A New Motosacoche.
The famous Geneva firm of H. and A. Dufaux have plumped for the long-stroke engine, the dimensions of the 1912 model being 64 by 90 mm. The most drastic change, however, is the wholesale rejection of the chassis or tubular frame, to which were fastened the engine and all the accessories. The engine will in future models be fastened direct to the cycle frame by means of the improved clips, of which we append a sketch. It will be noted that one-half of these clips is cast on the crank case, and threaded through them is a staple which engages the loose half, nuts screwed on the ends of the staples holding the lot together. The shields, always a Motosacoche feature, are attached to the tank. The carburetter position is now behind the engine and a variable extra air control will be employed operated from the handle-bar.
The paraffin injection pipe is led to the side of the piston, so no trouble is occasioned by the paraffin running out through the exhaust valve should the latter be open at the time the paraffin is injected. Square radiator fins of very large size are fitted to the 1912 engine, and it is worthy of note that the 1911 and 1912 engines were tried all out at Brooklands one against the other. The radiator-fins of the new model were filed on the edges to enable the engineers of the firm to see what amount of discolouration took place ; only one fin showed any sign of "bluing," thereby proving that all the heat was efficiently radiated except at that one point. New and larger filler caps are fitted on the bayonet joint principle, and the carburetter can be flooded for starting by means of a push rod working through the tank from the top and in close reach of the rider's hands.
The cleanliness of the new engine is quite remarkable ; with copious oiling it is impossible for the crank case to get dirty, and no oil exudes from any joint.
If an excess of oil is forced into the crank case it issues from the centre of the main shaft, but not a spot comes out at the tappet rods or other vulnerable points. The reason for this is that the makers have a very perfect release valve, which is efficient at any speed at which the engine will work.
An improved lady's model will be ready for the Show, embodying all the above-mentioned special features. An illustration of the new model is published on page 1133.
1911 Olympia Show - The Motor Cycle October 26th, 1911. Page 1126
MOTOSACOCHE, No. 36.
Motosacoche, Ltd., 65, Holborn Viaduct, E.G. – The 2½ h.p. Motosacoche has undergone several important improvements for the 1912 season. It will be noted that the engine has an increased stroke while another important feature is the fixing of the exhaust pipe, which is brought to meet the cylinder instead of having the cylinder port brought out to meet the pipe. This obviates a large mass of metal and considerably improves the cooling of the engine. The special feature this year is the new variable gear. A double pedal on the left footrest operates an expanding pulley or the engine-shaft, while a jockey pulley operated from the handle-bar takes up the slack of the Whittle belt.
In this year's model the engine and tank are no longer carried on separate chassis but are fixed to the main frame, thus allowing a larger tank, considerably improving the appearance, and giving greater accessibility all round. An improved fixing is used for the side metal guards covering engine, etc.; these are hinged to the tank and prevented from rattling by clips carried on the crank case. Mudguarding has been particularly well carried out, large side flaps being fitted to both wheels. A foot brake is fitted on the belt rim, and has a simple adjustment to compensate for wear on the shoe. The control levers of the magneto and automatic carburetter are placed on the left handle-bar, and an extra air lever is situated on the left side of the tank. The tank is finished in aluminium with a black panel, suitably lined, and carries petrol and oil gauges where they can be conveniently seen without detaching the side guards. The neat and strong method of attaching the engine to the frame was mentioned in a recent issue. It is worth noticing that the addition of a variable pulley gear adds only 2½ lbs. weight to the machine.
The 2 h.p. lady's Motosacoche is very neatly arranged, and is particularly light, both in appearance and actual weight. Dress-guarding has been carefully studied. The chief features of this model are the Druid forks, 24in. wheels, variable gear operated from the handle-bar, and the 2 h.p. engine, which is fitted with an atmospheric valve disposed over the exhaust valve. No cam gear in the ordinary sense of the word is employed, but the original system of Motosacoche valve operation by which the valve tappet is operated by a shoe sliding in grooves cut on the flywheels. On this model a Lycett rubber belt is used for the fixed gear, and a ball race is fitted to the bottom of the pulley, so that when the pulley is fully expanded a free engine is obtained without any drag. If the variable gear is specified the Whittle belt is used as on the men's machine. In other respects the ladies' model remains practically unaltered.
1911 Olympia Show - The Motor Cycle November 23rd, 1911. Page 1250
