It is quite impossible to drive well and without fatigue unless the controls work properly, are operated instinctively without being looked for, and the rider is quite comfortable.
Time spent in setting the control levers on the handlebar, and adjusting the handlebar and footrests to suit the rider will be well worth it and will prevent the rider tiring unduly on a long journey. These adjustments are readily made and the effect tried at the outset by moving them about when seated on the machine at home.
A little riding experience may show that further adjustment is wanted and the alterations made accordingly.
Do not open the throttle too far when starting the engine. It is best to use the throttle stop screw to set the throttle and to keep the hand off the twist grip. The action of kick starting often causes the hand to open the grip involuntarily. A large throttle opening on starting weakens the mixture and makes starting difficult.
Use the prop stand to park the machine in preference to leaning it against walls, posts, or kerbstones. See that the stands work freely on the pivots.
Do not forget to open the air valve fully after starting, or to keep it full open.
Do not race the engine unnecessarily, or engage the clutch suddenly on moving off. This wears the tyres and transmission prematurely. Try to start off unobtrusively.
Keep the feet off the brake and gear pedals when not actually operating them. Do not change gear with the heel. Keep the hand off the clutch lever.
Change gear in good time and do not race up to unnecessarily high speeds in the indirect gears, or allow the engine to " slog " at low speed.
When brought to a halt at traffic lights, etc., do not continually " blip " the throttle and race the engine. All carburetters are capable of being set so that the engine will idle slowly and quietly in such circumstances with the throttle shut.
During the running-in period keep an eye on the clutch cable and re-adjust at once if the free movement decreases. See page 41.
Drive as much as possible on the throttle, making the minimum use of the brakes.
Use both brakes in preference to the rear only. Do all braking when running straight and avoid all braking when turning.
Make allowances for slippery road surfaces, both when accelerating and stopping.
The edge of the road where grit tends to collect is often less slippery when the roads are icy, but should be avoided in dry warm weather.
Do not kick or stamp down the gear pedal. Excessive force is never needed.
Feel the kickstart engage before putting full pressure upon the footpiece.
Close fuel taps at the end of a run.
Tighten screws and bolts, etc., when required. Neglect often causes loss or damage.
Do not assume that the machine is undergeared. A higher ratio than standard will not increase the maximum speed. For sidecar work a smaller sprocket will be needed to reduce the gear ratios.
Do not in any circumstances tamper with the silencer. More noise may make the machine seem faster, but it has been found that alterations always reduce the performance. The silencer has been carefully designed to give the best possible power output consistent with a reasonable degree of silence. Excessive noise annoys the public and causes prejudice against motor-cyclists.
On completing five hundred miles running on a new machine have it inspected and checked over by the dealer. See page 19.