I'm Restoring a late 40's Rocket - Then comes the motor....

Mike GeniuS · #1 10-27-2010, 06:25 AM

It's a late 40's Monark Rocket. It was bought from Pep Boys in NYC in 1950 by my grandfather for my dad's 15th birthday. It's been in my family for 60+ years, & now that it's handed down to me I think that it's time to Restore it. Since i'm a mechanic by trade, & we have 2 whizzer powered bikes i've rebuilt already, well, it's a no-brainer. Besides, tell me this thing wouldn't be the most awsome motorized bike ever! Can't wait to get started....gotta collect a few things first.......

silverbear · #2 10-27-2010, 07:12 AM

It's going to make a great motorbike!
SB

Mike GeniuS · #3 10-27-2010, 07:20 AM

Thanks. When it's done it should ride (& look) more like a motorcycle than a bicycle.

Bikes are cool but motors rule...

silverbear · #4 10-27-2010, 07:33 AM

I think it's also pretty cool that the bike is a legacy with a history you know from your own family. What's your dad think of your project?
SB

fasteddy · #5 10-27-2010, 01:09 PM

Mike, just did a 1952 Monark Super Deluxe. What a great bike. Silverbear sent me another one that will be a trike.

Steve.

wheelbender6 · #6 10-27-2010, 06:59 PM

That bike is gorgeous as is, and I look forward to seeing the motorized version.
Your Monark is the first non-Whizzer family airloom I've seen on the forum.

msrfan · #7 10-27-2010, 09:04 PM

That is a great looking bike. Perfect for a motor. It would be awesome to use an American engine of similar vintage. A cast iron Briggs may be a little heavy, but I've done quite a few with aluminum 5hp B&S motors. They don't come in a kit, but perform and feel great. Check my threads for photos if you're interested.

silverbear · #8 10-27-2010, 09:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by msrfan

That is a great looking bike. Perfect for a motor. It would be awesome to use an American engine of similar vintage. A cast iron Briggs may be a little heavy, but I've done quite a few with aluminum 5hp B&S motors. They don't come in a kit, but perform and feel great. Check my threads for photos if you're interested.

I know it's a lot of work to do a kind of tutorial, but if you ever do another 5 hsp build, please take lots of step by step photos and when you have the time post them and some commentary on what we're looking at. I agree your bikes sure do look 'right' as old motorbikes. I know there'd be lots of interest if it looks like something less than rocket science to the uninitated and looks doable to those of us with some skill and experience in other kinds of builds. That would be awesome.
SB

msrfan · #9 10-27-2010, 10:08 PM

Thanks, SB. I've got two friends I'm helping build bikes now and at least one of them is going to post photos as they go. Also, I'm doing a couple more and will supply more photos and commentary. May be what Mike GenuiS in looking for.

silverbear · #10 10-28-2010, 02:41 AM

msrfan,
That's a cool bike and an interesting one to study, from the belt drive to the never before seen by me sidewall generator in back. I see a frame modification in the engine compartment, an interesting engine component shroud and very much like how the motor fills up that cantilever frame. Has a kind of Whizzer look to it which sets it back a number of decades in appearance. It looks like it would be a terrific ride. Yes, a nice build thread would be great to follow. An American motor, imagine that. Are the aluminum ones still made in the USA? Seems like so few things are anymore.
SB