“In the two pics above, the Lambretta of the Eastern Germans: the Simson “SR-1″, with a look enough similar to the early version of the Italian scooter. The engine is strictly derived from the Simson’s mopeds, and makes this scooter enough “motorcycle”, with the engine under the platform, the manual gearshift and the final chain drive (hidden under a sealed carter: this was a typical feature of other Eastern motorcycles, as Jawa, MZ, Izh and others). The frame is realized in stamped steel-foil, the max speed is 60 km/h. It’s not a scooter for a “Roman holiday”, but it was an honest vehicle!”
Theoretically, mounting the engine and transmission that way should reduce unsprung weight on the rear and offer a more comfortable ride and better handling. Theoretically…
4. December 2006 at 10:37 am
The picture was taken in Berlin, Germany. After some googling I finally identified the scooter as a Simson, made in the German Democratic Republic.
4. December 2006 at 5:55 pm
It does look like a Simson, a SR-1 to be exact (I think). ;)
It certainly looks like one…
http://www.autosoviet.altervista.org/SIMSONSR50SR1CSCOOTER.JPG
http://www.autosoviet.altervista.org/SIMSONSR50SCOOTER.JPG
“In the two pics above, the Lambretta of the Eastern Germans: the Simson “SR-1″, with a look enough similar to the early version of the Italian scooter. The engine is strictly derived from the Simson’s mopeds, and makes this scooter enough “motorcycle”, with the engine under the platform, the manual gearshift and the final chain drive (hidden under a sealed carter: this was a typical feature of other Eastern motorcycles, as Jawa, MZ, Izh and others). The frame is realized in stamped steel-foil, the max speed is 60 km/h. It’s not a scooter for a “Roman holiday”, but it was an honest vehicle!”
Source http://www.autosoviet.altervista.org/ENGLISH-automotorusse9m-(Simson).htm
Vanya
4. December 2006 at 10:11 pm
Theoretically, mounting the engine and transmission that way should reduce unsprung weight on the rear and offer a more comfortable ride and better handling. Theoretically…
8. December 2006 at 6:26 pm
Elementary dear Edsel! Great show of Google-Fu expertise!
And to YOU dear Vanya for the deep dive!
So Bryce, you think it would be worth digging up the mid-mount? Seems to make it more Moped looking.