A.S.L.
"Ixion" has lately drawn attention to the desirability of spring frames. Those readers who agree should on no account miss Stand No. 103, where the luxurious riding A.S.L. will be exhibited. 3½ h.p. single and 5 h.p. twins are standard for 1912. Quite recently we had the opportunity of testing an A.S.L. 3½ h.p. J.A.P. engined motor cycle. The machine started very easily, and declutching (the Albion engine clutch was fitted), we took our seat on the comfortably padded cushion supplied. On letting in the clutch the machine went away smoothly, and we were surprised at the absence of road shocks. Our first impression was that we were riding on a partially deflated back tyre, but the feeling passed off after the first few minutes. Although we intentionally found all the worst bumps in the road, we suffered from no unpleasant jars, arid only in the worst pot holes did we find the small wheels affect the smooth running of the machine. It is certainly the best sprung motor cycle we have ever ridden, and the action of the air springs should go far towards prolonging the life of the engine and frame fittings. Magneto, throttle, and air levers are placed one above the other on the right handle-bar, and come easily to the hand; in fact, we were able to control on the throttle lever only most of the day, as the Amac carburetter fitted was almost automatic in its action. By way of a hill-climbing test, we took the machine to Sunrising, and succeeded in climbing it at the second attempt with a little clutch slipping, the first failure being due in all probability to the control, being new to us. Regarding the effect of the springing on belt tension, we noticed no belt slip, and as the springing forms a comparatively large angle with the chain stays, we see no reason to expect slip from this cause. The A.S.L. is sure to attract visitors to the Show.
1911 Olympia Show - The Motor Cycle November 16th, 1911. Page 1212
A.S.L., No. 103.
A.S.L., Ltd.. Corporation Street, Stafford. - This machine has a Precision engine. The frame is suspended on Sharp's air springs. A description of a run on this machine was recently referred to in these pages. 22in. wheels may be employed, and they serve to bring the rider's weight as near to the ground as possible. The wheels are tyred with Moseley ribbed covers, specially manufactured for the firm, and Bosch magnetos are supplied, while both front and rear brakes are of the external controlling band type.
Silencing arrangement on the new twin A.S.L.-Fafnir. Note the shield to keep tne rider's foot off the exhaust pipe.
The exhaust pipes of the twin-cylinder lead into an expansion chamber, from which there issues a long pipe of large size flattened at its rearward end. Attached to the rear exhaust pipe, which comes close to the footrests, is a special asbestos-lined shield to protect the rider's boot. In the case of both the above models the rear mudguard is so constructed as to clear the movable portions of the rear forks. In all cases the spark lever is handle-bar controlled. Other specialities are a special cushion seat, an adjustable pulley, and a Best and Lloyd semi-automatic lubricator. One of the twins is shown with a sidecar.
1911 Olympia Show - The Motor Cycle November 23rd, 1911. Page 1257
