Hi Mike - It was good to hear from you. I hope you receive this response regarding your Simplex Servi-Cycle progress. I've owned my 1948 model year Servi-Cycle for quite some time. Had lots of fun with it as you can see in my 1948 Simplex videos. I've owned it for decades and still do. I bought it from a childhood friend years ago. Unfortunately I'm now 77 years old and get dizzy when I try to ride it. So, that ship has sailed but the Simplex still looks just as pretty as when I used to ride it, even though she's now only a Hanger Queen. Best regards from 289 Back River Road, Bedford, New Hampshire Mike - Keep the "shiny side up. - Jeff Cooper
Jeff. I just fell into 2 of them recently. I got two early 1940's. Can U measure across your headlight lense/trim and front to back of headlight housing. THX Mike
Hi Mike, I used calipers to measure the outside diameter of the Headlight Lens Trim Ring. It's 6 1/8". And, overall depth from the front of the Glass Lens to the rear of the black Headlight Bucket is 4 3/8". I have photos and more details for you including info on the embossed Lettering on the Glass Lens and the stamped lettering on the Black Painted Headlight Bucket. Email me if you wish at : 1948simplex@gmail.com .......Over & Out from Cooperland
@@mikehasuga4959 Hi Mike - Hope you're making progress regarding the Simplex Headlight and Gas Tank you needed. As I recall, there was a Club in the mid-west that may be of assistance in your search for parts. It's the V.M.B.C. ( Vintage Motor Bike Club ) Club Headquarters were located somewhere around Indiana. I haven't been able to do any "Simplexing up here in Nude Hamster. Frozen snowbanks, 10 degrees, and wicked windy. Perfect weather ....to stay inside. Best of luck with your project. Jeff Cooper
Hello Roger Ramjet - Thanks for your inquiry. You are correct, the 1948 Simplex has an automatic variable belt drive transmission. What sounds like I shifted gears, was simply me rolling off the throttle momentarily to relieve pressure on the Sliding Drive Pulley Sheaves to insure they've been able to shift all the way over into the "high-speed" position. Best Regards, Jeff Cooper
When I was about 12yo (back around 1967), a young man in my home town had one of these. He saw me and my dad admiring the bike as he rode by, so he came up to the house and offered me a ride on the luggage rack. Great ride! I remember being surprised that the bike could carry us so well (for only 2hp!). I will always remember the classic mid-century styling the bike had. Thanks for sharing this!
Hi Roger Ramjet, thankyou for your Simplex memories. I love to hear 'em. I've owned a number of motorcycles ...big and small. Everything from a mini-bike to a 200cc Ducati, to a Harley Hummer, to a Harley KH, to a Triumph Bonneville, to a 1940 V-Twin Harley Knuckle Head, ....to the Mighty Simplex Servi-Cycle. They're all gone except for this Simplex that I bought from a friend when I was 19 years old in 1964. Best Regards - Jeff Cooper
Greetings Pjp - Glad to hear you got some benefit from my 1948 Simplex videos. There are 3 Videos in total. Enjoy ....and keep the shiny side up. Over & Out from Cooperland.
Hello Miguel, I'm happy that you like my 1948 Simplex Servi-Cycle. That video was shot 6 years ago. I have 2 other videos of this same bike on RUclips. They feature close up views where I explain details about it. Mine is a very original machine. I bought it from a childhood friend back in the 1960's. I still have the bike, and I still ride it ( 3 times so far this summer ). I'll be 75 years old this October and still enjoy taking it out. If still interested, you could look up the Vintage Motor Bike Club to see if one is for sale. Best Regards, Jeff Cooper
Good video but anticlimactic. We wanted to see you kick start it, take it for a spin & honk the horn as you passed by. I should have been there directing this film.
