The Excelsior.
The Excelsior Co. have two new 1912 models. The first is a 3½ single-cylinder of 85 bore and 88 mm. stroke, and the second a 4½ single-cylinder of 86 x 112 mm. Both these models will be fitted with the new Villiers two-speed gear to order.
The chief feature of the new engine is the lubrication, the oil being led into the hollow gudgeon and crank pins, and thence direct to the main bearings, which are of phosphor bronze throughout.
The valves are fitted with adjustable stems, and the engine, which carries the magneto behind it, forms with the carburetter and silencer an easily detachable unit.
One inch belts, dropped top tubes, and Druid forks with front wheel stands are standard on both models, and the company will manufacture sidecars, under Millford licence, and suitable for their own machines.
1911 Olympia Show - The Motor Cycle October 5th, 1911. Page 1044
Excelsior.
One day last week we saw one of the new Excelsior motor cycles. This model has a 4½ h.p. 86 x 112 mm. single-cylinder engine, and it presents several interesting features. A 3½ h.p. 85 x88 mm. machine is also built, but, as practically all the details are the same; a description of the 4½ h.p. model will suffice.
The valves are placed side by side and have adjustable stem ends. They are operated by tappets through rockers, and these rockers arc slightly offset to the cams, so as to get a more direct lift. The lubrication is ingenious, the oil being led from the new Best and Lloyd semi-automatic sight-feed lubricator to the cylinder walls and hollow gudgeon pin direct through the side of the cylinder, while a branch pipe lubricates the main frank case bearings through a system of ducts. The air release passes through the crankshaft. The frame is on standard lines with a dropped top tube, and is fitted with Druid forks, a strong carrier, and front and rear wheel stands.
1911 Olympia Show - The Motor Cycle November 16th, 1911. Page 1216
EXCELSIOR, No. 71a.
Bayliss, Thomas and Co., Excelsior Works, Coventry. – Quite an interesting point about this machine is the lubrication system. A Best and Lloyd drip feed lubricator is supplied which allows the oil to enter a hole in the cylinder which registers with the hollow gudgeon pin at the bottom of the stroke, while a further lead conducts the oil to the crank case, whence it passes through a channel into a cup in the flywheel, which allows the oil to reach the crank pin and out again through two holes. The same lead also lubricates the main bearing on this side. The pulley side bearing is lubricated by splash, but the oil runs down to the bearing through a special lead from the cylinder. The general appearance of the machine is distinctly pleasing, and it is pleasant to note that this firm has so carefully studied the lubrication question. Reverting to the engine, it is worthy of note that the valve tappets are slightly off-set as regards the cams, with the result that side thrust is minimised to a great extent. The valve stems have a simple adjustment.
This machine is one of the largest single-cylinder machines shown, and has a cubic capacity of 650 cubic centimetres. In all other respects it resembles the model we have just described, except that 2½in. tyres are fitted and an extra heavy Druid fork. In the case of both models a separate bell rim is carried for the foot brake. The presence of these belt rims accounts for the fact that the rear mudguard is of ample dimensions.
1911 Olympia Show - The Motor Cycle November 23rd, 1911. Page 1281
