1917 Excelsior Restoration

Antony Gullick has been working for a few years to restore his 1917 Excelsior, and sent these wonderful photos of his results. The pics were taken by Adrian Veale and show a lot of neat details. If you are working on an Excelsior, hopefully these photos will help you. I could have used them back when I bought my boxes of parts and had to decipher how they all went together!

 

Clubman’s Show is Saturday

 

The BSA club of Northern California has been presenting the Clubman’s event for 29 years. When you arrive on Saturday, think about if you’d like the event to continue for a few more years. If so, then find somebody and ask about how you can volunteer for next year’s event. The show is the biggest Brit Bike event in the USA, and has been organized by pretty much the same guys for the entire 29 years. They could use help from some younger folks. Think about it…

2016 Pioneer Run from London to Brighton

Sunday was the annual Pioneer Run for pre WWI motorcycles. It continues to be the world’s largest event for bikes of the era, with about 300 machines participating each year. Click here to see photos from previous years. The run is hosted by the Sunbeam Motorcycle Club, which is open to all old bikes, not just Sunbeams.

 

I’ve attended the last two runs, but stayed home this year. Fortunately Nick Smith sent in these great pics that illustrate just some of the variety of machines that participated, in no particular order.

 

Here is a nice Ariel. Armstrong 3 speed hub and with the White and Poppe motor that featured the very widely-spaced sidevalves. This one also features some racy handlebars.

 

This other (very simliar!) Ariel has the same specification, but also has the springs and linkage under the seat for a smooth ride.

 

The 1902 Clyde was also on the Anglo Dutch tour last summer. A fine early machine with a Simms motor and a Simms low-tension magneto. The mighty Bosch high-tension mag was still a few years away.

 

What is that? An early Triumph, but with the top frame tube cut down and modified. When the style for lower frames came in c1913ish older bikes were modified by owners or even by the factories.

 

 

The famous James with the Pineapple fins on the cylinders. Single cylinders are more common, but here is a Vtwin version.

 

Some neat frame tubes on the Arno!

 

Another Arno with neat frame tubing.

 

This old 1913 Excelsior looks good in red.

 

There are a surprising number of American-made machines on the run, including Merkels, X’s and HD’s like this one.

 

A Triumph I think, but the paint is deceiving.

 

Early AJS with a real gearbox, plus enclosed chains.

 

This green Centaur looks much like the other 500 single cylinder bikes, but that rear hub is different. A close look shows the live axle, clutch and the drum brake on the other side.

 

 

Everybody loves the Wilkinson!

   

 

Here is a neat thing, the Stuart Stellar. Two cylinders in line, two stroke, water cooled and made before the War. The small bike on the right is a Dayton, also made in the same factory.

 

1917 Merkel for sale

Our good friend Bevars sent in these photos and words from Gary Arps down in New Zealand. Gary’s document describes some of the very fine restoration work put forth on this machine. But he is now ready to hand it over to a new keeper. The US dollar is doing well these days. Any local buyers interested in repatriating this cycle? Details below.

THE 1917 MERKEL MOTOR WHEEL

 

It all started in 1994 at the Ashburton Vintage Car Club swap meet.

 

I was minding my site as usual, when a couple of friends told me of ‘a neat old engine’ further back in the paddock. Curious, as usual, I sneaked out to have a look.

 

The ‘neat old engine’ was easily identified, with “Merkel Motor Wheel’ clearly showing on the crank case. What was on offer was the basic engine; crankcase, barrel etc. with a crankshaft that turned. All in good order, but obviously a lot of parts were missing. Lots of questions, starting with ‘what on earth is a Merkel Motor Wheel?’, I was aware of the Flying Merkel motorcycles, but had no idea if this was related in any way.

 

Trying to be a bit sensible, I decided to take the vendors ‘phone number, and what information was on the engine, to investigate further.

I could find no reference to the Motor Wheel in any of my books, and I have a few!, so next stop was the V.C.C. Canterbury branch library at Cutler Park. I found a set of books from about 1920,with a short article, and three illustrations; left and right views, and a cross section through the motor.

 

I now knew what the motor was, simply a motor attachment for a bicycle, so there would be no problem finding a frame etc., just an old bike. Surely I could make it work, the metalwork looked complicated, but makeable. I had a lot to learn.

 

The following week I phoned the owner, and arranged to go down to Ashburton to purchase my new toy.

 

I figured that it was unlikely that this was the only unit in N.Z., so started searching for information and parts. I found out about another motor, also incomplete, near Levin, and on a trip north went and introduced myself to Ted, and talked Merkels. Over the next few years, I called on Ted each time I went north. This proved a wee bit frustrating, as Ted was in the early stages of Alzheimer’s, and I had to start again from scratch on each visit. I left my name and phone number tied onto his motor for when the time came to sell, as he had said that he would not build it himself. The bottom line was that this motor was not to be mine, another enthusiast made an offer that was accepted. Life can be funny sometimes.

