Visitors to the Show cannot fail to pause at the Premier stand, as one is immediately attracted by the finish of various parts. For high finish Premier motor cycles will compare with anything in the Show. The new twin, on which by means of the special design of connecting rods even firing may be obtained in each cylinder, has already been exhaustively described in our columns, and many motor cyclists who prefer a twin-cylinder engine are sure to be tempted to examine it closely. The magneto on this machine is at the rear of the crank case - a position which has many advantages, and is being largely adopted for 1911. The inlet valves are situated in the cylinder head, and are mechanically operated by outside rods and tappets. A point worth noting is that the inlet valve springs are exposed, and are thus open to a full current of cold air.
This model is obtainable either as a pedalless machine, or with a hub plate clutch, or with Millennium two-speed gear hub. The last mentioned mount is, of course, primarily designed for sidecar enthusiasts. Compared with 1910, the frames of the new machines are much lower, the saddle being only 30in. from the ground.
The chief feature of the single-cylinder Premier is the auxiliary exhaust release, but the arrangement for the escape of the gas at the end of the firing stroke has been slightly modified on the new model, a separate pipe being used to conduct the exhaust to the silencer. At the cylinder end of this duplicate exhaust pipe there is an automatic valve, which only opens. when the gas is under pressure in the cylinder. This has a tendency to keep the engine cooler in running, besides which the partial release of the exhaust gases results in the exhaust valve being subjected to much less heat. The footrests on all the models are of new design and rubber covered.
The new Premier pulley has already been illustrated, but it may be mentioned that both flanges are locked to the engine-shaft, and another point worth noting is that the belt cannot tighten the flange or cause the latter to bind against the locking nut. A very neat form of cut-out is used on the single-cylinder machine, the operation of which is effected by a rocking motion, which does away with the necessity for opening or closing the cut-out by a lifting-up action of the toe.
Other features are an inclined oil pump, front rim and foot operated belt rim brake, and long handle-bars extended well back to enable the rider to assume a comfortable position.
Premier Cycle Co., Ltd.
Coventry. Stand No. 63.
The Premier motor-bicycles still consist fundamentally of a 3.5 H.P. single cylinder model and a 3 H.P. twin, but there are three embodiments of the former to one of the latter. It is the twin, however, that attracts most attention. Several changes are noticeable from last season's pattern. The fly-wheel is now enclosed, and the cylinders are no longer at 90 degrees. Although the angle has been reduced an ingenious device has been adopted for retaining the equal firing intervals. One of the big ends bears direct on the big end in the usual way, but the other takes the form of a pair of sheaves bearing on eccentrics formed each side of the first big end.
The inlet valves are inverted and are operated mechanically by long rods and rocker arms. The magneto is arranged behind the crank case and is gear driven. Double cams are employed, one part operating the exhaust valve direct, and the other lifting the inlet rod through an interposed lever. The exhaust pipes are straight and each delivers into its own silencer. The radiating fins are horizontal, and the sparking plugs are directed fore and aft and are much more accessible than in some machines.
The lubrication of the two cylinders is equalised by making the area of the apertures - the flanges at the top of the crank case of smaller area in the rear cylinder than in the front. Turning now to the single cylinder patterns, these also have a new engine. The auxiliary exhaust release consisting of a port at the bottom of the piston stroke was introduced during last season, but has now been considerably improved. A separate pipe but the port in direct communication with the muffler, and a non-return valve prevents interference with the fresh charges of mixture. In the new adjustable pulley the movable flange is locked by right and left-hand threads, and a washer of special form provides an almost direct lock to the shaft.
One of the single cylinder models is fitted with the new Premier free engine clutch, and yet another is constructed as a T.T. racer. Speaking generally, the rider's comfort has received attention on the 1911 Premiers by lowering the saddle, improving the foot-rests and reducing the noise, the means for silencing the tappet gear being very well thought out. The Premier agency is a good one to get, and there are a few vacant districts.
If you have further information or a query related to this page, please contact us
