NOVEMBER 23rd, 1922. Page 746
Forecast and Guide to Olympia.

COTTON.

Cotton 349cc IOM

I.O.M. type o.h.v. 349 c.c. Cotton, with duplex triangulated frame.

In this year's Junior T.T. race the Cotton demonstrated what thinking motor cyclists must have realised for many years that its triangulated frame and low centre of gravity possess distinct advantages over more conventional designs in road-holding and cornering abilities.

250 c.c. and 550 c.c. Blackburne engines (in the second case, side-valve or o.h.v.) are fitted to the main models, final chain drive being incorporated in the larger model. A 250 c.c. Villiers engine may be substituted for the 250 c.c. Blackburne at a saving of some £10.

Silencing arrangements and fork construction have been improved for 1923; and naturally the o.h.v. model follows the lines of the I.O.M. machine in having an inclined engine.

ORBIT.

Every one of the four Orbit models on show, although all between 250 c.c. and 350 c.c, will be fitted with a different type of engine. These are 265 c.c. Orbit two-stroke, 349 c.c. Barr and Stroud sleeve-valve four-stroke. 349 c.c. o.h.v. Blackburne four-stroke, and 349 c.c. oil-cooled Bradshaw four-stroke.

The same frame takes all these units, and the general specification Burman three-speed gear box, chain drive, etc., is identical.

ALECTO.

For some years now the maker of the Alecto have specialised in the evolution of the 550 c.c. two-stroke, with the result that the 1923 edition of this make in a sports form is said to be capable of 50 m.p.h. as delivered.

The latest Alecto engine is 345 c.c. (75x76 mm.), and is chiefly notable for the very complete system of oil ways provided to ensure adequate lubrication of every working part.

Various forms of transmission, with two- or three-speed Burman gear boxes, will be used on the models shown, and several detail improvements have been effected to the cycle parts.

GNOME-RHONE.

Designed by an Englishman, the Gnome-Rhone is built in France by a famous aircraft firm. It has a straightforwardly laid-out four-stroke engine of 499 c.c. (85x88 mm.), which drives to a Sturmey-Archer three-speed gear box and thence to the rear wheel by belt.

CLYNO.

Re-introduced Clyno two-stroke lightweight with engine and gear unit as of yore

Since last Show a complete reorganisation of the Clyno works has been made, and models of the 925 c.c. spring-frame sidecar outfit and 269 c.c. two-stroke will appear, embodying several improvements. The passenger model, by reason of its luxurious specification, is not far from the top of its class, and it has not been found necessary to modify it to any great degree. A steel and phosphor-bronze plate clutch has, however, been substituted for the cork insert type previously used.

Outwardly the lightweight also remains unchanged, which is not surprising in view of the satisfactory service which it has given to owners since its inception some years ago. It will be recalled that the engine and two-speed gear are combined in one unit of the very simplest nature. Final belt drive and "petroil" lubrication are two features that give a keynote to the whole scheme of the design.