Hello Michael - Glad you found one of my three 1948 Simplex Videos. If you search RUclips using the words "1948 Simplex Servi Cycle - Ride" I think you will find what you're looking for. Best Regards, Jeff Cooper
Jeff cooper.... Sounds like you and I were cut from the same crazy Mold.....😂 Over my crazy young life I (CUT UP, more great Cars and Bikes) than I care to remember....!😢😢😢 Here are a couple a 1957 Goldenhawk Studebaker with a three speed manual overdrive, a two door Fire flight sportsman Desoto .... My grandparents live next-door to a European bike shop Norton ,BSA ,Ducati ,Moto Guzzi ,Triumph And he had several Harley’s..... i seriously can’t remember how many Old Bikes I got from ( Harlow Griffith ) that weren’t running for little of nothing ....! I got them running , and then proceeded to chop them or turn them into hill climbers ......!!! but when you were living in the moment , you don’t think about the future. We just think about the fun we’re having at that moment.....😻
Hi Jeff - Sorry, I haven't scanned RUclips comments for some time. That '57 Golden Hawk was a great looking car. I'm sure they go for a lot today ....if you can even find one. I enjoyed hearing of your time with 'bikes. I always loved 'em. Had a 1960's 200cc Ducati, the 1940 61" Harley Knucklehead, a 1955 Harley KH, a Harley Hummer, and a late 60's Triumph Bonneville. Yesterday was a warm day - took the Mighty 125cc Simplex out for a 6 mile ride. Women would cry and children would hide. Okay, maybe not quite. J.C.
Woulda shoulda , couldhave..... I had a. Service cycle my grandfather found in the garage at a Old lady’s house we were doing some plumbing work on. and the lady gave it to him it was missing the flywheel we painted it up he covered the Seat with old leather from my flight jacket he found in a pile of old clothes. ....we never found the flywheel I just should’ve put a different MOTOR IN IT and kept it ......!!!! but I traded it for a Fiat car wished I would’ve kept the service cycle........❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
That's okay. We all have regrets. How's this one .... back about 1965 I bought an all original complete unmolested 1940 Harley 61 cu. in. V-Twin Knucklehead. I paid practically nothing for it. Then I butchered it ....turned it into the world's ugliest chopper ....then sold it for $ 300. There ....now don't you feel better? Jeff Cooper :-(
@@jeffcooper5473 Yeah I had more than one motorcycle that I wish that I had back that I also had demolished….! I have a 1961 Cushman eagle that I have had for probably 16 years it was all stock up till three years ago I had a knee operation and could not kick the old 8 hp husky anymore it was A Very Cantankerous motor anyhow….! I ended up spending almost $3000 by putting a 670 predator V twin and a 22 hp… It has a CVTECH Torque converter and a Ed Evans jack shaft drive….! In fact I just got back from going for a ride…🙏🏻❤️❤️❤️ It runs like a scalded dog also…!!! If you go to my RUclips channel you can see it…! ( The Jeff GALEY Channel )
@@iplaymytele Hi Jeff - Thank you for your email regarding your neat old "bikes". Your 250 cc Hawk motorcycle is a beauty ! And, putting that formidable Predator motor into your Cushman Eagle is a pretty dramatic improvement ....hold onto the bars with both hands ! And, by-the-way I enjoyed listening to you play your 3 string Box Guitar ! Very cool. You're a talented guy. Thanks so much for sharing ! Regards, Jeff Cooper
I had one when in the 8th grade...bought it at Sears in Dallas, Texas. Loved the bike, didn't like mixing the oil though. I ran over a large dog once (unavoidable) and smashed my knees on the crash-bars! Lost it the next year when my parents divorced. Bummer.