 

I have always maintained that if you know of two, there will be two more that you don’t know about, so I kept on looking.

 

Joe Merkel must have been a busy man, his name is associated with a number of early motorcycle makes, including Light, Merkel-Light, Miami, Flying Merkel, Cleveland, Cyclemotor, and of course , the Merkel Motor Wheel.

 

Joe Merkel was born in Manistee, Michigan, in 1872. At 14 years of age, he was working with a logging railway. Learning machining along with general repair work, created an interest in learning more, and he enrolled at Michigan Agricultural College (now Michigan State University), to study mechanical engineering. After a spell with the E.P.Allis Co, (later Allis Chalmers) Joe opened his own business manufacturing bicycle parts. By 1901 Joe was fitting motors to bicycles. The motor was mounted on the front frame tube, with the usual belt drive. An unusual feature was the exhaust, using the frame tubes; down the front tube and up the seat tube, exiting through drilled holes below the seat. The Merkel was one of the first to use single lever control, with the exhaust valve lifter, and ignition timing both operated from the same lever. Carburettors of this period did not have ‘throttle’ control, and engine speed was controlled by ignition timing.

The most famous of Joe Merkel’s designs was the “Flying Merkel” made around 1909-1915. These were a range of singles and V twins, which showed a lot of innovation, sprung frames, using a spring below the seat, a system later used by Vincent, then Yamaha, then everybody. Front forks looked like a conventional girder, but were telescopic in principle. These were the “hot” item for racers through the next decade. Some models had an early attempt at electric start, but battery technology had not yet made this a successful idea.

 

Most of the Merkel companies appeared to have good designs and products for the times, but all seemed to run into financial hard times. Possibly a case of a brilliant designer / engineer , but not such a good businessman. As each company failed, another arose. For ‘re-organised’, read ‘new investors’.

 

After parting from Flying Merkel, Joe went on to design the Merkel Motor Wheel. Announced at the Cycle Trades Association convention in Atlantic City, December 4th 1916. The wheel was sold as a kit to convert your bicycle to a motorcycle for $80. The Motor Wheel was a four stroke, over head valve unit with 2 1/2” bore and stroke. Just under 10 cubic inches, or about 200cc. The overall design was very neat and compact, and very clever in the way it was put together. The camshaft operated at quarter speed, with two lobes for each valve, and a gear on the end of the shaft drove the wheel. The overhung crankshaft extended right through the wheel hub, to carry a flywheel magneto on the other side of the wheel. This ‘first generation’ flywheel mag was to cause much grief during restoration. It was claimed the the motor wheel could be installed in your bicycle in 20 minutes, a couple of hours, more likely.

After a year and a half, the company declared bankruptcy, the main creditor being Hendee Manufacturing (Indian) who had manufactured parts on contract. In the auction of assets that followed, Hendee outbid Joe Merkel, and went on to modify the remaining motors by adding a clutch, so the rider could stop the bike and keep the engine running. These were sold off during 1922. It appears that around 2000 were sold in total, nothing like the 5000 Merkel contracted for.

 

In the meantime I had found out that the missing bits were just a little difficult to create without more information.

 

The Internet had provided several pictures, and multiple copies of early adverts, but nothing of any detail, and nothing about the engine internals. The cross section drawing from that old engineering book was the only internal information to appear anywhere. Luckily the drawing was clear enough to photo enlarge to A3 size, this helped answer some questions. Much later I found a link to the U.K. patent application which provided a few more drawings. A complete wheel assembly appeared on Ebay, obviously stored for years, with the tyre almost rotting off it. I got real keen until the price went way past what I was prepared, or able, to spend. At least I saved the photos.

 

After about 12 years, I consulted Dr. Google again on a dead telly night, typed in ‘Merkel Motor Wheel’ as I had done many times, and linked straight through to Ebay where an incomplete motor was for sale. This motor had magneto, carburettor, and hub, all parts I needed. The unit had just been listed, so I had a week or so to wait, so I decided not to show my hand, just watch and wait and see what happens. I loaded an auto bid for all I was prepared to spend, and pushed the go button right on the last minute of bidding. The computer sort of went mad, with messages to and fro, but two minutes later it was confirmed, I had won, and better, it did not go to the limit.

Next problem was to get the motor home from Pennsylvania.

 

As the motor looked a bit large for the post, I checked with a friend who regularly sources parts from the USA, for suggestions. I was in luck, Eddie had a container being packed in the US, and if We could get the motor to California in two weeks, it could be included. Just had to make sure all the paperwork was up to the mark for customs clearance etc. Everything went according to plan, and on the first working day of 2008, I got the call, my box had arrived. I now had two incomplete motors, so the next step was to build one unit up as a sort of stock take of what I did or did not have. Items missing were the hub internals, ignition coil, breaker points and condenser. This was still only the bare motor unit, but the whole project now looked much more achievable. What next?

