A RECENT visit to the works of Mr. S. A. Newman, the maker of the Ivy, proved of great interest. Howard Newman, who is so well known to all keen motor cyclists, both on Brooklands and in competition work, is serving his country in France.
First of all we inspected the mount which Newman was to have ridden in the Grand Prix, and though this is not to be a standard model, it is such a perfect little racing machine that a few words on the subject may prove interesting.
The engine is a 2¾ h.p. overhead valve Precision, with a bore and stroke of 70 X 90 mm. respectively. The radiating ribs are deep and well arranged, and the rockers are mounted on a spindle through which grease can be forced from a large greaser at one end, so as to minimise wear and rattle.
The Brampton variable pulley gear is employed with a direct belt drive. Ivy spring forks are, of course, fitted, and the neat General lines can best be judged from our illustration. Both tank and filler caps are 2½in. inside diameter, and oil is fed through a drip feed tap. The rear brake is exceptionally powerful and is operated by a double heel pedal in such a manner that all the rider's weight may be thrown on it at a moment's notice if necessary.
Enquiries about the two-stroke led to an offer of the new modele de luxe for trial, and it was not long before we were astride one of these comfortable little machines. By the way, the Ivy two-stroke is made entirely in the Ivy works, two sizes of engine being manufactured, one of 70 x 70 mm., and one of 64 x 70 mm. It was the smaller of these two that was fitted in the machine we had on trial, but in spite of the fact that it was single geared (4 7/8 to 1) and thoroughly equipped, it was capable of taking a rider over any average road.
The fittings are wonderfully complete, and the 26x2¼ tyres and large pan saddle are a luxury to which one is seldom treated on a light machine. Besides this, two stands, excellent mudguards, pannier tool-bags, and a large petrol tank make the Ivy de luxe one of the most sensible lightweights we have ever handled. The riding position is excellent, and the engine flexible and so easily handled that we felt at home on it in a minute, even in thick Birmingham traffic.
The Bull Ring was proved much too easy a test, and on the road to Coventry, Meriden Hill was taken at a speed which it may be better not to mention. Comfort, power, flexibility, and neat appearance are all special features of this little machine, which may be fitted with a two-speed counter-shaft and three- speed hub gear, in which case the machine would be capable and comfortable for long touring in almost any district.
The maker of the Ivy has not made the mistake of adopting flimsy and toy-like parts on his machine, instead, it is built to stand hard wear. It is very silent as two-strokes go, and the metallic sound we recently dealt with in connection with two-strokes was practically non-existent. We took a great liking to the khaki-coloured Ivy during the week it was in our possession, and it entirely confirmed the good opinion we had formed of it after its performance in the Junior T.T. Race.
The Motor Cycle, October 15th 1914. p435.
Both sides of the ladies open frame 2¼ h.p. Ivy
A RECENT adoption of the Ivy two-stroke is the neat open frame model depicted herewith. The engine is either the 70 x 70 mm. or 64 X 70 mm. two-stroke, and single-geared, two-speed hub, or two-speed counter-shaft geared models may be obtained.
The framework is very neat and strong. A duplex top tube is employed, between which the tank is fitted in a manner which gives a most pleasing appearance The all- important question of comfort and cleanliness has been carefully studied, and the wide guards, the transparent celluloid dress-guards, and the substantial footboards all help this ideal without in any way detracting from the appearance. The Ivy two-stroke does not employ Petroil lubrication, but a Best and Lloyd sight feed drip supplies oil direct to the crankshaft bearings, so that there is but little chance of oily vapour blowing back through the carburetter.
The Motor Cycle, December 3rd, 1914. p619.
S. A. Newman, Ltd., Ivy Motor Works, Aston Cross, Birmingham
IN addition to the wide range of machines manufactured by S. A. Newman, of Aston Cross, Birmingham, a very practically designed 5 h.p. twin will in future be marketed.
The engine is the 70x85 mm. twin J. A. P., and the drive to the rear wheel is by chain throughout, the Enfield gear being fitted. The front chain is neatly enclosed in a metal case, and the rear chain is protected by a cover extending over the top links. An Amac carburetter is fitted, and the magneto may be arranged for handle-bar or tank control. One of the most striking features of the machine is the mudguarding. The front wheel is covered by a wide guard with deep continuous valances, and, in addition to these, a large magneto shield helps to protect the rider's feet. The rear guard is 7in. across the chord, and catches the mud thrown from the brake rim as well as from the tyre. The equipment is thoroughly good throughout, and the powerful rear brake (which is fitted to most Ivy models) is worthy of comment.
The Motor Cycle, July 16th, 1914. p90.
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