British

Today in Motorcycle History

1903 Crystal Palace Show Page 806

Star Cycle Co., Ltd.

This company are again handling the Star-Griffon, and will show examples of the latest 2¾ h.p., with mechanically-operated inlet valve and automatic lubrication. The Griffon motor is one that is excelled by none in France, the recent successes by such well-known men as Demester, Lamberjack, and others practically proving its speed and reliability. Fitted to Star bicycles, the combination could not be improved upon.

Starley and Co.

We have on two occasions previously described and illustrated the Starley motor bicycle, which is the only worm-driven single track machine on the market. The engine is placed transversely between the seat tube and the front wheel, and at the rear of the engine is bolted a two-speed gear box, containing also the worm and pinion. On a continuation of the pinion shaft is keyed a chain wheel, which drives by means of a chain to the rear hub. By means of the gear a free engine is provided midway between the high and the low gear, which is invaluable for starting and running slow in traffic. Those motor cyclists who have not already had an opportunity of examining this machine at one of the trials organised by the company should on no account miss this exhibit.

The Westfield Autobike.

The Rising Sun Cycle, Motor, and Engineering Works are exhibiting six 2¾ h.p. Westfield Autobikes, finished in various styles and colours; one 2¾ h.p. Westfield tandem, with coach-built body, finished black with red body; one 3½ h.p. Westfield tandem, with coach-built body, finished dark crimson; several of the Westfield engines of 2¾ and 3½ h.p.; also a quantity of the Ada Chrome tanned motor belting, for which they are the agents.

ACCESSORIES. p.806

W. Montgomery and Co.

This firm will be exhibiting ten of their patent flexible compensating sidecarriages attached to motor bicycles of various makes. This is a patent which has only recently been put on the market, and the makers claim that by the use of their compensating joint a sidecarriage is provided which affords the perfection of comfortable riding and great freedom from vibration.

Mills and Fulford.

We understand that this firm's exhibit will comprise forecars for motor bicycles of several distinct designs, amongst them being one that extends to the back stays of the motor bicycle, by arrangement with Phoenix Motors, Ltd. The steering of these has been considerably improved, the method now adopted being on the lines of the stately motor car. Sidecars naturally will form a conspicuous part of the exhibit, comprising as they wall, in addition to the fixed pattern, some fitted with the firm's patented method of steering. This enables the sidecar wheel to steer in unison with the front wheel of the cycle, as illustrated in our last issue. Other items will include compensating joints, motor Trykars [sic], and bicycles, together with a complete assortment of trailing cars, for which the firm has become so famous, together with other practical and useful novelties, will complete this exhibit.

Motor cycle tyres and rubber goods will be staged by the Dunlop Pneumatic Tyre Co., Ltd., the North British Rubber Co., Ltd., the Scottish Tyre, Ltd., and the Self-sealing Air Chamber Co., Ltd.; while the following firms will exhibit: Messrs, the British Motor Fittings, motor fittings; H. E. Dickinson, freewheels for motor cycles and the Dickinson Morette; Stephen A. Marples, a full line in motor accessories, engines, etc.; Hans Renold, Ltd., motor cycle driving chains; Worsnop and Co., motor cycle lamps for acetyloid gas, petroleum, and electric light, oilcans, funnels, etc.

A Non-exhibitor's Specialities.

Messrs. G. T. Riches, although not exhibiting at the Show, are now selling an accessory which should be useful to those motor cyclists whose houses are supplied with a continuous electric current, and which we illustrate herewith. This is known as aHome-charger. It consists of a plug A, which fits into an ordinary electric lamp holder. From the plug the wires go through a pole detector B, which in its turn passes through the lamp C. Thence the wires D and E, which are coloured red and green, go to the accumulator. The whole apparatus packs into a neat box about 3m. square. It is impossible to connect up the accumulators wrongly. On the same illustration will also be seen a notched quadrant with spring catch, a very handy pair of pliers, and anew pattern sparking plug.

The Motor Cycle November 18th, 1903. Page 806

Crystal Palace Show 1903 Index