Who remembers Simplex motorcycles? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

**Boog** · 07-30-2021, 09:30 PM

The only deep south made motorcycles in the US since 1935. The original idea was to produce a bike for younger riders who weren't ready for a Harley. Harley passed on it so Paul Treen started the Simplex company with $25.
When I was a kid a friend a couple years older than me had an old Simplex. It was a late '40s model. He found a leather pilots hat and goggles and jacket and rode that thing everywhere. Looked like he was straight out of the war years.

History here.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simple...ng_Corporation

It would be fun to mess around with one today.

**Sheepdip** · 07-30-2021, 09:49 PM

My brother had one years ago that he restored, I believe it was an mid 50's model as it did have a kick starter and a clutch/drive similar to a Snowmobile

They were called a Servi-Cycle as they did not go real fast, the military used them on the bases as messenger transportation, at least that's where he was told his came from, as he bought it from a fellow who purchased it at a surplus auction.

**Boog** · 07-30-2021, 10:23 PM

Specs:

Manufacturer Simplex Manufacturing Corporation
Also called Wizard[1]
Production 1935-1960
Assembly New Orleans
Class Lightweight standard
Engine Single cylinder two-stroke 7.9 cu. in. (130 cc)
Bore / stroke 2 x 2.53 inch
Compression ratio 6.5:1
Power 4 hp at 5000 rpm
Ignition type magneto (by Phelon, later Wico) and dual spark plugs
Transmission 1935-1941: direct drive, no clutch
1941-1953: direct drive with clutch
1953-1960: variable-speed automatic
Frame type double-loop tube frame
Suspension Front: short rocker arms and two coil springs on top of suspension tubes
Rear: None, rigid
Brakes Front: None
Rear: 5 inch drum brake operated by pedal on right side.
Tires 26 x 2.50
Wheelbase 47 inch
Weight 135 pounds (dry)
Fuel capacity 2.5 gallons

I didn't realize they were once sold at Western Auto stores.

**Boog** · 07-30-2021, 11:13 PM

I am drawn to the bobber look.

**special-K** · 07-31-2021, 07:14 AM

So they were named Wizards when sold at Western Auto. I don't really remember seeing them when I was young but I do know about them. Really cool little bikes.

Speaking of Motorcycles built in the deep south, in '91 Confederate Cycles started up. I saw their Hellcat and it turned my head around. It was one bike full of new tech that turned my head from the traditional styles I care for

**Boog** · 07-31-2021, 07:28 AM

Western Auto was one of my two go to stores for bicycle parts back then but I guess there was no market for Simplex bikes in our small town so our store didn't stock them. In fact, the one Simplex I mentioned is the only one I ever saw in person.
I like the history of the Simplex. They also made smaller minibike looking cycles too and scooters. Harley wasn't interested in it but years later they built their own smaller bike. It was called a Hummer or something like that.

Yeah, that Confederate is a wierd looking thing design wise. And pricey too!!

'63GENIII · 07-31-2021, 11:19 AM

I can't recall ever seeing a Wizard but that is one slick looking bike! I'd rock that any day of the week, even now!. Neat story too. Apparently after passing on the idea, Harley had a change of heart on it and started knocking them off with the Hummer. I still see those for sale every so often..

I remember seeing the Hellcat. They were pretty neat looking too. stretched out swing arm if IIRC?

**AussieinNC** · 07-31-2021, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by special-K

So they were named Wizards when sold at Western Auto. I don't really remember seeing them when I was young but I do know about them. Really cool little bikes.

Speaking of Motorcycles built in the deep south, in '91 Confederate Cycles started up. I saw their Hellcat and it turned my head around. It was one bike full of new tech that turned my head from the traditional styles I care for

Confederate Cycles are now Combat Motors and are now hand building specialty cycles to order....serious money....a Combat Wraith will drain your account a cool $155,000

Ya have to love the Buy It Now on the showroom page....

https://www.combatmotors.com/online-shop

**special-K** · 07-31-2021, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AussieinNC

Confederate Cycles are now Combat Motors and are now hand building specialty cycles to order....serious money....a Combat Wraith will drain your account a cool $155,000

Ya have to love the Buy It Now on the showroom page....

https://www.combatmotors.com/online-shop

I'll take the F-117 Fighter. It's the cheapest one I can't afford

. But I also like it best.

Anyone remember the Honda Monkey? They came to the US in '63

**Boog** · 07-31-2021, 09:37 PM

I'd put this Simplex up agin it.

**special-K** · 08-01-2021, 06:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Boog

I'd put this Simplex up agin it.

That Monkey could womp up on that Simplex!

Now we're getting into the era of light cycle competition. Remember Mustang Cycles? (1946-1965)

**Boog** · 08-01-2021, 06:54 AM

Is that what the Shriner's clowns ride?

07-30-2021, 09:30 PM	#1
Boog laying low Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Searcy, Ark. USA Posts: 12,947	Who remembers Simplex motorcycles? The only deep south made motorcycles in the US since 1935. The original idea was to produce a bike for younger riders who weren't ready for a Harley. Harley passed on it so Paul Treen started the Simplex company with $25. When I was a kid a friend a couple years older than me had an old Simplex. It was a late '40s model. He found a leather pilots hat and goggles and jacket and rode that thing everywhere. Looked like he was straight out of the war years. History here. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simple...ng_Corporation It would be fun to mess around with one today. Attached Images __________________ Boog 69 Chevy stepside, 358/T350, 4.11 posi, 4.5/4 drop, rallys, poboy driver primer is finer 91 Chevy sportside, Tahoe, Yukon & GMC Crewcab All GM..'nuff said. I stand for the flag and kneel at the cross

07-30-2021, 09:49 PM	#2
Sheepdip Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: Waterford California Posts: 2,365	Re: Who remembers Simplex motorcycles? My brother had one years ago that he restored, I believe it was an mid 50's model as it did have a kick starter and a clutch/drive similar to a Snowmobile They were called a Servi-Cycle as they did not go real fast, the military used them on the bases as messenger transportation, at least that's where he was told his came from, as he bought it from a fellow who purchased it at a surplus auction.

