FRAME CONSTRUCTION—A STRIKING PROOF.

Motorcycle designers are always at variance as regards the type of frame which is most suitable. Most frames have been evolved for the pedal cycle ” diamond ” type, various struts and stays having been added to give the required strength.

Some leading men in the trade aver that in the future the motorcycle will have a chassis, somewhat on the lines of the Ner-a-car, and not a frame at all. The Ner-a-car chassis has certainly given every satisfaction and it is to be regretted that this machine is not now being manufactured. Other unorthodox frames have appeared from time to time, but they all seem to have died a natural death.

Probably the only example of an unorthodox frame which has been successful in both theory and practice is the Francis-Barnett, with the construction of which most motor cyclists are conversant. “Built like a Bridge “is the makers’ slogan and a very good one it is, too, for it lasts like a bridge and carries, moreover, a permanent guarantee against breakage. An example of the strength of it occurred in a recent

“scramble.” Two riders, one on an ” F.B.” and the other on an orthodox type of machine, were descending a hill-side when they struck a concealed ditch at some 30 m.p.h. The orthodox machine suffered twisted forks and frame, but the ” F.B.”, though it threw its rider about 15 yards, was unhurt ! So, luckily, was the rider, who remounted and finished to make fastest time of the day—and this on a 175 c.c. machine !