“Terraplaning” on Boards Hooked to Motorbike Proves Thrilling Sport

SURFBOARDS, whose usual habitat is the ocean, have taken to the land in a new sport devised recently by Portland, Oregon, youngsters. The surfboards, made of ordinary planks, are pulled along over the ground at a neat clip by motorcycles, as shown below, and the participants enjoy the sport despite the ever-imminent possibility of a fractured neck, leg or arm. A clean stretch of turf makes ideal course.

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The Fascinating Story of Your Motorbike

When Damlier perfected his first clumsy motorbike back in 1885, little did he dream that his brainchild was destined to grow to such a state of staunchness and durability that it could wear out the toughest racing driver. Adopted by the police, the modern version of the powered bike forms the backbone of the speed laws and strikes terror into the hearts of gangsters. This authoritative article tells you some startling facts about the birth, growth and present status of the motorbike.
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Stunting Motorcyclist Rides Built-up Motor Bike on Stilts

DEFYING the laws of gravity, a human giraffe recently thrilled spectators at an English charity carnival by riding a built-up motorcycle whose framework was so high that stilts were necessary to reach the foot pedals.

The last word in vertical streamlines, the odd machine was devised as a comedy number in a motorcycle show. Perched upon a seat raised to about three times its normal height, the rider manipulated his mount through extension controls running up to the handle bars. A common one-cylinder engine furnished the motive power.

CYCLISTS’ MOLDED MASKS

For races on cinder tracks, daredevil New York motorcyclists wear grotesque masks to protect their faces against flying particles from the wheels of each other’s machines. The racers dip the masks in water to soften them and then press them against their faces. When dry, the masks take on the contours of the cyclists’ features. Goggles are worn over the eyeholes. In addition, the racers wear football helmets to guard their heads.

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Motorcycle Cops Show How to Ride ‘Em

By Tom Cameron

IF YOU’RE learning to ride a motorcycle, the policemen who patrol your streets and highways could give you some valuable pointers. Chances are these men are just about the best rider? in the community. Because of the nature of their work they have to be. And it’s likely this ability was not won through trial and error, for many police departments give their men a course in riding before sending them out.

One that has won acclaim for the thoroughness and success of its motorcycle training program is the Los Angeles Police Department. Out of many years of experience, embracing use of machines from the old one-lungers to the four-cylinder speedsters of today, the instructors there have evolved detailed “do” and “don’t” procedures. The “don’ts” come first:
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CRAFTSMEN ON WHEELS

Scooter Has Three Speeds. Before becoming a cadet-midshipman at the US Merchant Marine Academy, William R. Kern welded some 3/4″ pipe, added a few gears, chains, and a 1/2-hp. motor, and came up with the two wheeler shown above. It carries him 80 miles on a gallon of gas at an average speed of 30 m.p.h. A V-belt, the tension of which may be varied by an idler pulley acts as a clutch to engage the three-speed transmission. The latter transmits power to the rear wheel through a chain. Gears were cut on a milling machine and hardened.
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This looks like something from a James Bond movie.

Motorcycle Skis
Motorcyclists now have a new sport— “ski cycling” over ice and snow. A broad, short ski fastens to each side of the motorcycle frame. It is held at the correct level by springs which absorb the shock as the ski runs over the snow surface. As the wheels are slightly lower than the skis, they still provide traction.

Swifter THAN Skis!

SWIFTLY as ski-riders flash down a snowy slide, a Harley-Davidson is faster—when you open up its marvelous power.

And it is just as thrilling to ride, but easier and safer. Like skis, the motorcycle responds to every whim of the rider—every sway of his body. It is a personal mount — a pal, and a playmate — not just a vehicle. You never tire of riding it.

Motorcycling is the Sport of a Thousand Thrills—and the ideal way to get there-and-back faster and at less expense.

Your nearby Harley-Davidson Dealer wants to show you our 1932 Models — Single and Twins—priced from $195 up, at the factory. Why not see him today — and ask him about his Pay-As-You-Ride Plan that makes buying so easy?

Ride a Harley-Davidson

Belt Drive Replaces Wheels On Novel Motorcycle

DEVELOPED primarily for operation over rough ground, a new type of motorcycle invented by J. Lehaitre, of Paris, France, features a tractor-type drive belt as its means of locomotion in place of conventional wheels. Named the “tractor-cycle” by the inventor, the novel vehicle is said to be superior to an ordinary motorcycle in its ability to climb steep and rough grades, although its speed on level ground is limited to about 25 m.p.h. Steering is accomplished by handlebars which control a sideways motion of the drive belt.

The tractor-cycle could easily be adapted for military use, as depicted on the cover of this issue by a Modern Mechanix artist. Fitted with a machine gun, the cycle could be used by dispatch riders or entire military units to travel over shell-torn terrain.

Super-Cycle to Smash All Speed Records

MOUNTED on spherical airwheels of moderate pressure, a recently designed super-motorcycle powered with twin motors is expected to shatter all existing speed marks for land vehicles. Speeds of more than 300 miles per hour will be reached without difficulty, its designer believes.

The driver is encased in a partially faired-in cabin and is securely strapped down in his seat. A headrest over the windshield provides additional bracing. Steering is effected in the customary manner. Two separate power plants are employed, one on each side of the powerful rigid chassis. The drive is carried to the rear globular wheel by means of conventional shafts and gearing.

The peculiar wheels, apart from providing greater traction and serving as shock-absorbers, are expected to add to the streamline possibilities and the stability of the machine.

Firecycle. Another specialized piece of equipment used by Douglas at El Segundo is this three-wheel motorcycle, which provides extreme mobility and permits close-quarter firefighting in narrow aisles or other confined places anywhere in the sprawling plant. It has been rebuilt to carry chemical equipment over the rear wheels, where separate recesses contain two 30-pound Du-gas extinguishers and four carbon-dioxide extinguishers—two 15-pounders and two two-pounders.

I think it would be awesome if Harley riders started wearing nifty caps and bow ties again.

Open Season on Fun!

Ride a Harley-Davidson Motorcycle

It’s outdoor time—and the open season for going places! When you own a 1937 Harley-Davidson you light out for the fun spots any time—evenings, Saturday afternoons, and over week-ends. Distant places are brought nearer—your mount has speed galore. Costs are way down low—the new Harley-Davidsons have many new and unusual motor improvements which cut gas and oil consumption tremendously. No other type of transportation can match these up-to-the-minute motorcycles for economy. And say—if it’s smart styling, class, and riding comfort you want— get aboard one of these 1937 models!
See your nearest Harley-Davidson dealer—PRONTO. Ask him for a FREE RIDE — about his Easy Pay Plans — and send in the coupon.