 

If I could adapt some contact breaker points for the ignition, it might be possible to make the engine run. I found a cam on the inside of the magneto flywheel, located top dead centre, and worked out where the contact set should approximately sit on the back plate. Then with a stack of ignition parts catalogues, I tried to find something that looked adaptable. I had no idea what the original would have looked like. Nearest thing I could find was back to front, so I cut it apart shuffled the pieces around, and welded back together. I then created a mounting plate for the contacts and a suitable condenser A fiddly and time consuming job for something so small, but now I had something that might work.

 

A piece of steel girder was adapted as an engine mount, a 12volt car coil and battery connected up, engine filled with oil, and some petrol for the carburettor, so would it run? With a socket attached to the chuck of a ½ inch drill I was able to drive the motor by the magneto flywheel nut. A bit of messing around with carb settings, and it ran! Not well, but running is running. The garage was full of noise, smoke and smiles. It was time to make the Merkel happen. The first problem was the hub internals. This is a bicycle style back pedal brake, made by Eclipse, where a stack of metal plates is used for the brake, a bit like a clutch in its action. The plates were missing, as was a large “nut” that fitted over the sprocket carrier on a coarse three start thread, similar to a starter bendix drive. So off to see a couple of club members, Barry and Don, in search of suggestions or advice. After getting their heads around the problem, and a bit of discussion, Barry said to leave it with him. I think the challenge was the thing. A few days later, the job was done. The brake plates were a lot easier, a simple laser cutting job.

 

A period picture of the Motor Wheel assembly was photo enlarged to actual size, and used as a pattern for the curves on the engine support frame, more laser cutting. All of the frame, bracketry, the tank, and all sorts of little bits had to be made from the details in old fuzzy pictures.

 

The throttle control lever assembly was a challenge, it used a chain around the drum to pull a wire. I had a picture, which I enlarged to near enough actual size, then scaled from the handlebar diameter to get measurements. A dozen or so small parts took a lot of time, but I am very pleased with the finished assembly.

 

Engine bearings were easy, being modern, standard, metric sized ball races.

 

Reading many early accounts of vintage motoring, it becomes obvious very quickly that valves were a real problem, way back then, with many riders carrying spares to fit on the side of the road.

 

The materials of the day were just not up to the job, so I opted to get new valves made. While talking to George about valves, I checked on my options about what to do with the old cast iron piston. With a bit of thinking, and consultation in a few books, it turned out that Ford 10 was just about right for the job, and much lighter, an advantage in a motor that isn’t really balanced. Rather than bore the cylinder, it was decided to size a piston to suit. While waiting for the machine work, it was time to look at the magneto. Flywheel magnetos originated in 1914 when Johnson set a team to work to build a better ignition for their outboard motors. Like most people, I thought a flywheel mag was a flywheel mag. Wrong!. Over the years there have been many subtle changes to the way these things are designed and work. My magneto comprised a back plate with my ‘home made’ contact points, an original lighting coil, and a gap where the ignition coil should be. The aluminium flywheel carried four steel magnets butted up to each other and riveted in place. Any magnetism had long gone. Rather than start completely from scratch, I investigated the possibility of adapting a coil from another motor. The best option appeared to be a chainsaw coil mounted on new laminations. A suitable coil was located, and laminations designed, and a great stack was cut from .5mm steel, another job for the profile cutting man. Once the coil had been assembled and mounted on the back plate, the plate was attached to my wee lathe, and with some nasty lash ups, managed to face off the coil with an electric die grinder, slow, but it worked.

 

Then the magnets were removed from the flywheel and magnetized in a north / south pattern that looked logical. They were then fitted back to the flywheel for a trial run. With just a bare crankcase and crankshaft, it was possible to assemble the magneto, and spin it with an electric drill on the flywheel nut. Nothing, zilch. Tried attaching a 3w bulb to the coil primary, and still nothing; obviously a fundamental error somewhere. Time to chase up some old work colleagues for some serious discussions. All agreed that ‘it should work’ but why it didn’t was baffling. After much discussion I tried assembling two of the magnets backwards, north to north and south to south, which sort of defies logic, but it made sparks. And the magnets quickly quickly lost magnetism.

 

By this time I had invested many, many hours into an ignition system that still was not ‘there’, so I decided to go to plan B, and a simple battery / coil system, using the existing magneto contacts and condenser, with an external coil and battery.

 

Meanwhile an old style heavy duty cycle frame was renovated with paint, lots of nickel plate, and some very old “Victor” decals from the long gone Baker Cycles. One deviation from all the old pictures was the addition of a cycle type hub brake to the front wheel in the interest of self preservation.

 

The whole lot came together in October 2010, and after a few cautious trips around the block, trying to find the best settings for everything, I decided to enter the Canterbury Branch Annual Veteran Rally. With no clutch or engine disengagement, every stop becomes a challenge. Most times I got it right and the Motor Wheel popped along happily at 12 – 15 miles per hour, giving me plenty of time to survey the world around me. When I got the starting procedure wrong, I got hot and bothered very quickly, certainly sorts out how unfit I am! Forty miles was some proving run, and still going, but I was definitely glad to get off that old cycle seat.