Hi Durwood,Always happy to hear Simplex memories ! You had your Simplex at a younger age than I.Back about 1964 at age 19, I had a burning desire for an old motorcycle.I knew that Simplex made go-karts, but didn't know they made motorbikes too. Bought this1948 Model used from a friend. It hadn't run for years and was stored in his cellar.It wouldn't start, but the price was right.( Turned out the ignition points were just shorted out.)It's been good to me.Only let me down one time, which meant a 3 mile push walking it home.Regards,Jeff Cooper
Hello again Jeff. Yes, I was in the 8th grade in 1950 and lived about two miles from Pleasant Grove Jr. High, so dad bought me a Safety Cycle (aka. Service Cycle). Two-cycle, belt-drive with a low and high pulley arrangement for gear changing (just like yours). I loved it. But being a brash young'un, I began to abuse it by jumping off made up ramps, etc. As I recall, Cushman had not yet come to my part of Texas, at least not in the vast numbers as later in the 50's. I had forgotten all about my Safety Cycle until recently while writing my journal memoirs...Googled it and sure enough, there it was! Great memories and loved seeing you "blast" down the road and shifting gears. Thanks and Happy New Year! Remember, "keep the rubber side down!" :) Durwood
Hi Durwood, Glad to hear back from you and your Simplex memories. Like you, I didn't take the best care of my Simplex either. Back about 1964 when I bought it, they were not worth much money; so, I was careless with it. I started out by riding it in my back yard. We were on well water and I wasn't paying attention and ran over the raised cap on our well. Amazingly didn't injure anything except my pride, and I put a big ding in that "tomato can" muffler. Got more careful and serious after that. Had the front fender re-chromed, found correct authentic tires, the correct luggage rack, and the correct period accessory E.A.Labs horn. Tank decals came from George Fox. We moved a few times, and the Mighty Simplex always came with us ...from my childhood home in Lynn, MA, to our own home in Middleton, MA ...to Saint Marys, PA ....to Bedford, NH. I keep it registered and ride it 5 or 6 times a year. People don't know what it is, and I always enjoy talking with them about it. Wishing you and yours Good Health and Happiness in 2018 !Jeff C.
Yes my Service Cycle (aka. Simplex) was red and black and I remember the rims were wider than normal bicycle tires, which I thought was cool...looked more like a motorcycle than a bicycle (aka. Whizzer). Didn't have any chrome except maybe the handlebars (they may have been black too). Never heard my dad say what he did with it after the divorce...too long ago to remember much about that time in my life. But I'm always happy to see folks like you Jeff, helping to keep the "good" in the good old days alive, aka. Cushman Torpedo and Eagle, Mustang (the bike, not the auto), 30 and 40 era autos, etc., etc. I hope you've escaped that noreaster than whistled up the coast today! Tons of snow and now record cold temps! Stay warm and stay safe! Durwood (Ft. Worth, TX)
Hi Durwood, Yes, we escaped that noreaster.Immediately after Christmas, my wife and I left New Hampshire to spend a few weeks in Savannah, GA.The good news is we dodged the -10 to -14 degree below zero weather with lots of snow.The not-so-good news is "Sunny Warm" Savannah is anything but that this year. Temps have dipped into the 20's and we got 2-3 inches of snow and ice here. Regarding Simplex - Those wide rims you spoke of, had to be the wide flat clincher rims requiring a special "clincher bead" tire. During their manufacturing run Simplex used two different tire / rim combinations. Some cycles used your style; other times standard " skinny" drop-center rims with standard tires were used. I don't know when the change-over took place.In closing - a nice thing about riding a Simplex is we needn't worry about conveying a tough "Born to be Wild" biker image. Our bikin' is slow and easy ....we're "Born to be Mild" :-)Best regards,Jeff C.
Thanks Percy - Full size antique motorcycles are now to expensive for most people to purchase. But, for much less money, if you're lookin' for a low priced vintage ride, on which you can have a little fun - the answer is Simplex! J.C.
I owned 1948, 49 & 50 service cycles & they seemed to last & last. I took good care of my bike but it was made sturdy & very little went wrong & was a great bike.
Hi Joe - Good to hear from you. Pretty interesting that you owed not one, but three !!! Bought mine from a childhood friend back about 1964. I'm 72 now, but I still take it for a 6 mile spin 5 or 6 times a year. Great fun. J.C.
