Improved Design Sidecar Chassis, embodying a Spring Wheel.
THROUGHOUT the year 1914 Messrs. Collier and Sons have been very successful with their Matchless sidecar combination. The 7 h.p. sidecar machine is a thoroughly well-designed and practical vehicle, which has stood a year's testing with the greatest success, and has undergone even further improvement for next year.
In the machine itself little has been done, as practically no alterations were necessary. Its chief points are the silent chain drive from engine to countershaft and the practical three-speed (sliding type) gear box. The chief alteration, however, on the new model has been the introduction of detachable wheels, brought about by using a hollow spindle and the provision of dogs for coupling the wheel to the driving mechanism. All three wheels of the combination are therefore detachable and interchangeable. The spare wheel is arranged to be carried in the back of the sidecar body.
It is in the sidecar chassis, however, that the most striking alterations have been made A glance at the accompanying photographs shows the strongly designed chassis, while it will be noticed that an ingenious form of spring wheel has been introduced, the working of which is shown in detail in the line drawing. The wheel is self-contained in its own forks, and is attached to the rest of the chassis by means of three long links. Its movement, however, is restricted by means of an enclosed coil spring, which may be clearly seen in the illustration.
The combination has been photographed without the body, so as to show the method of springing and also the neat coil springs upon which the body is supported.
An interesting feature is the ball joint coupling the chassis to the back forks of the motor bicycle, the object of which is to ensure perfect alignment and the minimum amount of strain between motor cycle and sidecar. Another interesting point is the provision of a framework for carrying a spare petrol can. This outfit may be fitted with the excellent Lucas lighting installation, which we described in detail in our issue of October 22nd.
Another new model for 1915 will be the 4 h.p. three-speed solo touring machine, which, however, at the time of writing is not actually on the market.
The Motor Cycle, November 19th, 1914. p554.
