The '600' introduced the first Levis cradle frame, and the engine had improved crankcase design with internal strengthening ribs. The tappets were replaced with pushrods which were activated directly by the cam followers.
The pushrods were housed in a chrome-plated tube giving the appearance of an OHC engine. All valve gear was enclosed - unlike previous models which were exposed - and were lubricated from an external oil pump.
Gearbox was a four-speed Burman with optional high or low ration. Front suspension was by Druid or Webb according to customer preference.
The 8 inch headlamp was powered by a Miller Dynomag, and an upswept exhaust pipe was standard.
A Motor Cycling road-test in June, 1938 reads: "The most outstanding qualities of this large single-cylinder were the beefy power and the delightfully smooth way in which it was delivered. In addition, the economical running was more in keeping with a three-fifty instead of a machine of nearly twice that capacity'. In fact, 90 mph and 80 mpg; pretty good, wouldn't you agree?"
'600' Model
Code: COOL
Guaranteed Speed 85-90 m.p.h.
Cruising Speed 65-70 m.p.h.
Consumption (Approx.) :
Petrol 85 m.p.g.
Oil 1700/1900 m.p.g.
£74.15.0
ENGINE - Bore: 82 m.m., Stroke: 112 m.m., 592 c.c., Two-port compressed head with entirely enclosed Valve Gear, Valves and Springs. High lift cams. Hard MOLYBDENUM Alloy Cylinder Barrel and "Easy-clean" polished crankcase and magneto chain cover. Compression-Standard: 6 to 1. High or low level exhaust pipes optional.
GEAR - Type B.A.P.B. Extra heavy 4-speed gearbox. Totally enclosed POSITIVE STOP foot change and clutch operation. Neutral indicator. Standard Ratios: High 4.5, 5.7, 7.6 and 12 to 1. Optional : 5.4, 6.7, 8.4 and 14.3 to 1.
HUBS - Taper roller bearings ½" dia. front spindle, 3/16" dia. rear spindle. Chrome Alloy rear brake drum.
HANDLEBARS - Approved shape 1" dia. with long grips. Fully adjustable. Heavily chromium-plated. Fitted with Quick-action Twist-grip Throttle Control. Adjustable outside levers. Electric Horn Button and Dipswitch.
STANDS - Quickly operated tubular front stand. Reinforced "Spring-up" low-lift rear stand of robust design. "Spring-up" prop stand.
FOOTRESTS - Fully adjustable with adjustable brake pedal to suit.
FINISH - Heavily chromium-plated throughout, including wheel rims and primary chaincase. Tank chromium-plated with hand polished top and side panels, finished with gold lines. Standard finish Black panels. For optional finishes see page 10.
This model is fitted with Crankcase shield, Watertight tool boxes. Bold side and rear lifting handles, Guard over bottom run of rear chain, Dynamo voltage control, Separate oil tank, Petroflex oil and petrol pipes.
Sources: Motos-Anglaises, Classic British Motorcycles of Over 500cc by Bob Currie.
1938 Models
247cc Model B - 247cc Two-stroke - 346cc Model A - 346cc S.P.3 - 498cc Model D - 498cc S.P.5 - 600
