Clyno Motorcycle Adverts

The following adverts appeared in 1919 and 1920. Unfortunately much of the text is quite small and so is unreadable in the small photographs. Because of this we have included a transcript.



From the Chambers of Commerce Joint Monthly Journal, published in 1920.
Many motorcyclists desire a machine with which there will be "no extras". Our Model de Luxe will be found to satisfy this demand in every respect. Everything the rider can want is included in the price. The full specification will be sent on application, but here are a few words relative to its electrical equipment.
This consists of a "Mag-dynamo" in place of the usual magneto. The two are carried in one housing, but are electrically independent. A flaw in either does not effect the other. The dynamo charges an accumulator carried under the seat of the sidecar. The lamps are supplied from this and consequently, the light is steady at all speeds. The headlamp has a "dimming" attachment for use in towns; the tail light is adapted for use also as an inspection lamp; and the side lamp is so placed that it gives the driver all the assistance he needs, and yet is available for the passenger when wanting to look at a map or watch. An electric horn is fitted to the upper front sidecar connection, and is operated by a button on the left handlebar, the current being supplied by the accumulator for the lamps.

The Reason

To explain in written word, the reason why you're still kept waiting for your Clyno is an easier task if the camera is called to our assistance. The photograph, the second that we’ve published, which shows the Clyno works as they appeared but just a few weeks back. The building of those mighty aero engines that you see has been entrusted to us by the Government and we’re proud of work which calls for such high standards of achievement, such accuracy and experience. And you? Well, you’ve always known The Clyno as the most reliable machine upon the market, but the standard which it reached before the war will be surpassed in our new models. A better Clyno will be possible because of the additional experience which we have gained in building new aero engines such as those we picture here. The Clyno 8h.p. Sidecar Combination and "The Aristocrat of the Lightweights" – the 2.5h.p. solo model, will both be well worth waiting for. And now it will not be for long that you will have to wait.


An advertisement from 'The Motor Cycle" magazine that was published on 4th September, 1919.


An advertisement from 'The Motor Cycle" magazine that was published on 8th April, 1920.

Who said Accessibility?
A sterling feature of the
Clyno 2 stroke
"The Aristocrat of the lightweights".

Is the ease with which the whole power unit can be removed complete from the frame. This is a great advantage when decarbonising, or undertaking any other form of overhaul. We are motorcyclists ourselves as well as manufacturers, and share the general dislike to a "back-aching job". The carburettor controls are withdrawn from the body by unscrewing a cap; the petrol and exhaust pipes are removed; the clutch cable is slipped out of its lever; the magneto contact breaker cover is pulled off; the change-speed gear is detached by undoing one screw; and the four main holding-down bolts are withdrawn. Then the whole bag of tricks can be lifted out of the frame as one unit, and dealt with in comfort on the bench. The cylinder, of course, can be removed without taking out the engine, but the removal of the engine is so easy that most riders actually prefer to have it out.


This famous Clyno feature is of course retained. Its excellence has led to its being widely copied, but the long experience we have had with these wheels has enabled us to introduce various modifications and improvements, especially in the design and adjustment of wheel bearings. All four wheels are detachable, identical and therefore interchangeable. Our illustration gives some idea of the simplicity with which the wheels can be changed. The method of procedure is as follows:-

Remove nut (A), withdraw spindle (B), and take out loose distance piece (C). The dogs (D) on the wheel can then be withdrawn from engagement with similar dogs on the chain sprocket (E), and the wheel is rolled out under the mudguard stays. The chain, chain cases, driving sprocket, and the back brake remain in position and are in no way affected. 

The absolute simplicity of the ‘one nut’ feature robs punctures of their terror. Anyone can change wheels in three minutes; an experienced person can do it in very much less.


An advertisement from 'The Motor Cycle" magazine that was published on 1st April, 1920.


An advertisement from 'Motor Cycling" magazine that was published on 28th January, 1920.
The Spring Shock Absorber fitted to the new Clyno 8h.p. Combination.

The spring shock absorber fitted to the new Clyno is a Clyno patent (No. 113341/18). There are three main parts:
1. A circular drum keyed to the engine shaft.
2. In this are housed four spring-loaded plungers with  
    "V" shaped noses.
3. A chain sprocket, free to revolve on the engine 
    shaft, and with four ‘V’ shaped surfaces on the 
    inner side.

What happens under load is as follows: The engine drives the drum with its plungers and the latter are forced up the sloping sides of the surfaces on the sprocket. The springs absorb all shock and jar, and the power of the engine is transmitted through them to the sprocket. When the engine is stopped suddenly, exactly the reverse takes place, the plungers run up the opposite side of the ‘V’ surfaces absorbing the shock and smoothing the braking effect of the engine.

There are two particular features of this device. There is practically no loss of energy in working, as almost the whole of the energy absorbed in depressing plungers is returned in useful work when the plungers return to the normal position. It is equally effective in dealing with large and small throttle openings at low engine speeds, a feature not found in all shock absorbing devices. The total result is a beautifully ‘silky’ drive, indistinguishable from a slipping belt, with none of the latter’s disadvantages.


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