ONE of the sturdiest and most complete motor cycles we have yet seen is the new 5-6 Abingdon King-Dick. The long stroke twin engine remains the same, as it has given such satisfaction in the past that no alterations are considered necessary.
The frame, however, has been considerably altered, largely with the object of making it ideal for Overseas work. A very noticeable feature is that there are no angles in the tubing, and the rear stays are bent as little as possible. The top tube is, of course, an exception, as it is dropped to give a low riding position. Very powerful fork ends are used, and both stands are held up to their attachments by spring washers so as to prevent any signs of rattle. Druid forks are now standard fittings, and a very big rake has been given to the steering head with very beneficial results to the steering.
The mudguards are excellent, and not only does the end of the rear guard hinge from the carrier, but the whole guard may be removed without touching a single inside nut. This has been accomplished by mounting the guard on a detachable bridge piece which may be removed from the outside. The carrier has been strengthened, and almost every possible luxury is fitted in the way of footboards, tool-bags, etc. A new type of Benton and Stone drip feed lubricator is used, which allows the oil to be poured through under exceptional circumstances by a touch of a neat lever and without disturbing the normal setting.
Another refinement consists of a distributing box for the priming device, which is so arranged that after opening the compression cocks it is only necessary to turn on one tap to prime both cylinders. The tank has undergone modifications, and will now hold two and quarter gallons of petrol and three pints of oil, the oil tank being tubular and let into the petrol tank.
The footbrake is exceptionally powerful, strongly constructed, and works on the inside of the V of the dummy belt rim so that the wheel may be detached without touching the shoe. The model we inspected was fitted with a Sturmey Archer three-speed hub, and a similar type with a three-speed counter-shaft gear will be ready in a short time.
The Motor Cycle, October 8th, 1914.
