fenders and tank,

and dark green lustrous enamel finished

frame. The Golden Flash retains the al-

ready familiar beige, but is enhanced by

the sparkle of added chrome.

Group “B” embodies touring and sport-

ing machines of both 350 and 500 cc in

single cylinder form including the “Gold

Star” and competition mounts. Cooling

properties will be increased by larger and

deeper finning to the cylinders of the two

roadsters: 348 cc B31 and 499 cc B33.

The latter will feature a connecting rod

half an inch shorter in length, but bore

and stroke will not be altered. Compensa-

tion will be gained from a wrist pin bore

set that amount lower in a split-skirt

piston which reduces tendencies to piston-

slap. This model, together with most oth-

ers in the 500 range, will have an 8 in.

front brake. Paint job, as standard to the

two, is maroon with chrome tank panel;

alternate finish in black enamel on frame,

forks and fenders may be specified...