Alcyon.
Through the courtesy of Mr. G. N. Higgs we are enabled to give a few preliminary details of the 1912 Alcyon models. The carburetter for next year will be the well-known Claudel-Hobson, or, more correctly, an Alcyon carburetter made under Claudel licence.
The machine will be even more in conformity with English tastes than the few preliminary models which have been seen over here this year, and, of course, handle-bar control, with wires running through the handle-bar, will be fitted. The handle-bars themselves will have inverted levers, one controlling the front brake and the other the exhaust lifter. The luggage carrier will be more substantial, and a strong and efficient lamp bracket will be fitted.
The 2 h.p. model, which will be practically the same as this year's machine except for the improvements mentioned, will have a variable pulley controlled from the top tube, while a jockey pulley, worked by the foot, will be fitted to keep the belt at the correct tension.
The chief Alcyon novelty will be a twin cylinder 47 x 72 mm. 2½ h.p. model, the cylinders of which will be situated side by side after the manner of the Werner. Mechanically operated inlet valves will be fitted.
1911 Olympia Show - The Motor Cycle October 26th, 1911. Page 1125
ALCYON, No. 85.
G. N. Higgs, Vauxhall Bridge Road, S.W. – The twin-cylinder model is quite an interesting mount. The cylinders are placed vertically side by side, the exhaust valve facing forward to enable it to receive the full benefit of the cooling draught. The two cylinders are connected by one branch exhaust pipe which leads into the main exhaust pipe. On the near side, and cast with part of the crank case, is the gear case containing the gear drive to the counter-shaft. On the counter-shaft inside the gear case there is a plate clutch put into operation by a lever on the top tube. By lifting a ratchet on the chain sprocket the pedals are connected to the engine, so that they may be used to start with the back wheel on the ground. By putting the ratchet into engagement the pedals and the rear wheel are connected by means of the chain, so that the pedals may be used for assisting the engine if necessary. The timing gear is on the off side. The finish of the engine is particularly good. Bowden actuated rim brakes are fitted, but in the near future a belt rim brake will be used. The machine is made to conform absolutely to English ideas, and is fitted with tapless oil pump, a capacious tank, carrier, tool bag, Alcyon spring forks, and Hutchinson tyres. The single cylinder machine is similar in most respects to the twin. The footrests fitted to both models are so arranged that the portion on which the rider's foot is placed can be folded away if not required. The 1912 Alcyons have not been placed on the market until they have been thoroughly proved, and the whole of 1911 has been devoted to this purpose. The recent track performances of this make of machine in the hands of Mr. N. D. Slatter fully justify the efforts Mr. Higgs has made towards its perfection.
1911 Olympia Show - The Motor Cycle November 23rd, 1911. Page 1275
