In the 60s, Montgomery Ward’s sold a Benelli-built moped in two variants – the 150-D and 250-D. The latter got all kinds of fancy upgrades, including a speedometer!
$395 – 1981 Kreidler MP-19
Founded in 1903, Kreidler was a metal/wire factory for nearly 5 decades before they started motorcycle production in 1951. They were immediately successful, as within 8 years they were producing one third of all German bikes. From the late 60s to the early 80s, Kriedler offered MF (mofas) and MP (mopeds) models, and the US got the MP-9 and the …
Land Speed Moped – 1970 Tomos
6-15-2018 Update: Over two years later, Zack B notes that this Tomos is back up for sale. It looks much different now (and not for the better, I’d say). Check out pictures in the listing with an unmet opening bid of $999 in Crawfordsville, Indiana here on eBay. Post-Sale Update: After being relisted, this Tomos sold for a hefty $10,420.69. …
Pre-Motocompo Folder – 1970 Carnielli Motorcycles MotoGraziella
When the subject of “folding scooters” comes up, most people’s minds will wander to Honda’s Motocompo, but there are a number of other collapsable, small-wheeled scoots that predate the Honda by several decades. The “All American Scooter”, the 1960’s Centaur, or Carnielli Motorcycles’ Motograziella.
First Year in North America – 2003 Honda Ruckus
Post Sale Update: this Ruckus sold for $1,151 after 13 bids on Goodwill. The Honda Ruckus is a very unique modern scooter which combines distinctive styling, a CVT transmission, and excellent fuel economy (114 mpg) to become a popular in-town runabout. Here’s an example with just 660 miles that’s been donated to a Goodwill, so you can feel good about …
1968 Suzuki MoKick M31
Another day, another Honda Cub clone from a Japanese competitor! This is the M31, which was also known as the MoKick (because you started it by kicking, like a motorcycle, as opposed to pedaling, like a moped) or the Suzy 55.
1972 Yamaha U7E
This rare step through is a Yamaha U7E, and in the US it was only available for one year. I’ve never seen one before, and I even struggled to find reliable sources of information for basic specs. Do any of you have experience with this little scoot? And do you think it’s cuter than a Honda Cub?
1947 Salsbury Imperial Rocket
The Great Depression era shook up countless industries, creating a need for low-cost, high-efficiency products. So when E. Foster Salsbury reportedly saw Amelia Earhart romping around a California airport on a small motorized two wheeler, he recognized the potential of a cheap, reliable means of transportation. This prompted Salsbury to co-develop the Salsbury Aero Model Motor Glide in 1936 — …
Pretty in Pink – 1966 Lady Yamaha U5E Newport
I’ll start off by saying that I really struggled to find conclusive sources of information on this bike, but apparently Yamaha offered a special edition of the 50cc Newport scooter that was marketed to women in the most stereotypical way possible – they made it pink, added fringes to the seat, and slapped a basket on the front. It did …
1962 Centaur Folding Scooter
Post Sale Update: sold for $5,219 after 33 bids on eBay. When it was released, the Centaur was claimed to be America’s only “full-size” folding scooter. It was marketed as a portable transportation solution that could be folded up in three steps and carried on a boat, plane, trailer, or car.
Rare Scooter With No Reserve – 1959 Manet S-100
Post Sale Update” This Manet sold for $2,247 after 46 bids on eBay. Built between 1958 and 1964, the Manet S-100 was a Czechoslovakian scooter build by Povazske Strojirny that was claimed to return 100 mpg (no, that’s not where the name came from). 51,244 examples were built but very few made it to the US. The succeeding model from …
Rare in the US – 1998 Husqvarna 50cc Scooter
Claimed to be one of just 200 scooters that were originally built for the Italian market, this 2-stroke liquid-cooled Husky scooter is in “perfect cosmetic condition” and it’s said to be the only one in the US. Husky collectors, assemble!
1966 Vespa Super Sprint 90
Post Sale Update: This Super Sprint sold for $15,200 after 44 bids on eBay. One of Vespa’s most interesting scooters, the Super Sprint 90 is valuable due to the unique style and the relative low production number – approximately 5,000 were built between 1965 and 1971.
Front Wheel Drive Moped in England – 1962 VéloSoleX 2200
Post Listing Update: This Solex was pulled off of eBay, final sale price unknown. The brand name of Solex goes back to the 1910s, back when they were known for the production of automotive parts like radiators and carbs. In 1940, one of the founders (Marcel Mennesson) built a prototype motor and mounted it on a bicycle. After years of …
Rare Non-Runner – 1956/7 Triumph Fips
We’ve accumulated quite a collection of bikes for sale over the years, so it’s always a pleasant surprise when I get to share something that I’ve never posted about before. Today’s example of such a feat is brought to you by reader Bob K, who sent me a link to a Triumph Fips. This is from the German Triumph, which …