Motorcycle

“ Paul stopped, and listened.
"No," he said. "That's not a motorcycle, but an automobile. I wonder—" He stopped and thought for a moment. "It's still half a mile or so away. It's worth trying! It would be a chance! And it can do no harm. Arthur, do you remember how we stopped their motorcycle when those two officers were chasing us after we had escaped from the house where they had hidden the guns and the shells?" ”

“ Or like the growling of a motorcycle.
"Motorcycle!" yelled Markel. The Earth Mother screamed and fell back on the seat, dragging him with her. He pulled loose, sat up, and rolled down the window. Rain needled his face. Under the rain sounds he heard it, distant but unmistakable, the growling of a motorcycle.
He twisted the ignition key. "Motorcycle," he said. He kicked the gas pedal. The convertible jerked forward, sending the Earth Mother rolling to the floor. "Motorcycle." He kicked the car forward again and onto the road where it ground into second gear. "Get up! ”

“ A motorcycle engine, or other small gasoline motor, is used for the power plant. The control mechanism of the engine and the electrical connections are similar to those of a motorcycle. They are installed to be controlled handily from the driver’s seat. The car is built without springs, but these may be included, if desired, or the necessary comfort provided—in part at least—by a cushioned seat. Strong bicycle wheels are used, the 11⁄2 by 28-in. size being suitable. The hood may be of wood, or of sheet metal, built over a frame of strap iron. ”

“ The colored man agreed to be with them in half an hour, and, much relieved, the boys sauntered out of the shed with Mr. Dancer to await the arrival of the auto.
They were standing in the road outside the gates of the carefully secluded workshop, when a man on a high-powered motorcycle suddenly appeared from the direction of the grade down which the runaway car had dashed. ”

“ This 2‐cylinder solo motorcycle is powered by a V‐type, air‐cooled gasoline engine, operating on conventional 4‐stroke, 4‐cycle principles. Air‐cooled engines rely upon movement of air over cylinder and head radiating fins, and upon circulation of oil for dissipation of excessive heat. Motorcycle engines, therefore, under no conditions should be operated for more than 1 minute when motorcycle is not in motion. ”

“ Every two-wheeled motorcycle with or without side-car capable of exceeding 40 km (25 miles) per hour on a level road shall be equipped, in addition to the passing lamp, with at least one driving lamp satisfying the conditions regarding colour and visibility laid down in paragraph 21 above. If such a motorcycle has more than one driving lamp, these lamps shall be situated as close together as possible. ”

“ The building and development of auto vehicles form one of the most remarkable pages in the history of manufactures. The subject nearest the boy is the motorcycle, which is a direct development of the bicycle. From this to the larger power vehicles is but another step, so that in setting forth the structures involved the aim should be to show how one form of device grew out of the preceding one, and how each structure following in the train, became desirable and necessary. ”

“ High Speed Tips. Only experienced riders should indulge in high‐speed riding. A motorcycle operated for long distances at high speed must be given closer than ordinary attention to avoid serious engine overheating with consequent damage. For better motorcycle service, apply the following suggestions:
(1) Develop habit of frequently snapping throttle shut for an instant when running at high speed. This draws additional lubrication to piston and cylinder and assists in cooling engine. ”

“ Snorting motorcycles with two men over the motor and an officer in the side car skim over the ground, passing all others. A lukewarm sun disappears in a slot in the mountains and a blue grey mist forms in the valleys. A chill comes over the air and a cold new moon looks down and laughs. ”

“ These features are comparatively simple with a motorcycle; but they are more complex with the automobile type, particularly as to the structure of the frame and the gearing and wheels which are to be operated by the motor.
Speed vs. Power.—Thus, a motor exerting twenty horse power may run the vehicle at a maximum of twenty miles an hour, and carry a load of fifteen hundred pounds; or it may have a maximum speed of eight miles an hour, and carry three thousand pounds with equal safety. It will thus be seen that speed is just as important as power, in considering utility. ”

