No castings are used in the Beardmore-Precision frame construction. Above are seen the steel pressings which, when welded together, form the bottom bracket
Lighter and cheaper than the spring frame model, this new sidecar outfit is fitted with the combined engine and gear unit with which the Beardmore-Precision first made its appearance
A sports model Beardmore-Precision which is 70lb. lighter than its spring frame forerunner. many of the features of which have been retained A Sturmey-Archer gear box is fitted
ALL-STEEL FRAME CONSTRUCTION.
New Beardmore-Precision Models.
OUR acquaintance with the Sports solo model Beardmore-Precision dates from the first ascent of the Screw Road (near Carnarvon) by a party organised by The Motor Cycle. On that occasion the new model, which was still in its experimental state, performed admirably.
Engined with the now well-known 350 c.c. Precision two-stroke, the new Sports model, in its final form, differs in many respects from the original Beardmore-Precision, for it was decided that there was a large demand for a light, speedy solo, mount to sell at a lower figure than was possible with the original spring frame specification. With Sturmey-Archer two-speed gear, clutch, and kick-starter, the machine sells at £75 ; but it must be clearly understood that, in reducing the price, no inferior workmanship and material are employed in fact, the construction throughout is scientific, and in many ways superior to that of higher-priced competitors.
No Frame Lug Castings.
Not a single casting is employed in the short compact frame, which, of course, embodies a steel tank in place of the two. top tubes. Every lug is made up of steel pressings, the bottom bracket lug forming an admirable example of the general construction.
Weight and Price Reductions.
The component parts are welded together so as to form a box girder of section admirably suited to the stresses imposed, yet without unnecessary masses of metal. Throughout, the frame is characterised by exceptionally sturdy construction; but, in spite of this, the machine weighs just under the 200 lb. limit, and is consequently covered by a 30s. tax. The flexible leaf spring forks of previous models are retained, but no rear springing is employed, and the wheelbase is consequently considerably shorter, 50in. being the actual measurement.
In detail we find the same careful consideration of production costs, without the slightest scamping of essentials. The brake pedal, for instance, is formed of bent strip steel of ample section, and duplicated in the shank, a neat aluminium foot plate adding the necessary finish. Again, the carrier is formed of angle steel welded at the joints, and yet a third admirable feature is the pressed steel rear stand.
The whole machine is a good example of the manner in which weight and manufacturing costs can be reduced without detriment, and even with improvement to the machine.
Naturally, the Precision automatic lubrication system is retained.
Selling at £105 complete with Canoelet Minor sidecar, the sports sidecar outfit is slightly more elaborate. Except for the gears, which in this case are of the selective clutch type, and form a unit with the engine, the layout is similar to that described above. The engine and gear assembly is already familiar to motor cyclists, since it has been exhibited at the last two Olympia Motor Cycle Shows, and is to be met on the road in considerable numbers. Having a 55in. wheelbase, this sturdy little passenger outfit has all-chain drive, and, in addition, is fitted with such luxuries as combined steel leg-shields and foot plates, a pressed steel silencer, and many little refinements. In spite of these, it is 70 lb. lighter than the spring frame outfit, and from our own experience we can state that it is handy and full of life on the road. During a short road test, the outfit, with an eleven-stone passenger, successfully negotiated Weatheroak Hill on the standard ratios of 5 and Hip to 1 - no mean performance, as any Midland rider will be aware. The little engine responds quickly to the throttle, and will pull regularly and evenly down to a mere crawl before low gear is engaged.
Braking power is good, for, in addition to the countershaft brake, a large band brake is fitted to the front wheel, and this feature is common to both new models. 26x2 ¼in. tyres are fitted, and the performance of the machine is calculated to surprise many an owner of heavier sidecar outfits.
BEARDMORE-PRECISION. (109.)
Pressed Steel Construction.
2¾ H.P. Model.
70x90 mm. (346 c.c); single cyl. four-stroke; side valves; drip feed lubrication; B. and B. carb.; chain-driven mag.; 3-sp. gear; clutch and kick-starter; chain drive; 26x2½in. tyres. Price: Solo. £57 10s.; with Sidecar, £72 10s.
F. E. BAKER, Ltd., King's Norton, Birmingham. Ever since their introduction, the post-war Beardmore-Precision machines have been characterised by two special features differentiating them from most other makes, namely, pressed steel frame construction and the use of leaf spring forks. The latest addition to the range is a 346 c.c. medium- weight single-cylinder machine, which is intended to take a light sidecar if desired. This machine is fitted with Sturmey-Archer three-speed gear, and, in general specification, is similar to the larger models shown on this stand.
A detail that does not escape the critical eye is the fitting of a petrol filter immediately under the tank between the petrol pipe and the tank, and the latter, it will be recollected in these machines, forms part of, and lends its strength to, the frame, as does also the rear mudguard. The stand and carrier are also formed of steel channel instead of the more usual brazed tubing. The large and freely curving exhaust pipe and adequate silencer are noteworthy features of all models. A machine is also shown with 349 c.c. Barr and Stroud sleeve valve engine.
3½ H.P. Model.
81.1x96 mm. (496 c.c.}; single-cyl. four-stroke; side valves; mechanical lubrication; B. and B. or Amac carburetter; chain-driven magneto; Sturmey-Archer 3-sp. gear; clutch and kick-starter; all-chain drive; 700X80 mm. tyres. Price: Solo, £70.
Noteworthy features of the bigger Beardmore-Precision machines are the unit construction of engine and gear box, the Sturmey-Archer three-speed gear being incorporated in the crank case, the automatic lubrication system, all oil being contained in a sump the front part of which is ribbed for cooling, and the deeply ribbed aluminium casting interposed between the cylinder and the exhaust pipe on the 495 c.c. model. The 496 c.c. model specified above is of the sports solo type, and the front forks are on the parallel link principle, but have the Beardmore leaf springing.
4¼ H.P. Model.
89x96 mm. (598 c.c); single cyl. four-stroke; side valves; mechanical lubrication; B. and B. or Amac carb.; chain-driven mag.; 3-sp. gear; clutch and kick-starter; chain drive; 700x80 mm. tyres. Price: Solo. £80; with Sidecar, £105.
The big single model follows closely the lines of the sports model just described, but naturally heavier equipment, footboards, and leg guards are included. On one example a two-seater sidecar is shown.
Spring-frame models are also available.
Olympia Show 1922
The Motor Cycle November 30th, 1922. Page 827
