NEW MODELS UNDER ROAD TEST
Being the first of the new machines, available, and in view of the enormous interest aroused by its introduction to the Australian market, the D.K.W. motor-cycle was selected for the first of the official tests being conducted by "Australian Cycling and Motor Cycling".
The official test was carried out by Mr. A. C. Wilson, secretary of the Auto-Cycle Union of Victoria, and he look out a new sports 250 c.c. model.
When taken from the workshop this machine had only done four miles, so the test was necessarily not as severe as for a properly run-in machine.
The saddle of the large pan type is fitted with adjustable springing, and the comfort and riding position were all that could be desired. Steering was good, and can be adjusted with a damper to suit individual tastes.
The tests showed that the machine possessed remarkable acceleration, as from a standing start over a measured 30 yards, the machine reached 28 m.p.h. in first gear. The road holding capacity proved excellent, and its safety in cornering at high speeds was outstanding. The heel control rear brake and the front wheel brake both proved remarkably effective. The hill-climbing capacity of the machine was tested over a very severe hill, and proved eminently satisfactory. There was no difficulty in getting over the top from a stop and re-start in second gear. Controls are arranged to facilitate easy operation, and the foot gear change is indeed pleasant to use. The power unit is well-designed, and presents ready access to any part of the engine.
To sum up, there is nothing which describes the performance of the machine better than to say it is a 250 c.c job with a 350 c.c. performance.
Sports Model 250 c.c. D.K.W. Specification
BORE and STROKE: 68 x 68
CYLINDER CAPACITY: 245.
POWER OUTPUT: 9.
CARBURETTER: AMAL 5/145.
EXHAUST SYSTEM: Double port, (detachable).
IGNITION: Battery.
ELECTRIC LIGHTING SET Watts: 76.
BEAM: 7/16 ins.
GEAR-BOX: Three speed engine gear-box unit.
GEAR CONTROL: Combined hand and foot change.
FRAME : Pressed steel girders
FORK: Profile pressed steel.
EASY DRIVE FACILITIES: Shock absorber and steering damper.
TYRES: 3.00 x 19.
WHEELBASE: 52 ½ inches.
MAXIMUM SPEED: 60 m.p.h. (approx).
WEIGHT: 286 lbs. (approx).
TANK CAPACITY: Three gallons.
PETROL CONSUMPTION : 85 miles per gallon.
In an unofficial test Mr. A. Weller reported as follows:—Taking over a 500 c.c. air-cooled twin cylinder, two-stroke D.K.W. the first impression was the remarkably clean design and accessibility of the whole job. Throughout the test Super Plume Ethyl was the fuel used.
The performance of the motor even when driven hard was exceptionally good. It would pull down to 20 miles per hour in top gear without any sign of pinking or harshness in the transmission. In second gear it is possible to run at 10 m.p.h., and in heavy traffic the acceleration in this gear is excellent.
The maximum speed attained in top gear with the rider sitting up was 80 m.p.h. In second gear 72 m.p.h. was the figure reached. It was found on checking the speedometer that it was reading 6 m.p.h. fast.
Australian Cycling & Motor Cycling, July 15th 1936. Trove NLA
Australian importer: Keep Bros. and Wood Pty. Ltd.
