Present Availability Of OLD Single Cylinder Engines?

[AdvenJack]

Which antique (pre 1920) single cylinder engine is most available to acquire now,
and get running, to enjoy as a regular use "rider"? E. R. Thomas, Shaw, Harley-Davidson,
Indian, A. O. Smith Motor wheel, etc.?

Thanks,

[Rubone]

Indian made more than anyone else...

[TechNoir]

Triumph made a lot of Model H bikes including about 30,000 for military use during WWI. There are still a lot left and the same engine was used in a few other bikes so I would have to throw the Trump motor into the mix.

John

[AdvenJack]

Thanx !

Robbie and John,

Thank you for supplying the above information. I want to wind up with a single cylinder engine powered, fun riding, example.
I will not be too hard on myself, [right away] regarding every part of the cycle being 1919 or early, but I DO have the self imposed
requirement that the engine WILL have to be. I'm confident that the folks here will be a big help.

[exeric]

Jack, I believe a pre-'20 single is the way to go as twins are often twice the headache. Unfortunately, when twins became more popular (circa 1911) the singles became less popular. Even worse (for a collector) pre-1918 singles (last year for H-D 30.50" single) can be very pricey, and get exponentially more expense the earlier you go. I think John gave good advice about early Triumph, and British singles as they are generally less expensive than American bikes, but truly beautifully built machines.

[Steve Swan]

maybe include daily ebay surfing, it's not there anymore, but i seem to recall a Shaw or something complete motor including carb last week, definitely pre-20, i want to say it was 1915, buy it now $5.5k, super clean, no broken fins, which i thought was reasonable but that's just my perspective. probably for a first project unless you've got the skills, tools, equipment, and money pick something like John says, as Eric recommends so the project can stay fun.

[Steve Swan]

something to look at - not the one i was referencing in my previous post

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1913-Harley...IAAOSwBFVbhti~

[AdvenJack]

I've observed in my short time as a participant on this forum,
that there are folks here that have a pattern of constructive,
positive, optimistic posts. A representative group has posted
in response to my question. MUCH OBLIGED Friends!!!

[exeric]

Jack, you're welcome to stop by my house if you happen to be traveling South. Drop me a line.

[AdvenJack]

Jack, you're welcome to stop by my house if you happen to be traveling South. Drop me a line.

Next time I head south I sure will send a P.M. to you!
Thanks for the invitation.
Of course once you are north of St. Pete or Tampa Int'l airport you're closing in on me.
Reach out if you do head up!

[Ross]

Jack, I believe a pre-'20 single is the way to go as twins are often twice the headache. Unfortunately, when twins became more popular (circa 1911) the singles became less popular. Even worse (for a collector) pre-1918 singles (last year for H-D 30.50" single) can be very pricey, and get exponentially more expense the earlier you go. I think John gave good advice about early Triumph, and British singles as they are generally less expensive than American bikes, but truly beautifully built machines.

Eric, don't forget that HD made a limited amount of 30.50's from 1930 until 1934. I have a 30 and a 34 and they are easily forgotten. I agree with the Indian single as everything is easily available. However even though the numbers were over 30,00 say in 1913, only 10% were singles.

[exeric]

Harley's 1930s vintage 30.50" singles were very good looking bikes, but they are rather scarce. The only ones I've come across, that were reasonably priced, were also incomplete and looking to be missing the rarest parts. . . . But, what isn't rare these days?

[TechNoir]

This obviously depends on a few variables such as how deep your pockets are and if you have your heart set on a particular marque or if you only want American iron but I was looking at some recent auction results and saw this:

https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/24877/lot/409/

This is an absolute bargain. In fact if I could go back in time a couple of weeks I would have bought it. It goes to show though that you can get a decent pre 1920 bike for not too much if you don't mind it needing a bit of work. (and I mean a bit, it doesn't look too bad to me). OK you are on the other side of the pond to this one but there must be similar stuff coming up in the USA.

By way of comparison here is another one (although a bit older one) currently for sale. OK the year (pre-1915 makes the second one worth more but I am not sure that it makes it 3 times the cost.

http://www.andybuysbikes.com/bikeshtml/6799bsa.html#

John

[AdvenJack]

TechNoir and friends,

These sure are beauties, and as has been pointed out,
the '18 is at a very, very attractive price!

[DanM]

Jack-

My only advice is to buy complete bike. Forget the price. If you start with even a HD or Indian engine, your search for the rest is a challenge. For other marques, very, very difficult.

And there is so little out there, you can pout off for a cheaper one and never find it. If you want an early single to ride, get a complete one. Even if you have to restore , you will have it all. The frame, forks, linkages, controls, smalls, etc will take time to acquire or make.