“ The boy who cannot own a motorcycle but who has a bicycle, may remodel it to resemble a power-driven machine by fitting it up with equipment, much of which can be made in the home workshop. The illustration shows how an ordinary bicycle was improved by several practical fittings. The lower end of the mudguard of the rear wheel was extended to form a clip, for the homemade stand A. Brackets were made of strap iron to support the bundle carrier B, the basket of which was made of wood. The tank C, 3 by 3 by 21 in., with two compartments and doors, contains batteries and tools. ”

“ We were doing thirty per in less than ten seconds. No car on four wheels can lose any decent motorcycle on a switchback track, and Jackson, the owner of this one, says it's good enough for sixty on a fair stretch of road. ”

“ It pleased me so much that I decided to have the same sort of a patrol on my beach. I ordered two motorcycles built along the lines of the machines used there. They arrived here two days ago and are now in their garages waiting for you. These cars are equipped with all kinds of life-saving and first-aid devices, including a stretcher, a pulmotor, bandages and medicines of all kinds. There will be two men to a motorcycle; a driver and a man on the tandem seat, ready to spring from the wheel and plunge into the surf and make a rescue. ”

“ He immediately threw up his hand several times in a suggestive way, which was a part of the code of signals understood by both his chums. It meant that he intended slowing up, and possibly stopping short. Motorcycle riders as a rule go at such a pace that they seldom travel any other way than tandem; and it is expected of each fellow to keep a wary eye from time to time on the one ahead of him so as to discover any sign, which he is expected to pass on down the line. ”

“ The foot starter crank is located on right side of motorcycle. Gear shifter lever must be in neutral position, and clutch foot pedal in forward engaged position, before using foot starter crank. Starter crank normally is in upward position. Straddle motorcycle, place right foot on starter crank, and shift weight of body for forceful downward crank operation to start engine. ”

“ The transmission of the power from the motor shaft to the right rear wheel is accomplished by means of a leather motorcycle belt, made by fitting leather washers close together over a bicycle chain, oiling the washers with neat’s-foot oil. ”

“ In 1909, the loop frame was introduced to provide additional strength to the machine, being required by the increased weight of the motor; 1906 saw the introduction of twin cylinders for racing models, and the following year they appeared in the regular models.
Motorcycle design has made wonderful progress. The powerful, easy-riding machines of today with their many refinements are truly marvelous pieces of mechanism. Mechanical perfection is as nearly approached as it is possible for the best brains and the most approved methods of manufacture to attain. ”

“ Do not idle engine longer than 1 minute.
(7) Stop engine by turning ignition switch off.
b. Parking Vehicle.
(1) Lean motorcycle on side (jiffy) stand.
(2) Shift into “1” (low) gear.
(3) Engage clutch so vehicle cannot roll.
(4) Shut off gasoline supply by turning valve (to right) finger‐tight against its seat.
12. TOWING VEHICLE TO START ENGINE. a. In emergencies when engine cannot be started with foot starter crank, it can be started by towing the motorcycle.
(1) Set gear shifter lever in “2” (second) gear position.
(2) Disengage clutch.
(3) Choke carburetor. ”

“ He reminds me more of the Kansas farmer than any other alien agriculturists that I have met. He uses tractors and does things in a big way. There is a trail of gasoline all over the country. Motorcycles have become an ordinary means of transport for district officials and engineers, who fly about over the native paths that are often the merest tracks. You find these machines in the remotest regions. The light motor car is also beginning to be looked upon as a necessary part of the outfit of the farmer. ”

“ Can ride a motorcycle, but "does not take care of it himself or try to fix it when it is out of order." Likes an auto better; says he can grease it, fix the fan belt, repair punctures or adjust the carburetor. ”

“ THE MOTORCYCLE CHUMS SERIES
1.—Motorcycle Chums in the Land of the Sky; or, Thrilling Adventures on the Carolina Border. 2.—Motorcycle Chums in New England; or, The Mount Holyoke Adventure. 3.—Motorcycle Chums on the Sante Fé Trail; or, The Key to the Treaty Box. 4.—Motorcycle Chums in Yellowstone Park; or, Lending a Helping Hand. 5.—Motorcycle Chums in the Adirondacks; or, The Search for the Lost Pacemaker. For sale by all booksellers, or sent postpaid on receipt of 50 cents. ”

