Been gone a while, thought I'de drop in

[Fozzer]

An example of my little Vincent Firefly, my only means of transport to and from work in the early 1950's...>>>

http://buyvintage1.wordpress.com/page-9 ... fly-parts/

These Motorised Bicycles were very popular in Britain during the 1950's.
Many of the engines could be adapted very easily (Clip-on) to fit standard Pedal Bicycles.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorized_bicycle

U.S. Kits: http://www.kingsmotorbikes.com/

Paul... 8-)...!

[TacitBlue]

Neat page Foz, I really like that firefly. I've seen engines mounted a lot of different ways, but I've never seen one that was under the pedal cranks.

My Grandpa used to tell me about the engine kits he used to get as a kid. They were a little 2-stroke engine that mounted to the front forks and had a friction drive to the front wheel. I thought he said it was a Whizzer, but after looking at this site, it doesn't look like his description. They are some cool bikes though, if a little expensive.

[Fozzer]

More variations on the theme..>>>

http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~pattl ... rc0303.htm

Amazingly popular in England...in the 1950's.. ...!

Many of them were fitted with a serrated drum which pressed on the front, or rear tyre to propel the Bicycle.
They could be engaged and disengaged from the tyre with the aid of a handlebar lever.
Starting was achieved by rapidly pedaling the Bicycle, and then engaging the drive to start the engine!
They had to be registered, insured, and carry Licence Plates.
Fascinating little machines... ...with rapid tyre wear!... ...!!

Paul... 8-)...!

[Hagar]

More variations on the theme..>>>

http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~pattl ... rc0303.htm

Amazingly popular in England...in the 1950's.. ...!

My Dad had a Cyclemaster with the engine in the rear wheel. http://www.vintagebike.co.uk/Bike%20Directories/Raleigh%20Bikes/pages/Raleigh-Cycle-Master-55.htm
He fitted a child seat behind the saddle so he could carry my brother on his adventurous trips. Not sure my brother appreciated it.

Honda pinched the idea much later on. Forget what their version was called. A chap who worked with me at Gatwick had one & used to travel home to Weymouth on it every weekend. By the time he got there it must have been time to start back.

[TSC.]

Just noticed that you've got the stem turned around backwards Tacit, is that just to give a more laid back/sit up position? How does this affect the handling?

[Fozzer]

More variations on the theme..>>>

http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~pattl ... rc0303.htm

Amazingly popular in England...in the 1950's.. ...!

My Dad had a Cyclemaster with the engine in the rear wheel. http://www.vintagebike.co.uk/Bike%20Directories/Raleigh%20Bikes/pages/Raleigh-Cycle-Master-55.htm
He fitted a child seat behind the saddle so he could carry my brother on his adventurous trips. Not sure my brother appreciated it.

Honda pinched the idea much later on. Forget what their version was called. A chap who worked with me at Gatwick had one & used to travel home to Weymouth on it every weekend. By the time he got there it must have been time to start back.

I was toying with the choice between the chain driven/direct drive Cyclemaster and the tyre drive Vincent Firefly.
I chose the Firefly 'cos the engine was nearly twice as large as the Cyclemaster (32cc against 49cc), so, in theory, my Firefly could wizz along twice as fast...(eg: supersonic speed)... [smiley=thumbsup.gif]...!

Paul...Happy Motoring/Motorcycling Days!... ... ... ...!

[TacitBlue]

Wow, more cool stuff. I've never seen a gas engine mounted in the back wheel before either. Some electric bikes use this set up, they are commonly called hub motors. They cost more and deliver less speed and power, not really worth it IMO.


Hi TSC,

I turned the stem around for comfort. I've never liked the way you have to sit on a bicycle all bent forward with you're hands down low. All of the adjustment in that stem is one of the reasons I picked that bike as my donor. Since posting those picks I've gone a step further. I got a banana seat and modified it a little with more padding and shortened the seat pan. Now it feels more like riding a motorcycle. I've ordered a better sissy bar too, the one I have is rigid, but the new one has shock absorbers built into it. It should be here next week, I can't wait.

edit

Oh you also asked about handling. It is a little different, I can't really explain how it's different, but it is. It didn't cause any problems if that's what you're worried about, I got used to it quickly too.

[Hagar]

Wow, more cool stuff. I've never seen a gas engine mounted in the back wheel before either. Some electric bikes use this set up, they are commonly called hub motors. They cost more and deliver less speed and power, not really worth it IMO.

I found the Honda version. It was a four-stroke & more reliable than the earlier British two-strokes. http://classicbikepictures.co.uk/c44/p859/honda_p50_1967.html

[Fozzer]

Wow, more cool stuff. I've never seen a gas engine mounted in the back wheel before either. Some electric bikes use this set up, they are commonly called hub motors. They cost more and deliver less speed and power, not really worth it IMO.

I found the Honda version. It was a four-stroke & more reliable than the earlier British two-strokes. http://classicbikepictures.co.uk/c44/p859/honda_p50_1967.html

Excellent find, Doug!...;)...!
(Saved it in my "Bike Folder")

Sharing space with the Honda C50 Super Cub, (The Worlds best selling "Motor Bike")...>>>

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_Super_Cub

Still going strong!... [smiley=thumbsup.gif]...!

(India is full of them!)... ... ...!

Paul... ...!

[Mobius]

Just got my kit in the mail today, seems they sent me the 66cc engine instead of the 48cc I ordered.  I'm not complaining...

Now to find a bike to stick it on.

[TacitBlue]

Hey Mobius, 66cc may not be street legal without a license plate in you're state. On the other hand, the cops have never even looked twice at my bike, so you could probably get away with a bigger engine. It just depends on how the cops are in you're area.

[Mobius]

Hey Mobius, 66cc may not be street legal without a license plate in you're state. On the other hand, the cops have never even looked twice at my bike, so you could probably get away with a bigger engine. It just depends on how the cops are in you're area.

Yeah, I figured now is as good a time as any to get my motorcycle license and see what is street legal and what isn't.