Stanley Show

Today in Motorcycle History

Stanley Show 1903 p829


Ariel Cycle Co., Ltd.

In addition to the 2¼ h.p. motor bicycle, a 3¼ h.p. machine is shown. In this the engine is carried in the same position as the 2¼ h.p., but the valves are arranged at the back of the cylinder, and are driven by worm gearing, the whole of the gear being detachable, without necessitating the dismounting of the crank case.

The contact breaker is of the self-adjusting type, and is enclosed in a glass case. An exhaust cut-out is fitted, as well as a detachable cylinder head, which is screwed into the main portion of the cylinder and packed with an aluminium washer. This machine is fitted with a back-pedalling brake and a release, whereby it can be thrown out of action for wheeling the machine backwards. The back-pedalling brake comes into action automatically as soon as the machine is wheeled forward. The tank presents many features of interest. It contains two sets of batteries kept in place by a spring clamp, and the coil is attached to the door of the battery and coil department.

The oil tank and pump are attached to a detachable side piece secured to the main tank by a sliding joint, so that the oil tank and pump can be completely removed from the main tank for repairs in case of leakage, or to enable the oil tank to be filled without spilling the lubricating oil over the tank itself. A free-wheel guard is fitted, and a two-way switch, in which the switch handle can be completely removed from the machine, obviating the necessity of using a touche. [1] A specially cheap line is a machine fitted with 2 h.p. Minerva set, and selling at thirty-five guineas. Many will be glad to see the return of the Ariel tricycles and quadricycles. These are shown on the stand in the form in which they appeared a year or two ago. (Stand 134.)

N.B. The word "touche" may be derived from French.

Ariel 1903


The Hobart Motor Bicycle.

As reported in our anticipatory issue, Messrs. Hobart Bird and Co., although having made several additional improvements to their 1904 types, have not materially altered the design, and continue to fit 2¾ and 3 h.p. engines in both vertical and inclined positions. The principal novelty on the machines consists of an emergency handle-bar control, the movement of one lever performing the operations of breaking the electric circuit...

Continued Hobart 1903/04


Bransom, Kent, and Co., Ltd.,

London, are showing a number of motor bicycles fitted with Minerva sets. They also show a trailer with frame of their own design, and a special; universal joint in the attachment. (Stand 138.)

Bransom, Kent and Co 1901-04


Perry and Co.

are showing a Tricar of good design fitted with a 3 h.p. Perry engine, placed in an inclined position and fed by a surface carburetter. The tank is a large one, and should carry an ample supply of petrol. (Stand 332, Gallery.)

Perry 1899-1913


Rover Cycle Co., Ltd.

This fine exhibit includes a motor cycle and also a forecar, both fitted with 3 h.p. engines carried in a specially-designed and strengthened frame. The engine has two valve shafts, with a separate cam for each valve. On the top of the cylinder is fitted a paraffin valve with snap top, obviating the necessity of unscrewing anything in order to flush the engine out with paraffin. There are many features of interest in the engine itself, such as the attachment of the valve washer to the valve stem, without the use of a cotter. A special form of wipe ignition is fitted, in which the wiping brush is held out of contact with the cam surface...

Continued: Imperial Rover 1903

The Motor Cycle, November 25th, 1903 Page 829