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1935 Simplex Servi-Cycle Motorbike

National Museum of American History
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Object Details

Simplex Manufacturing Company
Description
Beginning in 1935, the Simplex Manufacturing Corporation of New Orleans made motorbikes, which were smaller and lighter than motorcycles. Their simple designs made personal transportation accessible to young people and adults. Owners found many uses for Servi-Cycles, including errands, pleasure rides, and package delivery using a three-wheeled model. Top speed was 40 miles per hour, and average cruising speed was 30 miles per hour. Postwar sales were strong, but Servi-Cycle sales declined in the 1950s because of the growing popularity of imported motor scooters. Simplex ended motorbike production in 1960 but made motor scooters until 1972, when the company went out of business.
Location
Currently not on view
Credit Line
Gift of Paul Treen
1935
ID Number
TR.317365
accession number
230387
catalog number
317365
Object Name
motorbike
Other Terms
motorbike; bicycle; Road
Physical Description
steel (body material)
rubber (tires material)
Measurements
overall: 36 in x 27 in x 74 in; 91.44 cm x 68.58 cm x 187.96 cm
overall: 38 in x 27 in x 73 1/2 in; 96.52 cm x 68.58 cm x 186.69 cm
place made
United States: Louisiana, New Orleans
See more items in
Work and Industry: Transportation, Road
Bicycling
Industry & Manufacturing
Sports & Leisure
America on the Move
Transportation
Road Transportation
National Museum of American History
Record ID
nmah_843033
Metadata Usage (text)
CC0
GUID (Link to Original Record)
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/ng49ca746a6-5dcf-704b-e053-15f76fa0b4fa

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  • Bicycles

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