Designed by Joseph P Treen and built by the Simplex Manufacturing Company of New Orleans, Louisiana between 1935 and 1960 - the only motorcycle built in the Bayou State? The Simplex was a favourite of boys and girls who had paper routes, due to its simple design and operation. The arrival of the streamlined Honda 50 in the US in the late 1950's made the Simplex look "old-fashioned", and the company went out of business shortly afterwards.
Hi! I have what I believe is a '48 ServiCycle J also, but it's got a go-cart motor in it. I'm in Weare and wonder if you've got any parts or knowledge of parts to impart?
Hello, Sorry I haven't checked my video for some time, but Here's some info : My email is 1948simplex@gmail.com. If You have a 1948 Model J, the correct large repro gold wing tank decals are available at Ebay item # 252414496536 @ $38.50 each. The correct small repro gold wing steering neck decal is Ebay item # 252414494253 at $15. If you have dropped center rims, correct new tires are on Ebay as Coker Simplex Servi-Cycle 26 x 2.50 @ $126 each. If you have wide "flat" clincher rims, correct new tires are on Ebay as Coker Simplex Servi-Cycle 26 x 2.50 ( CL) @ $135 each.And for Simplex advice, parts, and service - you should call the Simplex expert - Wayne Mahaffey in Alabama @ (256) 353-5552. He da' man. Regards, Jeff Cooper
Ultra cool piece of rolling history. I'd purchase one if they were available today! Totally simple, lightweight, easy to fix, ultra-high MPG (100+), low cost.... depression era bike. Just something to putt around on (not drag your knee) a sunny day. the four stroke models would last as long as there is oil pumped out of the ground.
Hello Jose, I live in New Hampshire and I've owned my Simplex since 1964. Congratulations on owning a 1943 Model H. Were 1943 models equipped with kick starters yet? As for your restoration - go on eBay and type in Ball Bearings to find sellers offering 1/4 inch balls. These will fit your wheel bearings and front fork neck bearings too as I remember. Open Ebay Motors, type in Simplex and you'll see sellers offering repro owners manuals, original tread tires, and some parts. Other than Ebay, A fellow named Mahaffy is an important source of parts. If you don't already know him, I can give you his info. George Fox used to reproduce gas tank decals, and if you join the V.M.B.C. ( Vintage Motor Bike Club ) you can contact others by advertising your needs in their Club publication. I can be reached at 1948simplex@gmail.com Regards, Jeff Cooper
Grew up with friend an after school we would scrounge up gas an ride Simplex almost like it, Had about 8 out in barn just rusting so we take em out shine a little!
Great to hear your Simplex memories. As kids we were motor heads too. We welded up home made mini-bikes, then we grafted large snowmobile and motorcycle engines into go-kart frames. I hit 103 mph on a kart at a local quarter mile drag strip. This Simplex and I have been together since the mid 1960's. Jeff Cooper
Sweet video
I own 4 of them. Building the 1st one now.
Great job. I'm restoring mine as I watch your video.
Hi Mike - It was good to hear from you. I hope you receive this response regarding your Simplex Servi-Cycle progress. I've owned my 1948 model year Servi-Cycle for quite some time. Had lots of fun with it as you can see in my 1948 Simplex videos. I've owned it for decades and still do. I bought it from a childhood friend years ago. Unfortunately I'm now 77 years old and get dizzy when I try to ride it. So, that ship has sailed but the Simplex still looks just as pretty as when I used to ride it, even though she's now only a Hanger Queen. Best regards from 289 Back River Road, Bedford, New Hampshire Mike - Keep the "shiny side up. - Jeff Cooper
As a kid i had a 56-58 Simplex, one ran and one had brakes but rode them both.
I'm working on 1 of mine.
They look like so much fun and I'm surprised how many still survive.
That thing flies
I'm building two of them. Outstanding video.
