A £25 Motor-Cycle
ONE of the most important introductions made to motor cycling to date is the 98 cc. 2-stroke Excelsior, which is to sell in Victoria at £25! Production of this ultra-special utility model is now in full swing in England, and the first shipment is expected to arrive in Melbourne about the middle of June. This machine is claimed to be the lowest-priced brand-new motor cycle ever sold in Australia.
Importance is claimed by this introduction because of the fact that this type of machine seems likely to add thousands upon thousands to the ranks of motor cyclists the world over. The big majority of these will probably be riders who have wanted a motor cycle with super-economy and dependability, but who have tarried because the prices have been a little above what they were prepared to pay. Among them are myriad present-day pedal cyclists, who will undoubtedly be interested in a low-priced machine of this description, for the employment of such a motor cycle represents a means by which they can ride to and from their work quickly and non-laboriously at a cost which is cheaper than walking!
Full-Blown Motor Cycle.
This new Excelsior is credited with covering 200 m.p.g., and to be capable of 35 m.p.h. Its weight is only 112 lb. The specifications are so complete that one cannot justifiably do otherwise than regard it as a full-blown motor cycle in every sense of the term. Extensive tests in England have proved that the machine will stand up to the hardest work, while it has climbed the steepest of hills in remarkable fashion.
The engine is a Villiers, with a bore of 50 mm. and stroke of 50 mm., giving a total capacity of 98 cc., while the cylinder is sloped forward. Deep finning is employed, while a single exhaust pipe leads to a transverse cylindrical silencing chamber with a short outlet pipe. Two speeds are provided in the Albion gearbox, the change being effected by a simple rocker pedal, mounted on the left footrest hanger. The gear ratios are 9.7 and 19.4 to 1. No kick-starter is included, but this is not needed, for it is perfectly easy to start the engine by paddling. To ensure the easiest possible starting a large flywheel magneto has been standardised. All chain drive is provided and both chains are guarded. As the engine runs on petroil, a special oil measure is incorporated in the petrol tank cap, the tank itself holding 1½ gallons.
Strong Too.
The frame is also of simple, design and very strong. A single tube forms the tank rail and also the rear down bar, while extra strength is added to the head by webbing. With the viewpoint of comfort, tyres of 25 in. by 2.75 in. and a Lycett Aero supple-top saddle are included. Front-fork springing is afforded by a single barrel-type spring centrally mounted, while the forks have pressed steel blades. Four-inch brakes, front and rear, are fitted, and these are finger adjustable. Another pressing is the central spring-up stand, which is located beneath the gearbox. The welded toolbox is set beneath the saddle and is divided into two compartments, the alternate compartment being available to carry a light waterproof coat or odds and ends.
In designing this Excelsior special efforts were made to ensure that it would operate without any trouble, mechanical-or otherwise, even in the hands of the rawest novice. This aim seems certain to be successful. The machine is beautifully made and finished in every detail, and evidences the very acme of reliability.
Messrs. Findlay and O'Connor - the Melbourne agents - have announced that a deposit as low as £6 will be accepted - a factor which will make the buying still easier, and which alone should ensure a ready market.
Australian Cycling & Motor Cycling magazine, May 28th 1931. Trove NLA