 

How something so small turned into the toughest project I have attempted is hard to credit, but I am sure my previous car and motorcycle projects were far simpler in almost every respect.With all the research I did over the years, I followed up every lead that appeared, and was never able to make contact with another owner, so I was very much on my own. That said, the many people I contacted for help and advice, and those that made bits that were beyond my skills, all took a real interest in the project, and their help has been huge. Thanks everybody, I really appreciate your help.

 

The bottom line is that the challenge has been worth it, and the number of Merkel Motor Wheels that are actually in running order may now have passed half a dozen. I am certainly not likely to park next to another.

GARY ARPS

email: ruth.arps AT clear.net.nz —-Replace the AT with @

Reliability Contest, Ballarat 1914

I recently found a search engine that gives articles from the Australian papers of the past 100+ years. Give it a try here: http://trove.nla.gov.au/ So of course I typed in “Veloce Motorcycle” and was pleased to find several hits including the nice article that I’ve copied and posted below.

 

An interesting point is that there were THREE Veloce motorcycles competing in this one event in 1914. Possibly my bike and the Harrison Veloce were two of those three? This article is from the 13 June 1914 Edition of The Weekly Times

 

RELIABILITY CONTEST

On King’s’ Birthday, the Victorian MotorCycle Club conducted its reliability contest between Melbourne and Ballarat. Forty out of 45 entrants made the early morning start0n the long, cold journey. Eight cycles with side-cars competed in a separate class,most of them bearing a woman passenger,closely muffled in furs. The first to leave was Mr E. Huut, with side-car and passenger, on a 3 1/2hp Rover; Mr G. Truman following ou a 3 1/2 h.p, Triumph. There was little delay in starting, but the last competitors were-not away until nearly 8.4o. Out of the 45 entries, 40 started at intervals of one minute. J. K. Gurwen-Walker, winner of many competitions., competed in the sidecar class with a 7 h.p. Indian. He was the winner of the club’s 100-mile race run on ,April 27, in the fastest time on record. Following a minute later was L. Fallon, on the ,smallest cycle in the event—a 2 1/4 h.p. Levis.* At Anthony’s cutting, nearly 30 miles from Melbourne, an observer was stationed for thereturn journey, and points were deducted  from competitors for failing to climb the- hill or for pedalling up. No dismounting to cool the engine or to lower the gear was allowed.Competitors had to climb the hill without pause.

 

About three miles on the Ballarat side of Bacchus Marsh J. Gunst (3 1/2 Triumph) left the road and crashed into a fence. Gunst was thrown heavily on his head. Ho sustained a deep cut over the eye. His riding companion (P. Allardyce) stopped, and rendered assistance, and in a few minutes a side  car machine, ridden by G. A. Ambrose appeared. Ambrose stopped, and seeing that Gunst was badly hurt, placed him in his side-car, and sped back with him to Bacchus Marsh. There he was attended to by DrRyan and a St. -John ambulance telephoned for. In two and a half hours after the fall Gunst was receiving attendance at the Melbourne Hospital.

 

The event was, of course, a reliability contest, and not a race. Side-car machines hadto maintain an average speed of 15 miles an hour, machines up to 5 h.p. 20 miles an hour,and machines over that power had to maintain an average throughout of 22 miles an hour. Most of the riders arrived at Ballarat on time, where the control was in charge of members of the Ballarat Motor-cycle; Club.After a good lunch the riders set out again for Melbourne.

 

Following table shows the position of the riders on arrival at the last control—the Lincolnshire Arms Hotel. Essendon:—

COMPETITOR AND RESULT.

Trueman 3 1/2 Triumph), on time.

Bavley (6 J.A.P.), on time.

S. Jenkins (6 J.A.P.), on time.

H Atkinson (7 Indian), 12 min. early.

K. Walker (7 Tndian), on time.K. Tvler (7 Indian), on time.

F. Mavman (3 1/2 Triumph), on time.J. Mavman (3 1/2 Triumph), on time.

H Shaw (3 1/2 Triumph), 1 min. late..

C. Kelynack (3 1/2 Triumph), 1 min. late.J. Gunti (2 1/2 Sunbeam), on time.

C. Trcgea. (3 1/2 Triumph), on time.S Clinton (3 1/2 Rover), on time.

11. Morgan (4 1/2 Precision), on time.

W. Luxford (3 1/2 Precision), 7 min. late.F. Clinton (3 1/2 Precision), 7min. late.

Shacklock (3 1/2 Rudge), on time.

W S. VMnov (3 1/2 N.S.U.), on time. ,A." Monkhowse (2 1/2 Singer), on time.r. Thoren (3 1/2 Ariel), 4 min. oarly.

H. Haquic (3 1/2 Veloce), on time.

Pouulas, (3 1/2 Veloce), 33 min. late.