07-30-2021, 10:23 PM	#3
Boog laying low Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Searcy, Ark. USA Posts: 12,947	Re: Who remembers Simplex motorcycles? Specs: Manufacturer Simplex Manufacturing Corporation Also called Wizard[1] Production 1935-1960 Assembly New Orleans Class Lightweight standard Engine Single cylinder two-stroke 7.9 cu. in. (130 cc) Bore / stroke 2 x 2.53 inch Compression ratio 6.5:1 Power 4 hp at 5000 rpm Ignition type magneto (by Phelon, later Wico) and dual spark plugs Transmission 1935-1941: direct drive, no clutch 1941-1953: direct drive with clutch 1953-1960: variable-speed automatic Frame type double-loop tube frame Suspension Front: short rocker arms and two coil springs on top of suspension tubes Rear: None, rigid Brakes Front: None Rear: 5 inch drum brake operated by pedal on right side. Tires 26 x 2.50 Wheelbase 47 inch Weight 135 pounds (dry) Fuel capacity 2.5 gallons I didn't realize they were once sold at Western Auto stores. __________________ Boog 69 Chevy stepside, 358/T350, 4.11 posi, 4.5/4 drop, rallys, poboy driver primer is finer 91 Chevy sportside, Tahoe, Yukon & GMC Crewcab All GM..'nuff said. I stand for the flag and kneel at the cross

07-30-2021, 11:13 PM	#4
Boog laying low Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Searcy, Ark. USA Posts: 12,947	Re: Who remembers Simplex motorcycles? I am drawn to the bobber look. Attached Images __________________ Boog 69 Chevy stepside, 358/T350, 4.11 posi, 4.5/4 drop, rallys, poboy driver primer is finer 91 Chevy sportside, Tahoe, Yukon & GMC Crewcab All GM..'nuff said. I stand for the flag and kneel at the cross

07-31-2021, 07:14 AM	#5
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,862	Re: Who remembers Simplex motorcycles? So they were named Wizards when sold at Western Auto. I don't really remember seeing them when I was young but I do know about them. Really cool little bikes. Speaking of Motorcycles built in the deep south, in '91 Confederate Cycles started up. I saw their Hellcat and it turned my head around. It was one bike full of new tech that turned my head from the traditional styles I care for __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

07-31-2021, 07:28 AM	#6
Boog laying low Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Searcy, Ark. USA Posts: 12,947	Re: Who remembers Simplex motorcycles? Western Auto was one of my two go to stores for bicycle parts back then but I guess there was no market for Simplex bikes in our small town so our store didn't stock them. In fact, the one Simplex I mentioned is the only one I ever saw in person. I like the history of the Simplex. They also made smaller minibike looking cycles too and scooters. Harley wasn't interested in it but years later they built their own smaller bike. It was called a Hummer or something like that. Yeah, that Confederate is a wierd looking thing design wise. And pricey too!! __________________ Boog 69 Chevy stepside, 358/T350, 4.11 posi, 4.5/4 drop, rallys, poboy driver primer is finer 91 Chevy sportside, Tahoe, Yukon & GMC Crewcab All GM..'nuff said. I stand for the flag and kneel at the cross

07-31-2021, 11:19 AM	#7
'63GENIII Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: San Carlos, Ca. Posts: 3,048	Re: Who remembers Simplex motorcycles? I can't recall ever seeing a Wizard but that is one slick looking bike! I'd rock that any day of the week, even now!. Neat story too. Apparently after passing on the idea, Harley had a change of heart on it and started knocking them off with the Hummer. I still see those for sale every so often.. I remember seeing the Hellcat. They were pretty neat looking too. stretched out swing arm if IIRC? __________________ Chris '63 k15 long step Vortec 7.4 - L29 Blackbear tune, Five 0 Motorsports injectors, Chris Straub Cam, NV4500, divorced 205 52" front and 63" rear spring swap D44 / 14bff - disc axles Milemarker 9K and 10.5K hydraulic winches 63" & B52 Spring Install http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ng+swap+thread NV4500 Reverse Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=reverse+build L29 - 7.4 Vortec Build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...&highlight=L29

07-31-2021, 09:37 PM	#10
Boog laying low Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Searcy, Ark. USA Posts: 12,947	Re: Who remembers Simplex motorcycles? I'd put this Simplex up agin it. Attached Images __________________ Boog 69 Chevy stepside, 358/T350, 4.11 posi, 4.5/4 drop, rallys, poboy driver primer is finer 91 Chevy sportside, Tahoe, Yukon & GMC Crewcab All GM..'nuff said. I stand for the flag and kneel at the cross

08-01-2021, 06:54 AM	#12
Boog laying low Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Searcy, Ark. USA Posts: 12,947	Re: Who remembers Simplex motorcycles? Is that what the Shriner's clowns ride? __________________ Boog 69 Chevy stepside, 358/T350, 4.11 posi, 4.5/4 drop, rallys, poboy driver primer is finer 91 Chevy sportside, Tahoe, Yukon & GMC Crewcab All GM..'nuff said. I stand for the flag and kneel at the cross



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