frame number

[Eric]

   Hi   its me again,  can any one please tell me where I can find the frame number on a ex  USAF  bike.  thanks

[Ricks]

See here:    http://www.simplexservi-cycle.com/index.php?topic=1362.0

Bikes built before 1951 didn't have frame numbers.

[ndian22]

Anyone know what year the USAF last ordered Service cycles? I remember seeing them, as a youngster, in service at Clinton-Sherman AF base SAC wing during the late 50's and early 60's, but don't have a clue as to their date of manufacture. Airmen and especially women looked pretty cool zipping around the base on those blue Simplex's. Rick C.

[Eric]

 When I bought it I was told that was a 1954 as it has got 2 caps on the gas tank and the electrical switch is under the gas tank instead of up by the handle bars, where did they put the number after 51, if there is no number how do I get it registerd for the road. when the dvla  (taxation people) want a frame number and proof of the year it was made.

[pd]

Maybe this will help , Eric .



Pete .

[Ricks]

Post some pictures and maybe we can help it. Bikes built 1950 and earlier are registered by the engine number.

[Eric]

  Found the frame number,    17090       engine number looks as if its been filed of. don't know why or who by.  clutch has got just one pair of shoes

[Ricks]

  Found the frame number,    17090       engine number looks as if its been filed of. don't know why or who by.  clutch has got just one pair of shoes

Not clutch shoes, but clutch weights.  The first picture is a single track, the second a double track.  You can just see the weights on the single track, they are brass colored.

[Eric]

 Just had a look weights are not like this  mounted on the ends, as you say they look like mini barbels mounted in the middle

[Ricks]

Your frame number indicates it was built in 1958.  The single track clutch is from 1953-1954.  The handlebars are the 1948 and earlier style. 

The on/off switch location is like an early bike, no key.  I wonder if the military bikes were built like that so the keys didn't get lost?

[ndian22]

Hi Eric,

You mentioned riding a Scott. Would that be the "flying squirrel"? I'd be interested to hear your observations on the Scott as well. The early 2 cycle twins aren't common here. The Scott bikes are quite beautiful.

 Rick C.

[Eric]

 Hi  Rick  Scotts are something you love or hate, I must love them as I had my first one in 1954 when I was 17, and have only been without one for a short time since. I have only got 2 at the moment ,a 1925 2 speed sports and a 1929 tt replica special I am building from parts mainly bought on ebay.the 2 speed is original apart from the electric start I have fitted. the other one started with a badly  bent frame, so I cut the back end of and put on the back end from a bsa with plunger springing and the forks as well, makes a softer ride a lot off scott riders don't like it ,but to me its another bike to be ridden instead of rusting away in somebodys shed. so you can see the Simplex  should not be to much trouble       Eri

[pd]

Your '25 ... Very nice .

I'd ride it .

Pete .