Pics. and Numbers

[admin]

Early bikes used a compression release to kill the motor. I don't remember the exact year off the top of my head, but somewhere around 1948 they went to a kill switch.

[Mike Sal]

Stafford the older bikes had a compression release to help start and stop the engine.  Yours is too new & doesn't have this.  I agree that the toggle switch doubles as a light switch, but I cant' remember how the system is supposed to work (mine has an actual key switch.
Mike Sal

[Stafford]

Hi Guys,
I see nothing that resembles a compression release. Thought about putting on an after market kill switch but would really like to keep it as close to original as possible. If someone has an idea please let me know.
Now on another note.
The throttle is working backwards compared to all the other bikes I have owned.
Rolling the throttle away from you accelerates the motor.
Rolling it towards you decreases the motor.
Is this normal or has the previous owner made a mistake in the setup.
Thank for all the help and if there is a shop manual out there I would be interested in buying it or a copy.
Cheers
Stafford

[pd]

You might want to check the wiring setup . I noticed that what comes out of your head light , through the handlebar plate and down through the steering stem and back to the switch does not seem normal , but then I'm not that familiar with the earlier bikes .

The switch contacts might be dirty causing the non-function .

And the throttle was likely installed opposite of correct , if that's even possible .

Pete .

[Sonrisers]

If I remember correctly, the 47 simplex I used to have also turning it forward throttled the bike. The one I have now turns backward like a regular bike.

[Stafford]

That is so cool, as funny as it may sound I hope that it throttles up in reverse of modern day cycles.
There is an old Evil Knivel movie that shows him throttling up in the reverse.
Do you have a clue as to the kill on the motor.
I don't want to be a pest but really want to get it sorted out.
Cheers
Stafford

[old servi]

Didn't know what year your engine was. The older ones have a compression valve on the side of the cylinder to make it easy to push start and to kill the engine. If you have some wires coming out of the mag area other than the big spark plug wires, trace them from the mag and see where they go. If they go to a switch, then that would kill the engine. If the switch that you might find does not kill it, then get a small test wire and clip it on a ground area of the bike and as it is running touch the wire and see if it kills it. If so, the switch you might have found might be no good. Take a look at the three way switch and see if that wire comes to it from the mag. If so that switch might not be good. If only the head and tail light wires go to that 3 way switch, then it is the light switch for high and low.

[old servi]

I forgot that your light wires come out of the mag too and trace them to the headlight and tail light and then the other wire if there is one is the kill wire and trace it to where it goes - switch etc.

[Stafford]

Thanks Old Servi,
I'll check that tomorrow.
Cheers
Stafford

[Stafford]

Hi Guys,
Got to spend a little more time with the simplex today. Located the kill switch. Everyone may already know this and I might look silly but it is located along side the flywheel cover toward the front of the motor. Little brown button that does a lot.
I also discovered the reason for the throttle working backwards. This will be an easy fix; was just installed wrong.
I was able to do a little more riding on it today also. What a blast.
Cheers
Stafford

[pd]

Pics of you riding . Or , it didn't happen , as they say .

Great you're making progress .

Pete .

[Stafford]

Hi Guys,
Pete said no pics it didn't happen so here you go.
Took the Simplex out and did a few miles today.
Along with the miles I even got a few smiles; seems to bring back memories to folks around my age.
Anyway here is the proof and also a shot of my daily driver.
Cheers to all
Stafford

[pd]

Excellent Stafford .

Agreed . These bikes bring out the smiles . Everyone who has seen mine shows some teeth .

Looks like decent weather where you are .

Pete .

[Stafford]

Pete,
It been a Chamber of Commerce kind of day here in Burton.
I love this part of Texas we have Spring and Summer then a rainy day and a cold day then start all over.
I love snow in pictures but just don't think I could do it on a regular bases.
The wife lived in Ohio and Illinois when she was younger but was able to adapt to the Texas heat just fine.
Cheers for now.
Stafford

[pd]

Agreed . I/we don't do the snow thing anymore . Both my wife and I spent all but a few years in Michigan Winters .

Now we live where we park our motor home , which is currently in Long Beach , Mississippi . We'll be hosting a city owned day use park just out side of Streator , Illinois this Summer . I don't care much for too much heat since I was bear caught about twenty years back . Chasing Sunny and 80° .

Pete .