How to Drive a Motor Cycle

Pictures and extracts from an early motorcycle manual cc 1900.

PREFACE

This little volume does not pretend to be anything more than its title implies-namely, a guide to those who, having possessed themselves of a motor cycle, and being entirely without experience, now require to know how to drive it...It is then, with the handling of the machine on the road that we are concerned on this occasion, and in the pages which follow the author's endeavour has been to provide such information as will enable the motor-cycling novice to quickly master his machine and learn how to drive and control it to the best advantage. 'Phoenix'

Legal preliminaries to be observed.

A driving licence must be obtained from a county council before the machine can be lawfully driven on any public highway. Likewise, the registration numbers must have been allotted and be exhibited both at front and rear of the bicycle on a regulation type of plate and with the proper sized characters. It is further required that the owner of a motor cycle should possess himself of a licence 'to keep a carriage' otherwise an Inland Revenue of local taxation licence, obtainable at any post office in exchange for the sum of one pound. The driving licence and registration both cost the same - namely, five shillings.

With everything as it should be in these respects, the rider, having filled up his petrol and oil tanks is now ready to emerge from the motor shed for a trial run on the road.

Different styles of mounting.

Those who are not accustomed to mounting a motor bicycle look with a certain degree of trepidation upon the act of so doing, and they will resort to almost any means to 'get going' rather than that which involves leaping into the saddle after the engine has been started. This is known as the 'running mount', and with a little practice can be easily and safely accomplished; but it does not appeal, as a rule, to the beginner, who is prone to err on the side of ultra carefulness.

Lightweight machines of small power can be pedalled along the road for a distance of a few yards, when, if everything is in order, the engine will fire directly the exhaust value lifter is dropped; but with heavier types this method is next to impossible unless on a down grade, and even then it is not easy, nor is it regarded as being the correct manner in which to start. It is better to get some friend of kindly disposed person to give you a push off than waste time and energy in trying to effect a start by pedalling.

The rider, having effected a successful start, must now set the levers in such a manner as to cause the machine to travel at the speed he desires, and under conditions which are favourable to the proper working of the engine.

How to stop the machine

In anything like an emergency, the very best way to stop the machine is to quickly close the throttle and apply the brakes, for, by so doing, the engine compression assists in the pulling-up process, whereas, if the exhaust value is lifted, the compression escapes, and if the brakes are not quite O.K. the machine will drift on for quite an appreciable distance.

The 'Rules of the Road' for motor cyclists.

It is hardly necessary, perhaps, to point out that in this country as distinct from others, the rule of the road is that, on meeting other vehicles, one passes them on the left-hand side, while, when overtaking, the right-hand is the the proper side.

If anyone in charge of horses holds up his hand as you approach, you must stop, not only your machine, but your engine also, for should you fail to do this and the result is an accident, you will in all probability be held entirely to blame, and may have to suffer serious consequences. Remember also, that the pedestrian has, by law, a prior right on the roadway, and is free to walk thereon if he chooses even although a pathway is provided.

A maximum of 20m.p.h. is allowed on the open road and wherever no special regulations as to speed are enforced. Ten-mile limits abound in great profusion in all parts of the country, and care should be taken to observe them.

The Fear of 'breakdowns'.

The prospective motor cyclist is usually troubled with visions of 'breakdowns' by the wayside, and it is for fear of these that many people refrain from taking up the sport. In reality, as every seasoned rider knows, these temporary disablements are nowadays few and far between, the modern motor bicycle being a marvel of reliability, and, with ordinary care, it will give long periods of fathful service with nothing more than an occasional fault, which, as a rule, is very easily put to rights.

One one or two occasions the author has had the carburettor catch on fire both when riding and when preparing to start. In these circumstances, if the fire cannot be immediately got under, no time should be lost in getting the engine running, either on the stand or along the road, the petrol tap having been closed at the first possible moment and before anything else whatever is attempted. If only the engine can be started, the petrol in the float chamber will quickly be exhausted, and there is an end of the fire. In the meantime throw sand, road dust, or a mat over the machine, and beat the flames with your cap or anything else that is handy.

The Lamp.

Cleanliness is next to godliness where acetylene lamps are concerned. The old carbide should be thrown away after a ride in which the lamp has been lighted for any length of time. A new charge should be given for each trip, but much of the carbide used on the previous journey may be found, on examination, to be in good condition, and should, in the interests of economy, be reclaimed and placed in the generator along with the fresh charge. Riding all day with the carbide jolting about in the container has the effect of reducing much of its bulk to powder, and it is a better plan to carry the carbide in a package stowed away in one of your pockets. Make sure, however, that the package is air-tight, or you may be reminded of its presence by the very unpleasant smell which rises from carbide when in contact with air or water. Moreover, you will be an unpopular figure whever you go, and especially when in the company of others indoors.