Good job Jeff. I'm trying to save two of these. I always wanted one. Two came into my life unexpectedly. Love them. THX Jeff
Jeff. I just fell into 2 of them recently. I got two early 1940's. Can U measure across your headlight lense/trim and front to back of headlight housing. THX Mike
Hi Mike, I used calipers to measure the outside diameter of the Headlight Lens Trim Ring. It's 6 1/8". And, overall depth from the front of the Glass Lens to the rear of the black Headlight Bucket is 4 3/8". I have photos and more details for you including info on the embossed Lettering on the Glass Lens and the stamped lettering on the Black Painted Headlight Bucket. Email me if you wish at : 1948simplex@gmail.com .......Over & Out from Cooperland
@@jeffcooper5473 THX. I sent U an email.
@@mikehasuga4959 Hi Mike - Hope you're making progress regarding the Simplex Headlight and Gas Tank you needed. As I recall, there was a Club in the mid-west that may be of assistance in your search for parts. It's the V.M.B.C. ( Vintage Motor Bike Club ) Club Headquarters were located somewhere around Indiana. I haven't been able to do any "Simplexing up here in Nude Hamster. Frozen snowbanks, 10 degrees, and wicked windy. Perfect weather ....to stay inside. Best of luck with your project. Jeff Cooper
@@jeffcooper5473 THX Jeff
@@jeffcooper5473 I just bought a tank for Simplex #2. What a journey trying to locate a good one. Nothing is cheap.
Sounded like you shifted gears (but I never heard more than two speeds). I wasn't aware these came with two speeds. Could you explain how that worked?
Hello Roger Ramjet - Thanks for your inquiry. You are correct, the 1948 Simplex has an automatic variable belt drive transmission. What sounds like I shifted gears, was simply me rolling off the throttle momentarily to relieve pressure on the Sliding Drive Pulley Sheaves to insure they've been able to shift all the way over into the "high-speed" position. Best Regards, Jeff Cooper
When I was about 12yo (back around 1967), a young man in my home town had one of these. He saw me and my dad admiring the bike as he rode by, so he came up to the house and offered me a ride on the luggage rack. Great ride! I remember being surprised that the bike could carry us so well (for only 2hp!). I will always remember the classic mid-century styling the bike had. Thanks for sharing this!
Hi Roger Ramjet, thankyou for your Simplex memories. I love to hear 'em. I've owned a number of motorcycles ...big and small. Everything from a mini-bike to a 200cc Ducati, to a Harley Hummer, to a Harley KH, to a Triumph Bonneville, to a 1940 V-Twin Harley Knuckle Head, ....to the Mighty Simplex Servi-Cycle. They're all gone except for this Simplex that I bought from a friend when I was 19 years old in 1964. Best Regards - Jeff Cooper
Yes sir this was very interesting cuz this shows me how to drive my bike as a classic day bad boy
Greetings Pjp - Glad to hear you got some benefit from my 1948 Simplex videos. There are 3 Videos in total. Enjoy ....and keep the shiny side up. Over & Out from Cooperland.
So very cool i want 1
Hello Miguel, I'm happy that you like my 1948 Simplex Servi-Cycle. That video was shot 6 years ago. I have 2 other videos of this same bike on RUclips. They feature close up views where I explain details about it. Mine is a very original machine. I bought it from a childhood friend back in the 1960's. I still have the bike, and I still ride it ( 3 times so far this summer ). I'll be 75 years old this October and still enjoy taking it out. If still interested, you could look up the Vintage Motor Bike Club to see if one is for sale. Best Regards, Jeff Cooper
Good video but anticlimactic. We wanted to see you kick start it, take it for a spin & honk the horn as you passed by. I should have been there directing this film.