H. Ernst (3 1/2 Singer), on time.

K George (7 Indian), on time.S. Gahan (7 Indian), on time.

R. Malcolm (7 Pope), on time.J. Butson (7 Pope), on time.

J. M’Quade (7 Pope), on time..1. Booth (7 Indian), on time.

if. Jenkins (7 Indian), on time.

Following is the list of competitors and machines:—Side-car competitors. E. lluu ,3U-h.p. Rover: G. Truman, 3^.-h.p. Triumph;0." Ambrose, 3V>-li.p. Triumph; J. Rogers, 5h.p. Rudge; J. S. Bayley. 6-h.p. Bradbury; b.Jenkins. 6-h.p. Jr.A.P.; H. O. Atkinson 7h.p. Indian; J K. Curwen. Walker, 7-h.p.Indian. Ordinary.—L. Fallon, 2V*-h.p. Levis,E. Tyler, 3Vs-h.p. Indian; K. Mayman, „V2-b.p.Triumph; J. Mayman, 3U-h.p. Triumph; H.R. Shaw. 3^-h.p. Triumph; J. Kelynack, 3^h.p. Triumph; J. Gunst, 3’^-h.p. Triumph,T>. Aliardlce, r,^.-h.p. Triumph; J. Gunn, o^li.p. B.S.A.; C. Tregea, 3%-h.p. B.b.A.; u.Parson? 3Mi-h.p. Rover; F. Clinton, S^-h-PRover; H. Morgan, 4’4-h.p. Precision; W.Luxford, ?,V’-h.p. Precision; S. Clinton,h.p Precision; H. Shscklock, S^-h.p- Rudge,W. S. Edney, 3&-h.p. N.S.U.; A. Monkhouso,H’s-h.o. Singer; N. Ferguson, 3M>-h.p. Ariel;E." Thoren. 3^-h.p. Ariel; V\ Foley, 3 1/2-h.p. Veloce– H. C. Baquie, 3%-h.p. Ariel; P. UPriestiev, 6-h.p. Ideal; R. Douglas, S-h. p.J.A.P.; K. Georgo. 7-h.p. Indian; &. Gahan,7-h.p. Indian; R. Malcolm. 7-h.p. Pope; b. D.Rulson, 7-h.p. Pope; I. M’Quade, 7-h.p. Pope.

Others who started were Ernst, Booth, and Jenkins.

Bielefeld Board Track Racing 2015

Uwe Goedereis is our main man in Bielefeld Germany, and sent in his report on the races from earlier this month:

 

Hello Friends of the Oval Sports,

My friend Jochen Kleine and I presented the 11th time the Trackracer Meet in the motordrome in Bielefeld. In Germany it is called Cement track Race. This is like the old board tracks, but made from concrete, not wood. During the 50th there are fast motorcycle races and also car races (Cooper) in the bowl.

 

It is really interesting to start in this oval. The curves are inclined 49° and the track is 333 mm long.

Yes, that good for very fast rounds.

 

It was this year a very sunny day. We very lucky to have 37 competitors at the grid. A lot of interesting bikes. All drivers have a lot of fun and made a lot of rounds (laps) during the whole day.

 

In the evening we had a great dinner. We served the traditional "Püfferchen". And all drivers must help, prepare the potatoes, onions and so on. That also real fun . After the dinner some of the drivers go once again on the track. We ride under floodlight and this was for all an interesting experience.

 

Now the 11th Trackracer Meet is history. We’ll be glad to see all again in 2016.

 

Thanks to Thomas of the Bey of us in his Cooper Oval he brought, Stefan Bund for brilliant photos, Hermann Becker for his contribution with the propeller bike – awesome. Also thanks to Andy who came from London and the Harley with some troubles.

Merci also to Thomas Patt for his support to the great blog

www.americancycles.blogspot.com

 

Nice to see some new participants at the start and several of them now really have tasted blood.

 

cheers

Uwe Goedereis

 

Thomas Bund

 

 

 

 

 Uwe on the left

 

  

 

 

 The Bund Brothers

 

 

 

Minden pre16 Tour

Last week was the annual Minden, Nevada tour, held on the Eastern side of the Sierra Nevada Mountains just down the hill from Lake Tahoe. It was yet another wonderful time, with 3 days spent riding old bikes on the backroads. About 30 riders pre registered and a few more showed up to partake in the fun.

 

Day One was the ride south to The Wolf Creek Restaurant and Bar in Markleeville CA for a cold beverage. Only a few of us made a wrong turn or two on the way there, and there were some bonus miles on the return route following friends out through Diamond Valley and back to the little main road to the hotel. Before we walked across the parking lot to the Chinese restaurant there was a short session of stories and bike repairs.

For Day Two we went to Genoa to see Nevada’s Oldest Thirst Parlor. It is a typical hole in the wall Victorian roadhouse, complete with an antiques shop next door.

