what tires are these?

[Bruce]

my friends looking at buying a simplex and the tires are marked  "simplex  27x3"  the wheels look to be about 2 1/2 wide maybe? is this a tire he can buy?  wheels look fine still

[Ricks]

The 27x 3 tires came on the 1959-1960 simplex sportsman.  As far as I can find, they are NLA.  Coker Tire has the 27 x 3.5 tire, which is what I believe to have superseded the 27 x 3 tire.

Read what I posted in another thread:

http://www.simplexservi-cycle.com/index.php?topic=728.msg5992#msg5992

Pay attention to the last sentence closely!

EDIT:  AFTER SPEAKING WITH COKER, I DON'T BELIEVE THERE IS ANY TIRE THAT FITS THE SPORTSMAN RIM!!!!

[Ricks]

Post a picture of the bike that your friend is looking at!

[Bruce]

Rick are you saying the cokers won't fit ?

[Ricks]

Rick are you saying the cokers won't fit ?

What I am saying is, it depends on what rim you have.

All the simplex rims up until the latest Sportsman rims are 22 1/2" outside diameter. These take the Coker 26 x 2.5" tire. I would venture to guess this covers 99% of all the Servi-Cycles built.

The 59/60 Sportsman used a rim that is 21 3/4 outside diameter.  These are the CC rims. Coker states in their catalog that this is a European size, and is not compatible with a standard motorcycle 20" clincher  tire, even though they are very close in size. Tires for these that Coker makes are 27 x 3.5 and 26 x 3.  Get ready for sticker shock as these are $239 and $222 respectively. 

EDIT: THESE TIRES DO NOT FIT.

[Bruce]

This bike

[Ricks]

That is a late model sportsman.  That has the odd ball wheels on it.  I am in the process of collecting the rest of the parts to restore one.  I have those same wheels that have been rechromed and look awesome.  I have not purchased tires for it yet, but I believe the 27 x 3.5  tires to be correct.

That bike will also need a rear fender, which was also only used on the latest model sportsmans.  I have no idea where you could find one for it. Is there a kick starter on it?  Other than that, Wayne could probably supply everything else to restore that bike.

EDIT:  THESE TIRES DO NOT FIT!

[Mike Sal]

If you can, get the serial number from this bike.  It's located under the neck of the head tube. 
thanks,
Mike Sal

[Bruce]

He isn't going to pick that up for a few weeks..then well see the numbers..I like it though even if the tires are costly.  What's the going rate in a used engine? Anyone of you guys have one for sale?

[admin]

Finding a used motor is going to be difficult.  That sportsman used a unique crankshaft, and some other parts, for the internal kickstart. 

Anyone who buys a servi-cycle without an engine is probably better off doing an engine conversion.  The cost to find and rebuild an engine and transmission is probably going to exceed $2000.

[Bruce]

I can do something like whats on my 2008 ambassador for probably around $230...maybe thats a better option. we could always leave the bike alone for future orig installation if one ever showed up priced right.  only takes few holes drilled in the bottom plate to do what I did and mount the driven unit where the clutch is or use the plate.
   we'll get it here and figure it out soon.
  In the meantime....may I remind everyone that Christmas is approaching.......nothing would give you the warm fuzzy feeling you only get from giving better then sending me your parts!   

[pd]

I guess every site has a wish list .

Pete .