little crafts over the summer

[Michael S.]

My brother bought a small motorcycle in the spring. Actually, it had already been completely restored by someone else, but there was still a lot to do before it could actually be driven.

Since I had to deal more intensively with the subject of motorcycles, I also wanted to ride one. But I wanted to rebuild it myself. I bought a junk box like this at the local used goods dealer.
Built in 1960, 48 cc and 1.5 HP.
I started taking everything apart and removing old paint and then new primer and paint. The supply of spare parts is excellent.
That's because these small two-stroke motorcycles are still in demand. At one time over 500,000 thousand were built. These vehicles only need insurance and do not need to be officially registered. The maximum speed is 45 km/h.
These mopeds were built by Simson in Suhl.

The first parts are finished and I started putting everything back together over the weekend.
Next I have to take care of the small motor.

(my little niece also found the moped interesting before the restoration)

Michael

[Kim]

Looks like a fun project, Michael! 

And your niece likes it too, that's a pretty good endorsement right there! 

Kim

[Michael S.]

Now I was able to finish this project.
The clutch still needs a few adjustments and I still have to register it officially to be able to drive it on the road.
The vehicle was exported to Bulgaria in the 1960s and a German dealer brought it back. This means there are no registration papers.
But I think I'll get it.

Greetings Michael

[Jo]

What a lovely little moped 

Jo

[Michael S.]

Thanks Jo.
Somehow I wanted to have a moped like that, which I learned to drive when I was 14 years old. That must have been around 1982.

Michael

[Admiral_dk]

Wonderful restauration you have done there Michael 

A design from back when practicality where important 

Where did you find a brand New Speedometer with only 3.1Km. on the Odometer ?

Per     

[Michael S.]

Hello Per,
there is a good supply of spare parts. The speedometer is a new part. The display on the old speedometer was broken and the color came off.
The range of spare parts is quite good. This is because Simson mopeds are very popular here in the former East Germany. This is due to the fact that mopeds like the Simson S 51 and KR 51 are up to 65 km/h fast (and if you turn the right screws, even a little faster).
And that only for around 40 euros of insurance per year. All other manufacturers of mopeds from the "West" with the same engine capacity are only allowed to drive at a speed of 45 km/h. This was stipulated in the 1990 reunification treaty. This means that each frame/chassis with a number is very valuable and can be rebuilt again and again. This makes the things very popular and also expensive. A top restored SR 2 up to 2500 euros and S51 4000 to 5000 euros. It's actually crazy. I already had to pay 670 euros for the pile of scrap.

Michael

[Dave Otto]

That turned out very nice!
I do like the color.

Dave