The second stop was at Paughco to see their fabrication shop. Eighty employees turn miles of tubing into motorcycle frames, springer forks, exhaust pipes, etc. The stamping dies are used to make oil tanks, fuel tanks, headlight buckets and more. I’ve forgotten the numbers, but something like 75,000 part numbers are made in house, and they sell hundreds of frames a month. Another highlight of the tour was seeing the custom bikes that the employees build and the collection of old HD race bikes and motors on display.

 

Third stop was Virginia City, to dodge the tourists who came to watch the Ostrich races (small people riding large birds in a circle). Camel races were scheduled later in the day, but we left after lunch in order to make it to the fourth stop at the Genoa tavern again.

 

Dinner at the local Basque place was excellent, with a variety of meats to choose from. Day three was a trip out to Smith Valley and Yerington before we all packed up and headed home.

 

Big thanks are due for the Wildharbers who hosted the event again this year! Without them, we’d all be sitting at home and watching teevee instead of riding and breaking old bikes on the quiet backroads, and then laughing at our broken bikes and telling parking lot lies about how fast we used to be. If you’d like to come along next year, the rules are not as strict as in the old days. Pre1916 bikes are preferred, but later machines are welcome too. See you next time.

 

 

Here is a pile of photos from my phone. Not great, but hopefully they give you an idea of the fun at the Minden Tour.

 

Four heroes of our hobby: Rick McMaken, Daniel Statnekov, Mike Madden and Wes Allen.

In Genoa

 

Wes brought his Reading Standard. It was used by the Canadian military, and still has their insignia stamped into the toolbox.

Buster left his Yales at home and rode his 1915 Indian three speeder instead.

 

Steve Huntzinger and Plumber Dave

 

OHV Indian conversion.

 

This Indian looks like Buster’s but it isn’t. I think this is a 1914 two speeder. Can anybody confirm?

This blue scout looked really nice.

 

At Paughco:

Spring front end, turned around.

 

CAC race motor

 

8 valves, 2 cams, oval ports

Racing carby

A special two cylinder Indian 4

 

No horses allowed.

Dave, Madden, Rick, and Dave Bettencort

History of Wagner Motorcycles

I get many questions about old bikes via the “Comment” link at the bottom of each article. Although they are pretty rare today, Wagner questions seem to come up fairly often. The author of this article, Tom Sheldon, has replied to several comments over the years with information, and has offered to share his thoughts on the marque:

 

 

Many of the roughly 2000 American auto companies started life making buggies or wagons. Similarly, many of the 300 or so American motorcycle manufacturers began as bicycle builders. This was true of German immigrant George Wagner. Around 1895 he began working for The Bird Cycle Co of St Paul, MN. In 1897 he formed the Wagner Cycle Co. Around 1900 George “started to experiment with motorcycles”. According to Wagner literature 1901 was the first year of manufacture. The 1911 Tenth Anniversary sales brochure states that 60 motorcycles were produced in that first year. The earliest ad, from 1903, that I have seen for Wagner states “The Wagner Motor Cycle has no equal” and in another 1903 ad “no you have not heard of us before because we have spent the last three years perfecting a motor cycle to offer to the public”. Through 1904 Wagner used a motor supplied by an unknown manufacturer. Models from 1905-1912 all used a motor of their own. Horsepower grew from an initial, at most, 2 1/2 HP in 1904 to 4 HP for the 1911-12 models.

 

Gorge Wagner designed and marketed a number of unusual motorcycles. The Model 4 catalog of 1904 lists a tandem motorcycle configured like a tandem bicycle as well as a tandem engined, tandem motorcycle. This bike they claimed to have 5HP (2 X 2 1/2HP). In 1907 their sales literature listed a ladies model, with dropped top bar for easy mounting in a dress. This model also had chain and belt guards (men, I guess, did not need guards) and canvas skirts on the front and rear fenders. Also in 1907, Wagner advertised “Adopted by the Fire and Police Departments of New York City”. Probably due to the work of their local agent George Lyons. The Lyons Agency was a big player in early motorcycling in New York City, they handled Wagner from 1905-1908.

  

George knew the power of competition. The old adage ‘race them on Sunday and sell them on Monday’ may have been used about 60 years earlier than commonly believed. A 1904 ad read “The 1903 Wagner finished every contest with a PERFECT SCORE”. In 1905 “The perfect scores obtained by our machines in the recent endurance run, from New York the Waltham, is only a sample of what they are doing every day, 250 miles in 6 hours including stops”. For 1907 “In the recent Century Runs of the New York and Brooklyn Motorcycle Clubs, Mr. Irving Mehrbach, the heaviest motorcyclist in the country, finished well within the time limit. Mr Mehrbach weights 305 pounds and the Century was his second ride on his Wagner” also written is “In the same contest Jack Dickinson and Sam Shaw on a Wagner with tandem attachment, finished third out of 75 riders and their Wagner was the first single cylinder to finish”.

