A Rex-Blackbume single, the latest double-purpose mount.
New Single-cylinder 4 h.p. Blackburne-engined Model for Solo or Sidecar Use.
QUITE a number of British motor cycle manufacturers consider that in developing the De Luxe sidecar machine, another just as profitable field is being neglected. We refer to the dual-purpose machine - handy enough for solo work and suitably built for propelling a sidecar - which prior to the war was the most common type of motor cycle on the market, and which has subsequently suffered no loss of popularity.
The Rex Motor Manufacturing Co., Coventry, hold this opinion, and for some time their experimental department has been at work on a machine on the lines we have indicated.
Although following the main lines of the Rex twin model and the Model 77 big single, the new machine is smaller, shorter, and consequently much lighter than those machines which were designed exclusively for sidecar work. As will be seen from the illustration, the new model has extremely pleasing outlines, and since its equipment consists of very popular units - i.e., 4 h.p. Blackburne engine, Sturmey Archer gear box, 28x2½ in. tyres, Brampton forks, Rex cantilever saddle pillar, and adjustable handle-bars and its finish the same which characterises all the company's post-war products, it will undoubtedly prove a very popular machine.
Sidecar Lugs Incorporated.
The illustration shows that sidecar fixings are integral with the frame, and that the rear stay lug is incorporated in both stays, so that the machine may be used for continental sidecars without alteration.
A special sidecar is being produced for this machine.
The Motor Cycle August 26th, 1920. Page 246
Rex. (Stand 84.)
4 h.p.; 85x88 mm. (499 c.c); single-cylinder four-stroke; side-by-side valves; hand pump lubrication; B. B. carburetter; M-L chain-driven magneto; two-speed Sturmey-Archer gear box; chain and belt drive; 28x3in. tyres. Price £133 13s.
Rex Motor Mfg. Co., Ltd., Coventry.
In the model 44 C Rex is presented a dual-purpose mount of attractive appearance. With a view to its employment with a sidecar, the lugs for attachment are built into the frame, which is specially designed to give a low saddle position. The large diameter and length of the steering head is a good feature, which should be noted. Brampton spring forks are adopted as standard; and particularly good features are the strong construction of the hubs and the large size of the lubricators. Each hexagon screwed plug is plainly marked "fill with grease," so that the novice need be under no misapprehension as to the method of lubrication. Similar to this model is a lighter machine known as the model 44 L, the same engine and transmission being employed, but 26in. wheels are fitted, shod with 2½ in. tyres. The tank on this model is not quite so large.
These two machines are very similar in appearance.
8 h.p.; 85x88 mm. (998 c.c.); twin-cylinder four-stroke; side-by-side valves; hand pump and drip feed lubrication; B. and B. carburetter; M-L chain-driven magneto; three-speed Sturmey-Archer gear; chain drive; 28x3in. tyres. Price £185 18s.
There is also an 8 h.p. machine known as model 55 CD, and constructed purely for sidecar use. Again the Blackburne engine is employed. Transmission is by roller chain throughout, the final drive being semi-enclosed, with a cushioning device incorporated in the rear sprocket. On this model a Ferodo-lined contracting band brake of large diameter is incorporated in the rear wheel, and interchangeable and detachable wheels are fitted as standard.
Engine lubrication is by hand pump and suction feed, so that the regular supply can be supplemented when desired. This model may also be obtained with chain and belt transmission, when it is known as model 65 BD.
Olympia Show. The Motor Cycle, December 2nd, 1920. Page 713
