1965 S.I.S. Lebre 50cc Portugal Motorcycle - 2-Page Vintage Test Article

Description

1965 S.I.S. Lebre 50cc Portugal Motorcycle - 2-Page Vintage Test Article
Original, vintage magazine article
Page Size: Approx 8" x 11" (21 cm x 28 cm) each page
Condition: Good
Now Portugal is in the act! The list of
countries producing motorcycles that are
marketed in the United States is beginning
to read like a United Nations roll call! In
Europe where two-wheel motoring has long
been an accepted form of everyday trans-
portation. many of the established manu-
facturers are eyeing the lucrative American
sales boom with dollar signs in their eyes.
S.I.S. of Portugal has a line of machines
that has already begun to feel a warm wel-
come over here, thanks to the efforts of
Sports Motor Sales of Glendale, California,
importers and distributors.
The reliability of the German Sachs two-
stroke engine is an established fact in the
motorcycle industry. These trusty mills pro-
vide the power for S.I.S. 50cc and lOOcc
bikes. Our test bike for this month’s CYCLE
was a 50cc “Lebre” model — a 4-speed
street version equipped with a full range
of extras.
Although in a comparatively mild state
of tune, the “Lebre” rated as one of the
hottest little ones we have ridden, approach-
ing the 50 mph zone with ease, and being
fresh out of the crate! Even more impres-
sive, however, was the bike’s remarkable
stopping power. The rear brake pedal is
huge — you can't miss it — and a light touch
brings the Lebre to an amazingly swift,
controlled stop from any speed. The brake
drums themselves are full-width finned
alloy.
The engine (actually 47cc) is fan cooled,
a definite asset for many riding conditions.
It’s rated at 4.3 horses. The 4-speed gearbox
is operated by the left foot. We experienced
some missed shifts from 1st to 2nd until we
found that all that is needed is a light
nudge from our toe.
Comfort-wise the “Lebre" rates high. The
seat is soft and the rider position is natural,
thanks to the Americanized handlebars.
Controls present no difficulty. The throt-
tle is slightly stiff, facilitating removing the
right hand from the bars momentarily with-
out losing speed.
13819-AL-6507-04