I believe the article in question (it was in an IEE magazine about 15 years ago) was also suggesting the use of electrically driven valves, thus being able to alter timing at will, so getting the most efficient timing for any given speed / loads etc. It was also how the valves could be held open while the engine was starting.
Wish my T140V Bonnie had had one. That was a fun thing to start
My T140V seemed to only start if I leapt in the air shouting "Banzai!" as I came down on the kickstart
I can sometimes be heard shouting something rather more offensive when trying to fire up my Velocette Thruxton! The oil tank has a perforated heat shield that acts just like a cheese grater to shave several layers of skin from the inside of my right knee! There's a technique that 30 yrs later I'm still learning and a well known joke in motorcycle circles about all Velo owners needing to live on hills. Worth it though when you finally get them going!
