The new model 3½ h.p. Rover, with free engine hub clutch, exhibited for the first time at Olympia.
Rover engine unit, showing magneto at rear of cylinder.
Rover Co., LTD., Coventry.
The 3½ h.p. Rover machine, which has been so long expected, is a most attractive feature of the Rover Co.'s exhibit, and is a very elegant model on standard lines. The engine is a very neat piece of work, with side by side valves, and has the magneto immediately in the rear of the cylinder, and behind that again the carburetter.
The valve heads are of large diameter, and their tappets are furnished with damping springs, which largely eliminate noise and keep the tappets hard up against the valve stems. The silencer is of large dimensions, and is fitted with a most sensible refinement in the form of a hand-operated cut-out, the lever for this purpose being on the left hand of the grip.
Immediately above this lever is that for the spark advance, with which is also incorporated a magneto cut-out when the spark is in the fully retarded position. The engine-shaft is fitted with an adjustable pulley of special design, and the transmission to the road wheel is through a Triumph free engine clutch, operated by a sleeve locking pedal situated on the right footrest. Druid spring forks, powerful front and rear brakes, and a permanently fixed petrol primer complete the specification of a machine which is in every way attractive and practical.
The Rover Co., Ltd.
Meteor Works, Coventry. Stand No. 68.
Riders and agents alike welcome the return of the Rover Co., to the ranks of motor-cycle manufacturers. As might be expected, the Rover Co. have not restarted where they left off. Good as was the old Rover in its day, this new model is a great deal better. The engine has a single cylinder, with 85 mm. bore and 88 mm. stroke - very popular dimensions. The valves are operated mechanically, and the ignition is by high tension magneto, mounted vertically before the engine. The carburetter is Rover type, and is controlled from the handlebar. The engine pulley is adjustable to give different ratios of gearing between 4.5 to 1 and 6.5 to 1. A rubber belt conveys the motion to the rear wheel, which is built up with a plate clutch - by licence from the Triumph Cycle Co.
The wheels are shod with 24in. Dunlop studded tyres, and the front one is carried in a spring fork of the parallel ruler type. The top of the saddle stands 32ins. from the ground, and there is 4ins. clearance under the crankcase. The standard equipment includes pedalling gear, stand and carrier. The machine is rather over the average length, the wheelbase being 56ins. The weight is about 180 lbs.
The timing of the magneto and the opening and closing of the exhaust cut-out are controlled from the handle-bar by a pair of levers, which is a duplicate of the carburetter adjustments. Two brackets are provided at the centre of the handle-bar, one for the lamp, and the other for the generator. A dummy belt rim is fitted for the pedal brake to act on. The front guard has closed sides, and the rear one an extension over the belt pulley. A fine machine truly.
