MOTOR-BICYCLE BOX_ CARRIERS.
Page 21
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
The Value of a High-speed Delivery Unit for Loads Not Exceeding 2-} Cwt.
ALTHOUGH the lightest types .of three and four wheeled motorvans and pareelcars are particularly suited to the needs of the average small tradesman, themare certain classes of traders who find that these forms of light goods vehicles are too large for their requirements, and that, moreover, their employment would be costly and uneconomical.
In such cases the motor-bicycle carrier meets a definite need. There are numerous examples of this type of carrier manufactured (several are illustrated on this page), and most of the prominent British motorcycle manufacturers have paid some attention to the requirements of the -trader w hose business calls for the use of' a small high-speed deliver' unit.
In most combinations of this descrip' tion the usual sidecar equipment is replaced by a box carrier, the size of which varies according to the class of goods carried. The usual capacity of such box carriers is about 2 to 2i cwt., and in order to provide adequate strength for the support. of the load, the framework of the side carriage is usually strengthened', whilst additional means of suspension are incorporated.
As an indication of the utility of motorcycle box carriers, we would quote one or two specific examples which will serve to 'illustrate the almost unlimittid scope of this type of machinefor .tlatroonveyance of very light loads.
Several special types are in the service of tailors, ana _the method of delivering the articles' of clothing is interesting. The garments are hung on shoulder supports and similar devices, and slung inside the box body exactly as they would be in a modern wardrobe. The transport of such articles calls for a deep body, and, in order to prevent the obstruction of the driver's view, it is necessary to mount it as low-as possi
ble in the framework. Deliveries of clothing by these, means are effected without creases due to clumsy folding or parcelling. The rear door of this type of body is large enough to admit the suits upon their 'rack without the need for crushing the articles, which can be packed tightly in the order in which they have to be delivered.
The motorcycle box carrier also has a special and obvious -application for use by a certain class of commercial travellers. We can cite as an instance a traveller in suit-cases who has had the interior of the box body attached to his motorcycle fitted with four shelves for the acconunodation of samples. The bicycle box carrier, we are aware, is not the cleanest and neatest form of getting about the country for the commercial
traveller, although his travelling garti could undoubtedly be discarded before calling upon customers.
Most of the ordinary rectangular box bodies fitted to motorcycle combinations
have a hinged roof, .which can be supported in an open position when goods are _ being removed from the interior. Some of the bodies have railed-in roofs, -which allow flat parcels to be carried.
As will be seen from...: the Glyno equipment which we illustrate, it is .a simple matter to carry a spare wheel and
tyre when the body is rectangular. The P. and M. illustrated is a special type
of outfit built for the Maryleboue Elec tric Supply Co. The engine is a 31 h,p. with a single inclined cylinder, which forms a portion of the down tube. The box body, by the way, fits on to the standard chassis, and can be taken off by removing four bolts, thus enabling the machine to-be used also for pleasure. purposes.
The average motorcycle box carrier sells at about 150 to B175, and at this
price it is undoubtedly a speedy, economical, and efficient form of transport for the tradesman whose loads are of a light, maybe bulky, nature. The motorcycle box carrier is the lightest form of goods-carrying unit with the exception of the motor scooter, which is hardly a commercial proposition_