New Guy, 1948 Servi-Cycle

[wasadoc]

I am new to the group, and I have a 1948 that I found way down in south Louisiana. If I can figure out how to post a pic, I'll post it. The bike had been completely restored, when I bought it. I am nearing 76 years old, and rode one that belonged to a friend, when I was about 12. Glad to be a member of the group.

[Ricks]

Welcome wasadoc!  Posting the picture here is easy, as you found out.  What part of the country you from?

[kartjockey]

Welcome!   Love the colors!

[wasadoc]

I live in Arkansas--I'm an old Navy Hospital Corpsman--hence the name wasadoc

[pd]

Welcome wasadoc .

Nice looking bike , for sure .

Arkansas isn't all that far away from Portland , Indiana . Maybe you'll happen to be there for the meet this Summer .

Pete .

[wasadoc]

Bike was not running when I bought it, even though the engine was new. Had some old gas in it, so I figured the carb needed cleaning. Surprise--it was actually clean. Bottom needle jet was only open about 1/8th of a turn and top jet about 1 turn. Not sure what they are supposed to be set on, but I opened the bottom to 1 1/2 turns and the top 2 1/2. Got it running, but it is way too rich. Somebody help me out.

[OnaWingandaPrayer]

Hello and Welcome . Very nice looking cycle. Enjoy.

[pd]

Bike was not running when I bought it, even though the engine was new. Had some old gas in it, so I figured the carb needed cleaning. Surprise--it was actually clean. Bottom needle jet was only open about 1/8th of a turn and top jet about 1 turn. Not sure what they are supposed to be set on, but I opened the bottom to 1 1/2 turns and the top 2 1/2. Got it running, but it is way too rich. Somebody help me out.

The settings might depend on which carb is installed . Do you know if it's OEM or a Carpenter repop ?
Maybe a close up pic would help . The OEM has an ID stamped on the back of the bowl when mounted . You'd have to remove the air cleaner to see it .

Pete .

[oil-lamp]

Welcome Wasadoc and Howdy from the birthplace of Texas. That's a nice looking bike.

[kartjockey]

Wasadoc,  I think your ride might be a little newer than 1948. Many components suggest this.  Ernie taught me to just reach under the triple tree area below the choke knob and if there is a plate there then it probably has a serial number. My 48 does not have a plate while the later ones will that Simplex stamped the frame numbers on.  Take a peek!

[Ricks]

Wasadoc,  I think your ride might be a little newer than 1948. Many components suggest this.  Ernie taught me to just reach under the triple tree area below the choke knob and if there is a plate there then it probably has a serial number. My 48 does not have a plate while the later ones will that Simplex stamped the frame numbers on.  Take a peek!

I think the bike is a mix of parts from different years also.

The wheels appear to be 2" wide, which came mid year 1949., on the Model L.

The handlebars are 1948 and earlier, as they went to the flat plate on the model K.

The curved front fender braces started in late 1949 also, with the Model L.

Doc, please post some more pictures for us.  We love to figure out these mysteries! 

[wasadoc]

I felt under the triple tree as you suggested, and there is a plate under there. The wheels are 2", so as you said "It appears that it has been cobbled together"--I'd also like to tell you that I have a 1947 Famous James ML125, and a 1967 BSA Starfire

[kartjockey]

Nothing wrong with a Blimey(I had a 72 Bonneville) but I be digging that Famous James!

[Ricks]

I felt under the triple tree as you suggested, and there is a plate under there. The wheels are 2", so as you said "It appears that it has been cobbled together"--I'd also like to tell you that I have a 1947 Famous James ML125, and a 1967 BSA Starfire

Post some pictures of your other bikes! We don't discriminate here.  LOL

[ndian22]

Dang Doc that's a snazzy ride. Great color combination, classy & clean! I'm glad you've joined us. I'm over in S.W. section of Indian Territory. I also am a fan of the UK bikes, rode a 1965 Bonneville from new. Post up those Brit photos too. I'm a newbie & an Old guy also & you're not going to believe what these guys will teach you about the Simplex bikes. Good group.  Rick C.