1965 Article: 1954 Hulsmann - 1-Page Vintage Motorcycle Article

Description

1965 Article: 1954 Hulsmann - 1-Page Vintage Motorcycle Article
Original, Vintage Magazine article
Page Size: Approx. 8" x 11" (21 cm x 28 cm)
Condition: Good
Twenty-six year old David S. Yetman
of Beverly, Massachusetts is a sports car
enthusiast and a relative newcomer to
motorcycling, who works as a service
manager for King’s Rook Honda in Beverly.
He has developed an avid interest in motor-
cycling and is building a “stable” of ma-
chines which presently includes a pair of
Honda Super Hawks in addition to the
Hulsmann.
Yetman discovered the rare machine in
someone’s backyard in very rough con-
dition. He had originally intended to use
it as a woods and trail machine, but upon
learning of the rarity of the bike decided
to undertake a thorough restoration, the
first one he had ever attempted.
To date, more than 200 hours of work
have been spent, with completion still to
be accomplished. All brightwork and trim
have been replaced or rcplated. Irreplace-
able frame and suspension parts have been
duplicated by machinist Dick Dunn of
Beverly, Mass. The J. D. Hulsmann Motor
Works of The Netherlands has long since
been out of business, making parts finding
virtually impossible. Yetman could find no
other Hulsmanns in existence, and found
information on the cycle just as scarce. For
these reasons he wavered somewhat from
a completely authentic restoration, choosing
instead to pursue the objectives of light
weight and simplicity.
Engine, tank, frame, forks, and wheels
are all original but items such as the lights,
fenders, handlebars and seat had to be
substituted with accessory items or parts
from other ipakes. Paint is Honda Red.
Engine is a 122cc Villiers.
Other than its rarity, the ’54 Hulsmann
has several really unusual features that make
it a special interest motorcycle. The integral
hub and brake drum, for example, were not
common practice in 1954. Also noteworthy
is the completely rigid rear suspension
coupled with an exhaust system that is part
of the frame. As can be seen in the photos,
the lower left frame rail is used as the
silencer, complete with baffling and exhaust
tip, and is duplicated by a dummy unit on
the other side!
Most helpful to Yetman in obtaining in-
formation were the Villiers Engineering
Company in England, and the Royal Em-
bassy of the Netherlands in Washington
D.C. If any CYCLE readers have further
knowledge of other Hulsmann motorcycles,
or connected information, Yetman would
appreciate your letters. (David Yetman,
59 Lothrop Street, Beverly. Mass.) <
SPECIFICATIONS
1954 HULSMANN “125”
Manufactured by the J. D. Hulsmann Mo-
tor Works, Schieam, Netherlands.
Engine.............122cc
Villiers Mk 12D
single cyl. 2-stroke
Transmission ..................3-speed
Suspension.......Front — Tubular forks,
enclosed springs. Rear — Rigid
Tires..........3.00 x 19, front and rear
Brakes . . . .6" steel drums integral with
hubs; cable operated
Overall Length......................75"
Wheelbase...........................50"
Curb Weight.....................160
lbs.
Color..........Honda Red with metallic
silver-wheels and trim.
13835-AL-6504-04