The way we were: September 1912

By Richard Rosenthal, 27 July 2012. Originally appeared in The Classic MotorCycle
The New Era Auto-Cycle Company's vertical parallel twin
The New Era Auto-Cycle Company's vertical parallel twin

A W Wall Ltd, Dartmouth Street, Birmingham unveiled its redesigned Roc two-speed hub gear for the 1913 season, aimed at sidecars at more powerful motorcycles than the previous version...

Although lighter than gear current at the time, Wall stated the new design was far stronger and intended for powerful motorcycles with sidecars. The unit had a live axle running on Hoffman bearings mounted in the rear fork lugs, while the gearing was of planetary design with a central gear mounted to the axle, planet pinions and a sun gear riveted internally to the hub gear drum.

In readiness for the 1913 season The New Era Auto-Cycle Company, Dayton, US launched a new machine with a parallel vertical twin cylinder engine mounted transversely in the frame to ensure even cooling of both cylinders. Of mechanical inlet over side exhaust valve design all valves, along with the carburettor and magneto are sited to the rear of the engine.
 

 

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