1965 Sparta Rijwielen Apeldoorn Holland -1-Page Vintage Dutch Motorcycle Article

Description

1965 Sparta Rijwielen Apeldoorn Holland -1-Page Vintage Dutch Motorcycle Article
Original, Vintage Magazine article
Page Size: Approx. 8" x 11" (21 cm x 28 cm)
Condition: Good
There is a well established firm in Hol-
land that has been manufacturing light-
weight cycles for some years — Sparta Rij-
wielen. Apeldoorn, Holland — and recently
a shipment of these bikes was received in
the United States by distributor Alton B.
Sherman, 1234 - 9th St., Santa Monica,
Calif.
The CYCLE staff recently ran tests on
two of the most popular models, and they
report as follows:
The engine is 49cc and uses a Bosch
flywheel magneto for ignition and lighting.
The carburetor is a German Bing. The en-
gine is 2-stroke, requiring a mixture of 20
to 1, with SAE 20 oil being recommended.
They build models with 2-speed and 3-speed
transmissions and the ones tested had the
3-speed gearbox.
The shift is accomplished by turning the
left grip, and the clutch is operated on the
same side by an easy-operating lever and
it is very smooth.
The bikes are actually Mo-peds and the
engine starts easily with approximately one
down stroke of the bicycle type pedal.
There is little vibration and the engine is
extremely smooth in operation. The ride
position is good, and the telescopic front
fork and rear suspension gives a smooth
and comfortable ride. The dual seat is me-
dium size and well cushioned and there are
strong, well-placed folding foot pegs for the
passenger, as well as a strap handhold
across the center.
The handlebars are rather short and. for
the American market, we believe they
should be re-designed.
Front and rear wheel brakes are a full
width hub-type, and drums are finned to
assist in cooling. They are extremely
smooth.
The headlight is fully enclosed, with
speedometer and ignition switch encased
in the housing. There is a neat and well-
designed luggage rack as standard equip-
ment.
One thing that impressed us about the
Sparta is the lack of oil leaks and the clean
enclosed covering for the lower part of the
engine. The bikes are about as clean as any
we have ever tested. The rear chain is fully
enclosed for long life and cleanliness. They
also have foreign-type weather protection
leg shields and. while these are popular in
Europe, they are somewhat unorthodox for
U.S. use. There seems to be close attention
to detail, excellent paint selection and finish
The performance is average for a 50cc
unit and 35 to 40 mph seems to be top
speed. The Sparta is a line that will un-
doubtedly appeal to the 50cc enthusiast,
and it has some unique features exclusive
to Sparta. There were actually few features
that we disliked about the bike and. with a
few changes to make it more suitable for
the American market, this little 2-stroke
should have good sales possibilities in the
United States.
13835-AL-6504-04
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