General Category => Introductions => Topic started by: bohica2xo on September 15, 2013, 11:44:06 AM
-
Another "new' guy here.
I have been around motorcycles most of my life. I have owned a few Harleys, some other brands too. Last time I saw a Simplex rolling here was a decades ago. I got in to motorized bicycles a couple of years ago. Ran in to a local guy making board track replicas at Viva Las Vegas, and I was hooked.
Recently while poking around in AZ I saw what is left of a Servi-Cycle. A quick look on the internet brought me here.
I am trying to decide if there is enough of the old bike + available parts to make it worth convincing the owner to sell it.
Anyway, that is how I wound up here. looks like a lot of nice folks on a well laid out forum.
B.
-
Welcome B. :)
Can you post a pic of the bike you're thinking about buying ?
Most parts are available and others can be made . One way or the other you can build a decent fun little bike .
Pete . :)
-
PD:
I was not carrying a camera that day. Lots of old junk in AZ survives the rust well enough, bit the bike was somewhat picked over.
Engine is missing. I understand original engines are probably scarce, but since I have been building board trackers with current engines I think I can get past that.
A bigger concern was the gas tank. Are there any replacement tanks out there?
Forks were bent & the front wheel a D shape - looked like it rear ended a solid object at speed.
I already have several projects, I should post some pics of those I guess.
This is one of the BTR frames I am in the middle of finishing up:
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-EcckKE0I0OQ/UVfdwk8drJI/AAAAAAAAAss/ytGY755-P18/s720/Viva5.jpg)
B.
-
There are no reproduction gas tanks. Tanks show up an ebay once in a while, and usually go for around $200-250.
Forks can usually be straightened, if not too bad.
-
That BTR project looks fun .
And that little motor might even look decent in a Simplex frame .
Pete . :)
-
Thanks guys.
I will not be back out in that part of AZ for a couple of weeks. The owner said he might have the tank "someplace". We shall see.
The little two stroke in the BTR frame might be a little weak. I have a 50cc KTM clone that might work, or a 118cc 4 stroke that looks the part.
The lightweight, bicycle based machines are a lot of fun. The one in the pic is pedal start with a hand operated clutch - pedal, drop the clutch & go. Only good for 25 -30 mph, but with bicycle tires that is fast enough.
B.
-
Keep us posted . ;)
-
Yeah, I know it has been a while..
The guy with the Simplex decided not to sell me the bike. I went by his place in Chloride & he told me he thought it was "valuable", since he had located the tank for it. I gave him my number, and asked him to call me when he had a price in mind. The next time I was in his area I stopped by... the bike was gone. He sold it for 200 bucks.
I was sort of bummed out on the whole idea & built myself a new sidehack instead:
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-zB_IMzKSbaw/UyXTVIzSipI/AAAAAAAABDw/tAOlHaaIMNM/s720/TR8.jpg)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sAn1_HOlOSI/UyXTT6QaBMI/AAAAAAAABDU/gbe1rXLdNEM/s800/TR5.jpg)
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-m1TgSJPYcYE/UyXTUcd2WwI/AAAAAAAABDg/JzQQPsZx4DY/s800/TR6.jpg)
Worked out all my frustrations on that job, so now it is time to look again for a Simplex.
B
-
Is that one of Pat Dolan's tanks in the Worksman frame? I see you changed from the china 2 stroke to a honda 4 stroke, I bet that bike really moves now.
-
No, that is a Silver State frame & tank.
Actually a whole new bike. I started with a fresh frame & tank - I sold the bike with that chinese grenade in it.
The engine is a Lifan 118cc 4 stroke, turned so the cylinder points straight up. I used a starter / generator from a golf cart to give me a 20 amp charging system as well as electric start. With the side car attached it will cruise at 30 mph.
Been using it as truck lately - cheaper than the pickup for a quick run to the hardware store.
-
Worksman bikes now sells a btr...in with sports car pat...so a bit stretched worksman with the btr engine loop..tanks etc. Silver state does em too...more affordable and just as nice
-
Bruce:
I much prefer the TIG welded Silver State frame. Hard to beat a frame & stainless tank for $400
Scott tells me he has some new wheels in the works that will carry a lot more, sealed bearings etc. Wish I could find a Simplex frame to work with...
B.
-
Bruce:
I much prefer the TIG welded Silver State frame. Hard to beat a frame & stainless tank for $400
Scott tells me he has some new wheels in the works that will carry a lot more, sealed bearings etc. Wish I could find a Simplex frame to work with...
B.
What type of tire will his new wheel use?
-
Rick:
Sorry for the lag, I was busy getting ready for the Grange race.
Scott is mounting Avon Speedmasters in the 21 x 3.00 size for a very vintage look. DOT legal, and 26" OD
I will get some pics up soon. The rims are steel, with a decent drum brake laced in. I believe they would work well with the Simplex front end, just not sure how the belt sheave will match up in the back for you guys.
Brad
-
Thanks Brad. Looking forward to seeing some pictures. Those Avon tires should last a very long time at the speeds we do.
-
Rick:
I just picked up a pair of wheels from Scott. I need to correct myself here, the production wheels are Aluminum. The prototypes I handled in his shop were steel. These are motorcycle grade DOT wheels, so they are plenty strong in aluminum. Anyway, here are the pics with an Avon mounted:
(https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-qNkd12ZqJy4/U5euraXEo9I/AAAAAAAABRs/_4HDZhGPowo/s720/Avon3.jpg)
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-MiQTwvM4XCU/U5eurdJm22I/AAAAAAAABRw/9fHd1DiQFQs/s720/Avon2.jpg)
(https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-IMkP041yu7w/U5eurV0xHUI/AAAAAAAABRo/xYdF-YMbmEU/s720/Avon1.jpg)
The drum brake is much bigger than the worksman bicycle brake.
The Speedometer drive fits a standard cable - and Scott has both cables and speedometers in stock to fit. Right now the only speedometers available are marked in Kilometers.
B.
-
Very nice! What is the overall height of the tire?
-
The Avons are a 3.00x21, and measure a full 27" OD at 35psi.
You could run a smaller 80/90-21 for a 26" OD, but I like the vintage look & the added suspension the tire offers.
The brake drum is a little over 4.5 inches ID, and the shoes a little over 1 inch wide.
B.