Simplex Servicycle, as used in WW2

[welbike]

Ok, here we go, the Simplex Servicycle of New Orleans Louisiana, USA was designed by Paul Treen and built by the Simplex Manufacturing Corporation, of New Orleans.

The concept to produce a small lightweight motorcycle was the brainchild of Baton Rouge Harley-Davidson dealer Paul Treen. The demand for cheap transportation in the 1930s was a direct result of the economic depression.

After a number of prototypes had been evaluated, Treen's company began production in 1935, initially producing between twelve and fifteen units per week.

Over the years the Servi-Cycle relied on the same basic engine configuration-a single cylinder air-cooled 2-stroke developing 2 hp, which can power the little bike to 40 mph. The early model featured a direct drive; a belt from the crankshaft delivered drive to a centrifugal clutch which then relayed the drive to a large pulley on the rear wheel.

Early machines needed a push start to get the little motor fired up, while stopping occurred via a switch on the handlebars that earthed the primary side of the ignition system. A foot operated clutch was added in 1941 and a full automatic transmission in 1953.

 

So far the brief history, found on the WWW.

 

In WW2 however there was a special model, made for the US Army Airborne Forces, with quick release handlebars, as on the British Flying Flea and the James, so they could be quickly set sideways, to make it smaller, also modified were the footboards, normally supported by the crashbars, that were deleted on the Model GA-1, the footboards on this model folded up, again to make the width smaller.

 

Here a picture of the GA-1 model, from the manual:

 

 

Here some pictures of use in the Netherlands:

 

 

 

 

And here the one that was tested by the Canadian Army, and found unsuitable, It's basically a Civilian model, not modified:

 

 

Have some more stuff, that I might post later.

 

Cheers,

 

Lex

Edited November 28, 2012 by welbike
spelling, again!

[mungaman]

ok, here we go, the simplex servicycle of new orleans louisiana, usa was designed by paul treen and built by the simplex manufacturing corporation, of new orleans.

The concept to produce a small lightweight motorcycle was the brainchild of baton rouge harley-davidson dealer paul treen. The demand for cheap transportation in the 1930s was a direct result of the economic depression.

After a number of prototypes had been evaluated, treen's company began production in 1935, initially producing between twelve and fifteen units per week.

Over the years the servi-cycle relied on the same basic engine configuration-a single cylinder air-cooled 2-stroke developing 2 hp, which can power the little bike to 40 mph. The early model featured a direct drive; a belt from the crankshaft delivered drive to a centrifugal clutch which then relayed the drive to a large pulley on the rear wheel.

Early machines needed a push start to get the little motor fired up, while stopping occurred via a switch on the handlebars that earthed the primary side of the ignition system. A foot operated clutch was added in 1941 and a full automatic transmission in 1953.

 

So far the brief history, found on the www.

 

In ww2 however there was a special model, made for the us army airborne forces, with quick release handlebars, as on the british flying flea and the james, so they could be quickly set sideways, to make it smaller, also modified were the footboards, normally supported by the crashbars, that were deleted on the model ga-1, the footboards on this model folded up, again to make the width smaller.

 

Here a picture of the ga-1 model, from the manual:

 

 

here some pictures of use in the netherlands:

 

 

 

 

and here the one that was tested by the canadian army, and found unsuitable, it's basically a civilian model, not modified:

 

 

have some more stuff, that i might post later.

 

Cheers,

 

lex

nice ! Thats the airborne > bicycle <by simplex, the scooter,folding, was similar size to cushman but the footboard when unlocked was hinged so that it all fixed under the rear hinged seat handlebars also folded > like bsa para bike < it then could fit on a jeep rear seat ! Started by lawnmover type rope pull !

[welbike]

nice ! Thats the airborne > bicycle <by simplex, the scooter,folding, was similar size to cushman but the footboard when unlocked was hinged so that it all fixed under the rear hinged seat handlebars also folded > like bsa para bike < it then could fit on a jeep rear seat ! Started by lawnmover type rope pull !

 

Well, I don't know what you're talking about, but not a Simplex, that for sure!!!

 

Lex

[mungaman]

well, i don't know what you're talking about, but not a simplex, that for sure!!!

 

Lex

yeah a simplex airborne scooter,folding 1943,prototype ? Folding handlebars,rear hinged seat,long, not single saddle like the cooper, when solid bar at footboard is released saddle lifts up and whole front assembly swings backward to fit under saddle....nice ! Have a coupla shots of it somewhere,try to post em to make it clearer.

[welbike]

OK, looking forward to see some pictures of that, think I know what you mean, but possibly is civillian?

 

Otherwise email me the pictures direct (welbike(at)welbike.net) and I'll post them.

 

Cheers,

 

Lex

[mungaman]

OK, looking forward to see some pictures of that, think I know what you mean, but possibly is civillian?

 

Otherwise email me the pictures direct (welbike(at)welbike.net) and I'll post them.

 

Cheers,

L COOL

Lex

not civvy.....MILITARY ! ITS WEL COOL !