CONNAUGHT. (132.)

Solo and Sidecar Two-strokes.

2¾ H.P. Model.

73x70 mm. (293 c.c); single cyl, two-stroke; petroil lubrication; Amac or B. and B. carb.; chain-driven mag.; 2-sp. gear; clutch and kick-starter; chain and belt drive; 24x2¼in. tyres. Price £49 7s.

BORDESLEY Eng. Co., Aston, Birmingham.

The foundation of this model is the familiar Connaught engine on which the reputation of the firm has been built. It is famous for economy, both in petrol ...and oil, and is marketed with three separate transmission specifications, viz., popular (direct belt drive), standard (chain-cum-belt), and all-weather model (all chain). The geared models are definitely recommended for pillion work. A glance at the machines indicates that silence is going to be a special feature during 1923, it being obvious that very special attention has been paid to the exhaust system.

3½ H.P. Model;

76x77 mm. (349 c.c); single cyl. two-stroke: mechanical pump and petrol lubrication; Amac or Wex carb.; chain-driven mag.; 3-sp. gear; clutch and kick-starter; chain drive; 26x2¼in. tyres. Price: Solo, £65 2s.; with Sidecar, £78 16s.

The silencing arrangements of both the sports and the de luxe models are worth close attention. The exhaust of the de luxe model emerges from the cylinder into a finned aluminium manifold, and passes down a huge flexible copper pipe into a capacious aluminium expansion box under the engine, from which the exit is by twin copper fishtails. On the sports model, which has a similar engine, the exhaust emerges from the cylinder into a duplex aluminium manifold, from which it travels down a big copper pipe to an aluminium expansion box level with the rear wheel. The capacity of these systems, and the use of special metals to cool the gas and to prevent "ring," are noteworthy points.

This 348 c.c. engine is, of course, large as two-strokes go. On the sports model it is capable of 55 miles per hour, whilst the de luxe model with a low bottom gear makes a powerful touring mount. Each model is fitted with a Showell mechanical pump. Petroil lubrication is used as an auxiliary. The handle-bar adjustment in the head clip deserves attention.

Equipped with quite a roomy and substantial sidecar the three-speed model has ample power and is sufficiently robustly built for transporting two people anywhere.