Simplex Motorcycle Company

[cfg83]

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"

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

1935 Model Servi-Cycle

And a YouTube :

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

CarloSW2

[bgd73]

clever. I feel wiser just looking at it.

[dremd]

Cool, and made in New Orleans.

[Dean in Milwaukee]

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

[cfg83]

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

[teknomage2012]

those are sweet, nostalgic.

[Dean in Milwaukee]

Originally Posted by cfg83

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

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

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

[Rokeby]

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



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.

[basslover911]

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...