The Two-stroke Levis.
This interesting little machine is propelled by a three port two-cycle engine, and has been slightly redesigned for 1912. The new piston is designed with a partially domed head, giving a sharp uprush to the inlet gases, and a very clean sweep for the exhaust. There are only three moving parts – the piston, connecting rod., and crankshaft The crankshaft is a solid forging, carefully hardened and ground, the big end bearing being split. The lubrication is interesting, as the usual form of splash is not relied on. Oil is led to the piston through the cylinder wall, and thence via holes in the hollow gudgeon pin to the small end bearing. Another pipe is led to the main crank shaft bearing, which has a retaining groove cut near the outer end. From this groove the oil is led through a hole in the crankshaft into the shaft itself, which is drilled for the purpose, thence by centrifugal force to the big end, the excess oil from the cylinder being led through a duct to the other crank bearing. A Bosch magneto is fitted in front of the engine and driven through an enclosed chain. The carburetter can be either B. and B. or Amac at option. An outside flywheel with the weight well in the rim is employed. An improved compression release valve is fitted in the head. We had a run on one of the smaller types, and although the particular machine is only a test mount, and has not been overhauled since February last, we were surprised at the slow running and quick pick up. Four models are listed – a 2¼ h.p., 62 mm. x 70 mm.; a 2½ h.p., 70 mm. x 70 mm.; a 2½ h.p. T.T. type of the same size; and a 2¼ h.p. Lady's. All these types can be fitted with the Albion clutch hub and a kick-down starting device. The weight of the 2¼ h.p. complete is 85 lbs., the 2½ h.p. 98 lbs., and the 2½ h.p. T.T. 90lbs.
1911 Olympia Show - The Motor Cycle November 2nd, 1911. Page 1155
LEVIS. No. 131.
Mahler Bros., Station Street, Birmingham. – Several of the interesting Levis lightweights are shown on the stand of Mahler Bros. They were fully described in a recent issue. A needle valve replaces the usual petrol tap, and Best and Lloyd semi-automatic lubrication is fitted, but without any pump. 24in. x 2in. tyres and wheels are fitted The lady's model also has a two-stroke engine of 2¼ h.p., and a suitably dropped frame and 26in. wheels. The Levis machine is of extremely simple design, and as it is sold at a very low figure should on no account be missed.
This model is similar to the one described, but is heavier, more powerful, and has 26in. wheels. Druid forks are standard on all models.
An engine is shown in section to give some idea of the working of the two-stroke principle. This engine, with the exception of the piston, is the same that gave a speed of 45 m.p.h. on the Aston track. A 2½ h.p. model has been timed to travel at the rate of 52 m.p.h. The crankshaft is machined in one piece, and has very wide bearings.
1911 Olympia Show - The Motor Cycle November 23rd, 1911. Page 1284
2½ h.p. Model: 70 x 70 mm.; stroke; Amac carburetter; single-speed gear.
Maulers. Ltd., Station Street, Birmingham.
This particular model remains practically unaltered, for 1913.
2 h.p. Model: 62 x 70 mm.; two-stroke; Amac carburetter; chain and belt; single-speed gear.
This machine is similar in most respects to the above, except that it is provided with a combined belt and chain transmission, the rearward portion of the chain being protected by a case. The top tube is now dropped at the rear, and an automatic lubricator is fitted.
2¾ h.p. Model (twin): 58 x 66 mm.; two-stroke; Amac carburetter; chain and belt; single-speed gear.
This model is an entirely new one. The cylinders are placed side by side, and the magneto is carried on the rear of the engine. A drip-feed lubricator is fitted. The same system of lubrication is employed on this model as in all Levis machines. The oil is conducted down the sides of the cylinders to the main bearings, thence through a hollow crankshaft to the big end. afterwards lubricating the cylinders by splash. Oil also flows into the main bearings and to the bearings of the magneto drive.
One and a half gallons of petrol are carried. With a two-stroke two-cylinder engine almost as even running is obtained as with a four-cylinder of the ordinary type. The twin Levis runs with, extreme smoothness. The exhaust release situated at the top of the cylinder is now covered in so that no name can issue therefrom, as this was thought to be a source of danger should there be any petrol about owing to the tank being overfilled.
1912 Olympia Show
The Motor Cycle November 28th, 1912.
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