Hello Michael - Glad you found one of my three 1948 Simplex Videos. If you search RUclips using the words "1948 Simplex Servi Cycle - Ride" I think you will find what you're looking for. Best Regards, Jeff Cooper
Jeff cooper.... Sounds like you and I were cut from the same crazy Mold.....😂 Over my crazy young life I (CUT UP, more great Cars and Bikes) than I care to remember....!😢😢😢 Here are a couple a 1957 Goldenhawk Studebaker with a three speed manual overdrive, a two door Fire flight sportsman Desoto .... My grandparents live next-door to a European bike shop Norton ,BSA ,Ducati ,Moto Guzzi ,Triumph And he had several Harley’s..... i seriously can’t remember how many Old Bikes I got from ( Harlow Griffith ) that weren’t running for little of nothing ....! I got them running , and then proceeded to chop them or turn them into hill climbers ......!!! but when you were living in the moment , you don’t think about the future. We just think about the fun we’re having at that moment.....😻
Hi Jeff - Sorry, I haven't scanned RUclips comments for some time. That '57 Golden Hawk was a great looking car. I'm sure they go for a lot today ....if you can even find one. I enjoyed hearing of your time with 'bikes. I always loved 'em. Had a 1960's 200cc Ducati, the 1940 61" Harley Knucklehead, a 1955 Harley KH, a Harley Hummer, and a late 60's Triumph Bonneville. Yesterday was a warm day - took the Mighty 125cc Simplex out for a 6 mile ride. Women would cry and children would hide. Okay, maybe not quite. J.C.
@@jeffcooper5473 Thank you so Much Jeff...🙏🙏🙏 I really appreciate the Kind Words... 🎵🎻🎸🎸🎻🎶🎓
Woulda shoulda , couldhave..... I had a. Service cycle my grandfather found in the garage at a Old lady’s house we were doing some plumbing work on. and the lady gave it to him it was missing the flywheel we painted it up he covered the Seat with old leather from my flight jacket he found in a pile of old clothes. ....we never found the flywheel I just should’ve put a different MOTOR IN IT and kept it ......!!!! but I traded it for a Fiat car wished I would’ve kept the service cycle........❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
That's okay. We all have regrets. How's this one .... back about 1965 I bought an all original complete unmolested 1940 Harley 61 cu. in. V-Twin Knucklehead. I paid practically nothing for it. Then I butchered it ....turned it into the world's ugliest chopper ....then sold it for $ 300. There ....now don't you feel better? Jeff Cooper :-(
@@jeffcooper5473 Yeah I had more than one motorcycle that I wish that I had back that I also had demolished….! I have a 1961 Cushman eagle that I have had for probably 16 years it was all stock up till three years ago I had a knee operation and could not kick the old 8 hp husky anymore it was A Very Cantankerous motor anyhow….! I ended up spending almost $3000 by putting a 670 predator V twin and a 22 hp… It has a CVTECH Torque converter and a Ed Evans jack shaft drive….! In fact I just got back from going for a ride…🙏🏻❤️❤️❤️ It runs like a scalded dog also…!!! If you go to my RUclips channel you can see it…! ( The Jeff GALEY Channel )
@@iplaymytele Hi Jeff - Thank you for your email regarding your neat old "bikes". Your 250 cc Hawk motorcycle is a beauty ! And, putting that formidable Predator motor into your Cushman Eagle is a pretty dramatic improvement ....hold onto the bars with both hands ! And, by-the-way I enjoyed listening to you play your 3 string Box Guitar ! Very cool. You're a talented guy. Thanks so much for sharing ! Regards, Jeff Cooper
I had one when in the 8th grade...bought it at Sears in Dallas, Texas. Loved the bike, didn't like mixing the oil though. I ran over a large dog once (unavoidable) and smashed my knees on the crash-bars! Lost it the next year when my parents divorced. Bummer.
