Motor for 1937 Silver King Duralumin Bicycle

[Steve Swan]

This is a bit off the beaten path as far as our passion for old motorcycles goes, but this is 2 wheels and were it not for the bicycle, I don't know what a motorcycle could look like, so here goes...

I've had this bike for longer than i can remember. It's officially a Wards Hawthorne manufactured by Monark Silver King of Chicago, who sold the bike as the Duralium. Duralumin is the obsolete trade name for an aluminum alloy known for its strength and hardness, first developed in 1909 and saw extensive use in aviation. Monark Silver King was an innovative and short-lived bicycle manufacturer est established 1934, ceasing production in 1958. https://www.madeinchicagomuseum.com/...k-silver-king/

In any event, from time to time, I've thought it would be kind of cool if this bike has a motor. I'm aware there are modern motors available to install in bicycles, i'm wondering if there are modern engines appearing vintage or what might be out there and perhaps available for vintage engines, I don't think I'm picky about any particular era as long as it looks vintage. On the other hand, maybe i can't be picky and need to go with a modern motor.

I think this could be a fun little project. I'll appreciate reading your suggestions!

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[frichie68]

I noticed that they did make a chainsaw, seems like someone working at the factory would've thought of adding a chainsaw engine to a bike.

[ChiefTwoKicks]

Wikileaks; Timeline of motorized Bicycles

[exeric]

Beautiful bicycle, Steve. It will be interesting to see what you find for a motor.

[vride5]

monArk made their own motors, go on you tube an look up MONARK SUPER TWIN. they are out there

[T. Cotten]

Wikileaks; Timeline of motorized Bicycles

Thanks, C2K!

I learned the first electric bicycle was built in 1897 by Hosea W. Libbey.

Food for thought...

...Cotten
PS: Nevermind.

ebike.jpg

[PaulCDF]

Very nice bicycle Steve I think the kits like "Whizzer" or "Aquabug" may require too much modification.
I saw somewhere recently a third wheel set up that included the engine and attached towar the rear along side the bicycle rear wheel.

Another thought is an E-bike conversion rear wheel

[T. Cotten]

...I saw somewhere recently a third wheel set up that included the engine and attached towar the rear along side the bicycle rear wheel....

A Smith Motor Wheel, Paul?

Smith Motor Wheel 1.jpg

Pretty pricey I bet, if you can find one.

....Cotten
PS:

....It's officially a Wards Hawthorne ...

My first bike was a Hawthorne, Steve!

A little later of course.
HAWTHRN.jpg

[PaulCDF]

YES Cotten Exactly!
One on ebay for 3K!!!


Smith motorwheel A.jpgSmith motorwheel 3K.jpg

I think "Merkel" was another such wheel.

[Rubone]

I have an old Western Flyer with a home added engine stuffed in a shed. I'll drag it out, hasn't run in about 25 years when I last rode it. The engine is all aluminum, can't remember the brand but maybe "Picor" out of Los Angeles.

[Steve Swan]

Beautiful bicycle, Steve. It will be interesting to see what you find for a motor.

Thanks, Eric. This might be more of a whim on my part, but if a decent looking motor would appear, i'd likely be tempted. My only criteria for the motor would be one that fits the appearance of the bike's era.

[Steve Swan]

A Smith Motor Wheel, Paul?

Smith Motor Wheel 1.jpg

Pretty pricey I bet, if you can find one.

....Cotten
PS:


My first bike was a Hawthorne, Steve!

A little later of course.
HAWTHRN.jpg

Tom, you are a good lookin' kid! A complete motor wheel would be a pretty penny, i imagine.

[Steve Swan]

monArk made their own motors, go on you tube an look up MONARK SUPER TWIN. they are out there

Thanks for the tip! Something to keep my eye open for!

[Steve Swan]

I noticed that they did make a chainsaw, seems like someone working at the factory would've thought of adding a chainsaw engine to a bike.

Interesting! 77 cc! 3.5 hp! i'm seeing a few on ebay... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pM8...annel=OneCudaJ

s-l1600.jpg

[Steve Swan]

I have an old Western Flyer with a home added engine stuffed in a shed. I'll drag it out, hasn't run in about 25 years when I last rode it. The engine is all aluminum, can't remember the brand but maybe "Picor" out of Los Angeles.

Hmm...! Robbie, i'm looking forward to seeing some pictures!