 

Perhaps the most famous of the Wagner stories has to do with his daughter, Clara. She was the first female member of the Federation of American Motorcyclists (FAM) in 1907, she was just 15 years old. Together George and Clara competed in the 1910 Chicago to Indianapolis Western Enderance run and both riders scored perfect scores of 1000 over the 365 mile course. The judges, however, disqualified Clara because motorcycling was too dangerous for women. Her fellow riders though came through by pitching in and purchased her a gold medal. The free press from Clara and her motoring abilities had to help sales.

 

Over the course of production George held the course, always single cylinder motor, always single speed, always belt drive. One of the best things going for this simple, durable, reliable but perhaps boring bikes, was the advertising that George and Co placed in magazines. Advertising could be commonly found in ‘Cycle and Automobile Journal’. This magazine did a fine job of writing up (company issued) descriptions of many autos and cycles as well as being full of detailed ads. This makes these magazines invaluable for research. Other publications that Wagner used were ‘Telephony’, ‘RFD News’, ‘Automobile Review’, ‘The Medical World’, ‘Technical World’, ‘Popular Mechanics’, ‘Motorcycle Illustrated’ and ‘Motorcycling’. Of interest is a 1912 ad from ‘RFD News’ that states “4000 Wagners in daily use on R.F.D. routes”.

 

In 1912 George sold out to MASCO (Motorcycle Accessories and Supply Co.). MASCO ran their catalog business out of the old Wagner factory from 1912 to maybe 1918-1919. It is commonly stated that Wagner was in business through 1914, there is no evidence that any motorcycles were produced after the company was sold in 1912.

 

To follow I will let pictures show the development of Wagner over the production run. Most of these pictures are from existing motorcycles.

 

1903-1904 2 1/2 HP model

 

1905-1908 3 HP model

 

1909-1910 3 1/2 HP model

 

1911-1912 4 HP model

 

I have been researching Wagner for about 20 years. I became interested when I saw one in a friends garage and learned that they were built in the Twin Cities. I was interested in old motorcycles, but having bikes built in your home city struck a chord with me. Wagner was not a flashy or fast bike but proved itself with dependability and affordability. I have collected a great deal of original and photo copied literature, ads, photos/postcards and memorabilia. I would be happy to help anyone who has any questions about these bikes. I have some spare parts and also always interested in acquiring anything related to Wagner. Also interested in items from the other Twin City brands of Minneapolis/Michaelson and Thiem/Joerns/Cyclone, as well as other smaller concerns.

 

Tom Sheldon

re_cycler(at)msn.com  —Replace the (at) with a @ symbol.

612-247-0523

2015 Pioneer Run, part 3

These things seem to take forever. But here finally is Part 3 of the Pioneer Run.

 

I was busy running around, but I did snap pics of a few of the more odd bikes that caught my eye. To see more, just click on the right side of the screen, under the heading TAGS to see various things. Here is the link to Pioneer Run articles.

It sure is wonderful to see an orange Flying Merkel. They are somewhat rare, but we do have them here in the USA. Many they all seem to be tied up in museums, restrained from roaring on the open road. This one in England is run just about every year on the Pioneer by its keeper Victor Norman. Thanks for bringing her out Victor!

 

And the fabulous 1908 BAT of the Moore family had another run down to the sea this year. I say it every time that I see a BAT; What a great machine! A big JAP twin motor, two speed gears out in front of the crankcase, but with the softness of a belt final drive. And the suspension for the seat and footboards was their own novel idea. The magneto is nested in next to the fuel, just for fun. I won’t be able to get one of these, but it is a neat one to put on my list of dream bikes.

 

As usual, there was an assortment of forecars and three wheelers:

Parking for the Headmaster, and the Headmaster’s Visitor!

 

The next few photos are at the school in Handcross, our midway stop that cold morning. The coffee, tea and pastries were gobbled up pronto.

 

Along the sea front in Brighton:

 

Words cannot express what a great day I had on the 20115 Pioneer Run.

Aldo’s new book!

Aldo Carrer has finished his latest book, a continuation of the previous one here.  The Motorcycle of 1900 is published in English, Italian and German, but could likely be understood by readers of many other languages. It features photos from Aldo’s collection, acquired via decades of work searching through European swap meets, auctions and family connections. Aldo has gathered thousands of loose images, postcards, and complete scrapbooks dating back well over 100 years. The book is focused on primitive (but quickly evolving!) vehicles with two or three wheels. They are sorted by the country of origin, with a short description and date for each photo. As with Aldo’s previous books, they are a treasure for the fan of motorized transport and also make good gifts. 

 

216 pages. 8.5”x12” Hardbound, published by EDS Edizioni

 

To buy a copy, contact Aldo here: oldbike1@virgilio.it

 

US pricing is 30 Euros plus shipping. I’ll ship direct from San Francisco. Anywhere in the USA is $14(or 12.86€) prepaid, or you can pick it up for free here in SF. That total is 30€+12.86€ = 42.86Euros to Aldo’s Paypal at the email listed above.

 

Europe and rest of the world pricing & shipping depends on where you live. Contact Aldo directly and he’ll set you up.