Hi Durwood,Always happy to hear Simplex memories ! You had your Simplex at a younger age than I.Back about 1964 at age 19, I had a burning desire for an old motorcycle.I knew that Simplex made go-karts, but didn't know they made motorbikes too. Bought this1948 Model used from a friend. It hadn't run for years and was stored in his cellar.It wouldn't start, but the price was right.( Turned out the ignition points were just shorted out.)It's been good to me.Only let me down one time, which meant a 3 mile push walking it home.Regards,Jeff Cooper
Hello again Jeff. Yes, I was in the 8th grade in 1950 and lived about two miles from Pleasant Grove Jr. High, so dad bought me a Safety Cycle (aka. Service Cycle). Two-cycle, belt-drive with a low and high pulley arrangement for gear changing (just like yours). I loved it. But being a brash young'un, I began to abuse it by jumping off made up ramps, etc. As I recall, Cushman had not yet come to my part of Texas, at least not in the vast numbers as later in the 50's. I had forgotten all about my Safety Cycle until recently while writing my journal memoirs...Googled it and sure enough, there it was! Great memories and loved seeing you "blast" down the road and shifting gears. Thanks and Happy New Year! Remember, "keep the rubber side down!" :) Durwood
Hi Durwood, Glad to hear back from you and your Simplex memories. Like you, I didn't take the best care of my Simplex either. Back about 1964 when I bought it, they were not worth much money; so, I was careless with it. I started out by riding it in my back yard. We were on well water and I wasn't paying attention and ran over the raised cap on our well. Amazingly didn't injure anything except my pride, and I put a big ding in that "tomato can" muffler. Got more careful and serious after that. Had the front fender re-chromed, found correct authentic tires, the correct luggage rack, and the correct period accessory E.A.Labs horn. Tank decals came from George Fox. We moved a few times, and the Mighty Simplex always came with us ...from my childhood home in Lynn, MA, to our own home in Middleton, MA ...to Saint Marys, PA ....to Bedford, NH. I keep it registered and ride it 5 or 6 times a year. People don't know what it is, and I always enjoy talking with them about it. Wishing you and yours Good Health and Happiness in 2018 !Jeff C.
Yes my Service Cycle (aka. Simplex) was red and black and I remember the rims were wider than normal bicycle tires, which I thought was cool...looked more like a motorcycle than a bicycle (aka. Whizzer). Didn't have any chrome except maybe the handlebars (they may have been black too). Never heard my dad say what he did with it after the divorce...too long ago to remember much about that time in my life. But I'm always happy to see folks like you Jeff, helping to keep the "good" in the good old days alive, aka. Cushman Torpedo and Eagle, Mustang (the bike, not the auto), 30 and 40 era autos, etc., etc. I hope you've escaped that noreaster than whistled up the coast today! Tons of snow and now record cold temps! Stay warm and stay safe! Durwood (Ft. Worth, TX)
Hi Durwood, Yes, we escaped that noreaster.Immediately after Christmas, my wife and I left New Hampshire to spend a few weeks in Savannah, GA.The good news is we dodged the -10 to -14 degree below zero weather with lots of snow.The not-so-good news is "Sunny Warm" Savannah is anything but that this year. Temps have dipped into the 20's and we got 2-3 inches of snow and ice here. Regarding Simplex - Those wide rims you spoke of, had to be the wide flat clincher rims requiring a special "clincher bead" tire. During their manufacturing run Simplex used two different tire / rim combinations. Some cycles used your style; other times standard " skinny" drop-center rims with standard tires were used. I don't know when the change-over took place.In closing - a nice thing about riding a Simplex is we needn't worry about conveying a tough "Born to be Wild" biker image. Our bikin' is slow and easy ....we're "Born to be Mild" :-)Best regards,Jeff C.
Great Video. TYVM for sharing.
Thanks Percy - Full size antique motorcycles are now to expensive for most people to purchase. But, for much less money, if you're lookin' for a low priced vintage ride, on which you can have a little fun - the answer is Simplex! J.C.
I owned 1948, 49 & 50 service cycles & they seemed to last & last. I took good care of my bike but it was made sturdy & very little went wrong & was a great bike.
