Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum - EcoModder.com

EcoModder.com (https://ecomodder.com/forum/)

- Motorcycles / Scooters (https://ecomodder.com/forum/motorcycles-scooters.html)

- - Simplex Motorcycle Company (https://ecomodder.com/forum/showthread.php/simplex-motorcycle-company-12884.html)

Simplex Motorcycle Company

Hello -

I was watching "Pickers" on the History Channel when they came across a rusty "Simplex" motorcycle frame. These motorcycles were *made* for MPG, so I looked them up :

HowStuffWorks "1956 Simplex Automatic"
http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/...utomatic-1.jpg

Quote:

The first Simplex motorcycle was introduced in 1935, and as the name implied, was built with simplicity in mind. Its 125-cc engine powered the rear wheel through a direct-drive arrangement, eliminating the complexity and expense of a transmission and clutch.

Later models added more features. The Simplex Automatic motorcycle was fitted with an automatic clutch and variable transmission. Furthermore, its two-stroke engine incorporated a rotary valve that was quite unusual for the period.

Light weight and efficient design combined to return a claimed 100 mpg.

More URLs :

http://www.servi-cycle.com/history.htm
http://www.servi-cycle.com/photos/30s/193520a.jpg
1935 Model Servi-Cycle

And a YouTube :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLWe8pfCSnc

CarloSW2

clever. I feel wiser just looking at it.

Cool, and made in New Orleans.

Overall it reminds me a lot of a harley hummer: http://www.tomgraycollection.com/wp-...1-1024x504.jpg

I would actually love to have a modernized hummer, basically with enough power for hwy use and good brakes. I think its a really nice looking bike,

Dean in Milwaukeee

Dean -

Thanks for the picture, I can "see" similar DNA. Do you think a "Harley Hummer" would still be a good name? If I were Harley I would have a contest to see if people wanted to keep the old name or suggest a new name.

CarloSW2

those are sweet, nostalgic.

Quote:

Originally Posted by cfg83 (Post 177873)

Hummer is no longer a good name since it has a new and obcene meaning in modern venacular. :rolleyes:

Point is moot however since harley will never build anything like this ever again. Perhaps some chinese company will run with the ball?

Seriously though, I have given doing a custom build of something like this some thought, perhaps based on something like a honda rebel 250.

Dean in Milwaukee

Don't forget the Whizzer, truely a "motorbike."

http://retrothing.typepad.com/photos...ed/whizzer.jpg

Retro Thing: Whimsical Whizzer Motorbikes

There are at least two of these buzzing around the streets of NE Ballamer...
neither operator wears a helmet.

Good idea, bad implementation/real-world interface. ;)

I have been thinking about making a really simple scooter without a transmission ... kind of like this.

I feel like if its lightweight enough (1010lbs or less) I should be able to not use a transmission at all an eliminate 1) weight 2) complexity 3) cost 4) transmision inefficiency...

Anyway I really admire these bikes because of it AND still being able to return 100mpg without any aerodynamics and with the crappy tires/engines from back then...