Newbie to the board from Texas

[KICKSTART]

Hello all, I am John and new to the board.  I started riding my 1957 Simplex Automatic in December of 1956.  I have ridden bikes all my life, on and off road.  I still have my 57 and a 58 Sportsman that I got about a year ago.  It is good to see so much interest in these old machines.  Thanks for letting me join in the discussions.

[pd]

Welcome John .

Sweet Sportsman , for sure .

Pete .

[KICKSTART]

Thanks, I am very proud of this one.  I have started on my original 1957 Auto but have not had much time to do so.  It is solid black.

[pd]

You being the original owner , I'd be interested in reading your story and that of the '57 .

Pete .

[Ricks]

John, welcome aboard.  What are the engine and frame numbers on the sportsman?  We do not have many in the registry and we are trying to get closer on the years.  I think your bike is likely a 1959 or 1960 Sportsman, as the 1958 had the earlier regular style fenders and wheels.  I am currently restoring a 1960 Sportsman that has the chrome fenders, wheels and head light.

Here are pictures of a 1958 style sportsman.

[Ricks]

John, please post more photos of the sportsman!  What size are the tires?  What brand?  Thanks!

[KICKSTART]

Thanks for the replies guys.  The tires are 27 x 3.50 Simplex Ballon.  The engine number is M24941B, not sure where the frame number is and the title is at home.
It is titled as a 1958 model.  I shot a couple of pics as well and will post them shortly.

     I received the 1957 Automatic for Christmas in 1956 from my grand father.  I worked for him on his farm without pay of course.  I was 11 years old.  We went, and I picked it out at a Montgomery Wards store.  I rode it almost 7 years until I was able to buy a used car.  I still have the title and original sales slip.  It stopped running when the small cam that opens the points broke.  I have since lost the flywheel cover.

[admin]

Frame number is under the neck.  I am guessing the frame number is around 17500.

[KICKSTART]

Thanks, will check out the neck for number.

[KICKSTART]

Yes, found it, 17952

[pd]

John ,

 Pretty cool of your gramps to have bought you that Simplex .

If you went to a Nova 2 ignition box , you wouldn't have to have that point cam .
Something to consider ...


Pete .

[KICKSTART]

Thanks Pete, I will keep that in mind, although I am a long way from that part.  I have 4 siblings and my folks just did not have money to spare for that kind of purchase.  He was a great guy to all of us.

[Stafford]

Hi Kickstart,
Where in Texas are you?
Cheers
Stafford

[KICKSTART]

North of you along the Red River.  I can smell Oklahoma from here.  lol

[Stafford]

Had in-laws that lived in Hugo Ok. Just north of Paris Tx.