Hi Joe - Good to hear from you. Pretty interesting that you owed not one, but three !!! Bought mine from a childhood friend back about 1964. I'm 72 now, but I still take it for a 6 mile spin 5 or 6 times a year. Great fun. J.C.
I like to go places. don't Care how long it takes to get their I just like to go
40mph
how fast are they
Hello Robert - I don't think my 1948 Model J does better than 35 MPH.Regards - Jeff Cooper
35, which is great when you're trying to deliver mail during wartime
Designed by Joseph P Treen and built by the Simplex Manufacturing Company of New Orleans, Louisiana between 1935 and 1960 - the only motorcycle built in the Bayou State? The Simplex was a favourite of boys and girls who had paper routes, due to its simple design and operation. The arrival of the streamlined Honda 50 in the US in the late 1950's made the Simplex look "old-fashioned", and the company went out of business shortly afterwards.
Graham Clayton does anyone know what type of simplex motorcycle would have a flat plate for a motor mount? I think the plate is about 1ft by 1ft
Hi Graham, Unless someone knows otherwise, I believe the entire 25 year run of Simplex motorbikes used the flat motor plate. Jeff C.
Hi! I have what I believe is a '48 ServiCycle J also, but it's got a go-cart motor in it. I'm in Weare and wonder if you've got any parts or knowledge of parts to impart?
Hello, Sorry I haven't checked my video for some time, but Here's some info : My email is 1948simplex@gmail.com. If You have a 1948 Model J, the correct large repro gold wing tank decals are available at Ebay item # 252414496536 @ $38.50 each. The correct small repro gold wing steering neck decal is Ebay item # 252414494253 at $15. If you have dropped center rims, correct new tires are on Ebay as Coker Simplex Servi-Cycle 26 x 2.50 @ $126 each. If you have wide "flat" clincher rims, correct new tires are on Ebay as Coker Simplex Servi-Cycle 26 x 2.50 ( CL) @ $135 each.And for Simplex advice, parts, and service - you should call the Simplex expert - Wayne Mahaffey in Alabama @ (256) 353-5552. He da' man. Regards, Jeff Cooper
What a great deep tone this model "S" has. Question, how did you rig this up to test it out?
Ultra cool piece of rolling history. I'd purchase one if they were available today! Totally simple, lightweight, easy to fix, ultra-high MPG (100+), low cost.... depression era bike. Just something to putt around on (not drag your knee) a sunny day. the four stroke models would last as long as there is oil pumped out of the ground.
+JoseMartinez71478 read below
Nice bike I have one model H 1943 I'm restoring it now. Where are you from? I'd like to contact you so you can give me ideas to my restorations.
Hello Jose, I live in New Hampshire and I've owned my Simplex since 1964. Congratulations on owning a 1943 Model H. Were 1943 models equipped with kick starters yet? As for your restoration - go on eBay and type in Ball Bearings to find sellers offering 1/4 inch balls. These will fit your wheel bearings and front fork neck bearings too as I remember. Open Ebay Motors, type in Simplex and you'll see sellers offering repro owners manuals, original tread tires, and some parts. Other than Ebay, A fellow named Mahaffy is an important source of parts. If you don't already know him, I can give you his info. George Fox used to reproduce gas tank decals, and if you join the V.M.B.C. ( Vintage Motor Bike Club ) you can contact others by advertising your needs in their Club publication. I can be reached at 1948simplex@gmail.com Regards, Jeff Cooper
Grew up with friend an after school we would scrounge up gas an ride Simplex almost like it, Had about 8 out in barn just rusting so we take em out shine a little!
Great to hear your Simplex memories. As kids we were motor heads too. We welded up home made mini-bikes, then we grafted large snowmobile and motorcycle engines into go-kart frames. I hit 103 mph on a kart at a local quarter mile drag strip. This Simplex and I have been together since the mid 1960's. Jeff Cooper