I agree with SB That is one awesome bike a totle work of art. Love both your bikes. Everything thats been built latly is way didn't I think of that. I Got to get things done so I can biuld this winter. Thanks for the insperation...Curt
AMCA Swap Meet - Denton Farmpark
- Thread starter vrgt2003
- Start date
Louie,
I have a few questions. First, you said you used to collect motorcycles, so I wondered if you ever had a Simplex and if so what you thought of it?
I'm interested in how you made your springer front forks. The one on the Monroe looks like a leaf spring, is that right? And the one on the Peace, is that hydraulic or is it spring loaded? It looks like you used a second front fork and adapted it. Clever! How well do they work? Are you happy with them and would you make either of them again?
SB
I have a few questions. First, you said you used to collect motorcycles, so I wondered if you ever had a Simplex and if so what you thought of it?
I'm interested in how you made your springer front forks. The one on the Monroe looks like a leaf spring, is that right? And the one on the Peace, is that hydraulic or is it spring loaded? It looks like you used a second front fork and adapted it. Clever! How well do they work? Are you happy with them and would you make either of them again?
SB
I've never had a Simplex but wouldn't pass one up if I had the chance, don't know much about them, weren't the early ones push start?
The monroe springer was made with help from a golf cart leaf spring and rockers from an early bicycle, it works great with a couple inches of travel. The Peace forks were a different matter. They are spring loaded and were hard to design because they is a LOT of weight on the lever that bolts to the neck. The first one I made cracked and I had to beef it up with a piece 3/4" X 1/2" thick metal, all seems well now, it has about an inch of travel in the shock (spring). Prabably won't be making another like the Peace, way to much trouble, but a good learning experience in mechanical engineering.
The monroe springer was made with help from a golf cart leaf spring and rockers from an early bicycle, it works great with a couple inches of travel. The Peace forks were a different matter. They are spring loaded and were hard to design because they is a LOT of weight on the lever that bolts to the neck. The first one I made cracked and I had to beef it up with a piece 3/4" X 1/2" thick metal, all seems well now, it has about an inch of travel in the shock (spring). Prabably won't be making another like the Peace, way to much trouble, but a good learning experience in mechanical engineering.
Seat is a mystery, I bought it a antique MC meet and think it's off an early scooter of some kind. I'm open to ideas?
Hmmm, a golf cart spring, eh? I will tuck that away in me brain in case I ever come upon one. I like it a lot. I kind of figured the Peace setup was more difficult to fabricate. It looks cool, though. The seat almost looks like an upholstered tractor seat. I can see a tractor seat with some foam and a leather cover working nicely.
SB
SB
Louie depending what you are trying to do with the Indian you can still get the engine it is a morini I have a link to them they are a little pricey but a good engine, we had an Indian back in the day, the kids started with trainer wheels on it. Have fun Dave
http://www.herdan.com/engines/
http://www.herdan.com/engines/
You mean like this one Dave? I've had this one for about 20 years, My next project is beside it. My kids grew up riding it and now my grandkids are ready to ride. What's unique is I have a factory sidecar that came with it. I have pictures of the sidecar rigs being raced in the 70's. I'll dig up pictures of the sidecar and post.
I've already started the project by making some new forks, I have some grand ideas but went simple with some straight stainless pipe......more later.
I've already started the project by making some new forks, I have some grand ideas but went simple with some straight stainless pipe......more later.
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Louie: Yes I think the EARLY-Simplex was push start. They are just so Retro-Cool. I'm thinking about 6.5 h.p. for mine and keep the belt drive. It has to fit into some category. Maybe ( just fun ride)?
Louie - A sidecar that would be sooooo cooool, Ill look for pic's of the kids. Unfortunately it did not survive. I still have the Honda QA 50 that was out riding with the Indian, but not as cool. Have fun.
PS: Found one
PS: Found one
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Hi Tom. I too am restoring an old Simplex and wish to install the Worksman wheels, but am having difficulty finding them. Would you be so kind as to divulge your source of supply. Also, I am intriqued about the Honda clone 4 speed. How is that working out for you?
I have very little experience with the motorized bicycles (building one for my nephew) but I have owned and restored several of the Simplex Bikes. There is a fellow in Dothan, Ala who has a very comprehensive selection of parts. From original to repop. His name is Wayne Mahaffey, PO Box 655 Trinity, Ala. 35673 256 353 5552 You should find any part you need to either complete a restoration or build one from the ground up. I must admit that the original brakes left a lot to be desired and would not trust them. The Worksman wheels should take care of that problem and Wayne has repoed the original front wheel brake to give a bit more stopping power. As someone said in one of the earlier posts the older bikes were a push start. With my 37 Simplex you had to push it off to get it started and then hop on. Then you had a lever on the left side you would depress thru three notches to gain top speed, which wasn't enough to get excited about. However, with the lousy brakes and so so bearings you did not want to go very fast. The bikes ride like a dream. You will find yourself sitting more upright and the huge ( I prefer the 26x3 tires) give you a real feel of the road. There is a fellow who is selling repoed bikes with a 5hp briggs, electric start, worksman wheels and it meets all of the requirements to be licensed. Top speed on his bikes is in the 60mph range.
That's Awesome kids really love these motor bikes. I think it is really fun to share these gems with them. There is a sense of independence and fun imagination with these fun toys. No doubt with those grins they will wear that bike out too
