bikes used in willy wonka

TexasDav · #1 12-14-2008, 03:05 PM

Was watching Charley and the Chocolate factory and was curious what were the delivery messenger bikes they used. Did a search and found they were "VeloSolex" French made. Well now you know

Large Filipino · #2 12-14-2008, 04:42 PM

Friction drive. But then again look at that rear hub!
Titan Kit.
WAIT! That a friction drive up front? SHWEET!

Spunout · #3 12-14-2008, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Large Filipino

Titan Kit.

hahahaha, Large....you goof.

**2door** · #4 12-14-2008, 06:06 PM

I ran that bike thru Photoshop and tried to enhance the photo some so we could see it better. Looks like a front friction drive but check that rear hub.
It that a drum brake?
Neat bike.
Tom

TexasDav · #5 12-14-2008, 06:39 PM

This is a low resolution pic I found. They say they quit selling those in the USA back in the 70's

TexasDav · #6 12-14-2008, 06:41 PM

I wonder if that other motor on the front wheel is a genarator?

**2door** · #7 12-14-2008, 08:14 PM

Dave,
Are you talking about that lump in the front fender that's low down. You might be right. I'm wondering about that air cleaner looking thing behind the saddle.
What the H*** is that?
Tom

TexasDav · #8 12-14-2008, 08:42 PM

http://motorbicycling.com/f15/my-stable-230.html
nogoodnic has one!

nogoodnic · #9 12-14-2008, 10:18 PM

Why yes I do. Sorry guys I haven't been around much lately, with it being winter and a bunch of personal stuff going on, I haven't had much chance to get to my bike like I would like to. The Solex is a great bike but honestly I don't ride it much. For me it lacks the cool factor that I get when I build a Chinafire bike and its top speed is only 20mph. Mine is a late 1979 and everything is all original including the tool kit that is built into the rear rack. The engine is a 49cc 2-stroke friction drive. The wheels are very well built with heavy gauged spokes and drum breaks. As a "large" bike guy the frame construction as a bit scary, the whole thing is press formed steel that is bolted together but seems to be solid. The Solex is the most reliable and smoothest running bike in my stable and the thing is amazingly quiet. The first time I rode this thing, I was thinking that it might ride funky being front wheel drive, this actually wasnt the case. The hardest part about feeling comfortable on this bike for me is that it is small compared to the rest of my bikes and with the small wheels the steering is a little twitchy, this is quickly overcome. If you guys have any more questions just give a shout...Kelly

mekano · #10 12-15-2008, 06:46 AM

The Chineese makes a copy of this type of engine. "Made in China by Hongdu Nanchang".
A guy here in Sweden started to sell them a couple of months ago. I tried to post a link to his online store but it wouldnt work.

Google this and you may find it "Hongdu Nanchang 49cc"

(Hi all, I'm new here and will fill in my 'Introduce yourself'-thing when I'm not working...)