Abstract: A method and apparatus for horizontal continuous casting of metal alloys, such as brass, which tend to have a component thereof separate therefrom, in vapor form, during and immediately after solidification of the metal. The molten metal alloy progresses from the entrance end toward the discharge end of a horizontal tubular mold, with the metal solidifying at least next to the inner surface of the mold before reaching the discharge end thereof. The solidified metal in the mold shrinks inwardly away from the mold surface to form a shrinkage gap therewith, so that the above component of the alloy in vapor form enters into this shrinkage gap. In accordance with the invention this shrinkage gap is maintained filled with a gas which is inert to the above vapor so that the latter cannot oxidize in the shrinkage gap. In this way it is possible to avoid formation of undesirable deposits at the inner surface of the mold.

Abstract: A land vehicle such as a motorcycle has a frame and seat which, when the seat is in a normal operating position, define between themselves a space which is substantially closed and substantially inaccessible. A structure which includes components such as electronic components is situated in this latter space so as to be protected from the outer atmosphere and from unauthorized access when the seat is in its normal operating position. By way of a suitable connecting structure the seat can be displaced from its normal operating position to a location where the seat is at least partially spaced from the frame to give access to the space where the structure which includes electronic components or the like is situated, so that access may be had to the structure for servicing or the like.

Abstract: A land vehicle such as a motorcycle has front and rear wheels which support the frame of the vehicle. The front and rear wheels are of substantially the same diameter and each include a hub, spokes, and a rim. The spokes of the rear wheel are substantially identical with the spokes of the front wheel and the spokes of each wheel are uniformly distributed about the axis thereof. However, the rear wheel has a number of spokes which is greater than the number of spokes of the front wheel.