“ Driving at night should also be practiced, and prospective drivers should learn to distinguish the faint glow on the road ahead which designates the presence of a motorcycle and other signs denoting persons or vehicles. ”

“ Practice will enable a rider to judge at what rate of speed the motorcycle should be moving before he shifts from a lower to higher17 gear, and engine should never be permitted to labor unduly, when a shift of gears, higher to lower, would improve operation.
(1) Operator must not look down at gear shifter when shifting gears, but keep his eyes on the road ahead. Do not ride the clutch. The operator’s foot should rest on clutch foot pedal only when he is operating it. When shifting gears, disengage clutch fully to avoid gear damage and shifting difficulties. ”

“ Motorcycle Weaves from Side to Side. Adjust steering damper to suit speed and road conditions. If this fails, inflate tires to correct pressure. Make sure rear wheel mounting screws are tight. If the steering head bearings are too tight, weaving will result. ”

“ When teams, saddle horses, or pack trains approach, automobiles and motorcycles shall take position on the outer edge of the roadway, taking care that sufficient room is left on the inside for them to pass, and remaining at rest until they have passed, or until the drivers are satisfied regarding the safety of their horses. Horses have the right of way, and automobiles and motorcycles will be backed or otherwise handled to enable horses to pass with safety. ”

“ If standing on an incline or in loose, heavy ground, more engine power will be required to start vehicle without stalling engine.
(2) It may be necessary to keep vehicle from rolling by keeping pressure on front brake hand lever. Brake pressure is released after vehicle starts in forward motion.
(3) Open throttle and engage clutch at same time to provide power needed for starting, without racing engine unnecessarily.
(4) Motorcycle starts should be made without excessive application of power, with consequent unnecessary spinning of rear wheel. ”

“ The spark—let's see- -can't get to the spark plug wires, but I can get to the magneto. Two clips held the back end of the magneto on. Did I dare try to steer the thing with one hand at the speed I was going, while I leaned over and tried to take the mag apart with my other hand? Why not try it? If I fall, so what? I was going to fall anyway. And I just might succeed. It was my only hope, I had to succeed. So I did it. I took the mag apart and it stopped. And that's the way this motorcycle story ended, just one city block short of down-town Hamlin. ”

“ Motorcycles are splendid mounts to carry one swiftly along over fairly decent thoroughfares, but being more or less noisy, in spite of all efforts to stifle the explosions by means of the muffler, they can hardly be deemed just the thing to use when silence is necessary.
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Hugh knew that if the men they were following had a camp near the road they would be apt to discover the approach of the boys long before he and his chums could lay any plans looking to their capture. ”

“ The boys were excited and elated. This was as close as any one had yet come to being on the trail of the auto thieves, and they knew that in their fast motorcycles they possessed a decided advantage. If, as Isaac Fussy said, the car had just disappeared around the bend a few minutes previously, they stood an excellent chance of overtaking it. ”

“ A large washer and nut clamp each wheel to the axle so that it will turn with it.
The body can be made up as desired, from sheet metal, wood, or cloth stretched over ribs of wood, and painted in the manner of an automobile. A tank and tires can be placed on the back to add to the appearance. Fenders and a running board can be attached to the main frame.
With the addition of some crosspieces in the main frame at the front and a motorcycle engine fastened to them so that the driving sprocket will be in line with the sprocket on the coaster hub, the builder will have a real cyclecar. ”

“ Apply brake (or brakes) to slow vehicle without sliding rear tire.
(4) Just before coming to a complete stop, shift into “N” (neutral) position and engage clutch. CAUTION: If immediate restart is to be made, shift into “1” (low) gear and allow clutch foot pedal to remain in disengaged position. (Rider will be mounted on motorcycle with engine running.)
(5) Continue brake application to complete stop.
(6) After vehicle slows to point where it can no longer be balanced by steering, place left foot on ground to maintain balance until right foot can be removed from brake operating pedal. ”