 

(sorry for my quick iphone snaps of his pages. They are bit fuzzy, but the books are actually clear).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

All images Copyright Aldo Carrer 2015.

2015 Pioneer Run, Part 2

Here is a link to Part 1.

 

Everybody was smiling as we descended on Epsom Downs as the sun rose, bringing precious, but insufficient, warmth. Being a Californian, I expected relatively cold weather and I was not surprised. However my six layers of shirts and sweaters still left me shivering. The smarter folks among us wore ski parkas instead of button down shirts and bowties!

 

This little guy was looking forward to the journey, and was especially pleased to place his feet upon the basket filled with chocolate Easter eggs. James Ernshaw piloted the 1907 P&M and chair with a big smile too.

 

I really liked the look of this 1910 Arno 500cc single. The frame tube drops down just ahead of the seat, giving a low seating position and allowing the pilot to easily reach Terra Firma. The motor is hung between motor lugs instead of using plates, and the Armstrong rear hub has a clutch and three gears that must have come in handy in the Brighton traffic.

  

Regular readers will know that I have a preference for the oddball machines (stay tuned for Part 3). Resplendent in black, nickel and brass, this 2.25hp De Dion dates from 1899 and has a triangular fuel tank/surface carb under the seat.

And this very similar machine is also an 1899, but with a cylindrical fuel tank behind the seat and a modern spray carb mounted ahead of the motor.

 

Ken Lee is a UK American Excelsior aficionado. That sentence may need clarification: Excelsior was a brand of motorcycles made in the UK. To minimize confusion, the bikes made in Chicago, USA were called American Excelsiors in the UK. And Ken lives in Blighty, and rides X’s, so he’s a UK American Excelsior aficionado. Now that we are past that, here is Ken’s more exotic machine, the one and only 1904 James H. Smith. 3hp, and with a fuel tank covered in control levers. Ken found it years ago at a jumble (swap meet). It was apparently made by Mr. Smith in his workshop, using a Fafnir engine and BSA chassis parts, but not much more is known. The elephant is a nice touch.

  

I take photos of this 1907 Rex every time I see it. What a beauty.

 

The Premier has a few things to notice. The kangaroo on the tank logo, the Davison fuel gage in the front of the tank, and the auxiliary exhaust valve are the first three. The coil spring on the head fins adds some additional surface area to dissipate the heat to the surrounding air. Open Bosch mag, B&B carb and silencer cutouts are common fixtures on other machines of the era.

 

Two veteran Veloce machines, and three Velo Fellows. Dave Masters, myself and Tim Simkins had a chat overlooking the Brighton beach. Dave rode his reliable M5054, and Tim rode Ivan Rhode’s early two stroke Velocette.

 

The little two stroke doesn’t weigh much at all, which makes starting a little easier. The pilot stands straddling the seat and simply paddles his/her feet for a few short steps until the motor comes to life. Direct drive and no clutch keeps things simple and light.

  

M5054 is a little more complicated, with a unit construction two speed gearbox built into the motor. Still no bicycle pedals nor chain, so Dave is also adept at bump starting.

  

Dave has gone through the motor very carefully to ensure that oil passes where it should and that the available torque and hp find their way to the rear wheel. 

The two speed is foot controlled via the double ended shifter lever shown in this image.

 

Lincoln Elk is not a well-known marque. Bacon and Hallworth state that LE made bikes 1902-1925 in Broadgate, Lincoln. In 1912 they featured a novel two speed gear via a countershaft with two clutches and a chain to one side of the rear wheel, and a belt drive to the other side of the rear wheel! The 1909 bike pictured below on the Pioneer Run has a conventional belt drive.

 

The 1914 Calthorpe Junior is a capable little machine, making just enough dependable power to complete the run. At first glance, the 175cc motor looks like a two stroke, but there are poppet valves mounted horizontally on the rear of the motor. I think that there is also a two speed gear built into the motor, just visible underneath the magneto.

  

Another Douglas. This one looks very nice from the rider’s seat.

 

Uwe!

The following pics are not Uwe’s Peugeot, but another one that is almost the same. I think that both bikes have been converted from points and coil ignition to magnetos, and this second bike has an interesting pair of sprockets on that timing chain.

 

 

Dual rear brakes. The Truffault type front brakes don’t lend themselves to a simple brake mounting.

 

I’ll finish Part 2 with a few views of Rudge Multis. I’ve written about them in the past and their wonderful mechanism, click on the search button on the right of the screen to find more.

  

Sorry that I’m late with my articles. Stay tuned for Pioneer Run Part 3, and the Bud Ekins Memorial Tour, and also King City too. Plus a guest article on Wagner motorcycles, maybe a quick how-to article on Burman gearboxes and a book review of “No Room for Watermelons” and an announcement of Aldo Carrer’s new book when the publisher is ready…

racing motorcycles, cement track

We don’t have to understand the words to know that our German friends surely know how to have fun!