The Motor Cycle OCTOBER 13th, 1921.
HUMBERS FOR 1922.
A New 73 m.p.h. Sporting Model at a very Moderate Price. Few Alterations in the Touring Machine;
NEXT year the sporting solo rider will be specially catered for by several firms who have hitherto devoted themselves to, and built up reputations on solid, reliable double-purpose mounts. Quite one of the most attractive of these new "sports" models is the 1922 flat twin Humber, which will sell at the wonderfully moderate figure of £100.
In general layout the sporting model differs but little from the standard Humber, which, incidentally, was always a fascinating solo machine. Closer examination reveals several modifications and improvements; and that these have been successful is proved by the fact that the new model has already been timed to do 75 m.p.h. on the road.
A Special Engine
Aluminium pistons, with two narrow rings at the top, a higher compression ratio, a redesigned camshaft giving a quicker lift to the valves, and completely interchangeable valve pockets are the chief alterations to the well-known 600 c.c. (75x68 mm.) flat twin engine. (It will be remembered that the valve pockets on this engine have always been quickly detachable; but on the touring model the exhaust passages take a downward turn to the silencer, which is unnecessary when long exhaust pipes are fitted.
Although the standard three-speed gear box with clutch and kick starter is used, no transmission shock absorber is fitted; neither are chain guards, although it has not been definitely decided that these will be discarded. So that the change speed gate will not foul the rider's knee, it has been slightly modified, leaving both sides of the tank clear for the inevitable knee grips. The gear ratios are 4.5, 7.4, and 12.4 to 1. The footrests are adjustable in a very ingenious manner, the various changes of position being located by a peg in a drilled quadrant on the supporting bar.
Most comfortable flat handle-bars, narrow mudguards, a Brooks racing saddle, and 25x2¼in. three-ribbed Dunlop tyres complete the specification of the sporting model.
Detail alterations only have been made on the touring machine, chief of these being; a "breather" on the timing case, which ejects oil vapour on to the primary chain and a cranked gear lever.
Detail Items.
Sump lubrication, with a mechanical pump for retaining the oil level, plus an auxiliary drip feed, a Claudel-Hobson single lever carburetter, and Druid pattern forks have been retained on both models. An all-black finish is an optional item; while, if desired, a Lucas dynamo lighting set, for which a neat, enclosed drive has been designed, may be supplied as an extra. The price of the touring machine has been fixed at £110, or, with Grindlay sidecar, £144.
