Latest project completed
Nice one Rod!
A couple of years ago a chirpy bloke on one of these (just) completed the Coast-to-Coast and raised quite a bit for charity in so doing.
I remember well that the poor sod was having to clean-out the carburettor every 5 miles as immense amounts of rust were lodging there having worked their way down from the tank...
Looks lovely.
Very nice job Rod.
Don`t be silly..
What`s that thing protruding from the side of the engine, isn`t that a kick start pedal?
LT
nice job Rod, I look forward to seeing it on the next East Coast Pedaler Run
Looks like the R2 model Di Blasi. I had one a few years ago (two actually but one was stolen at a microcar rally in Cardiff and probably ended up in the River Taff) and might have some paperwork lying around. If I come across it I'll let you know.
There was one of the later models at Sars Poteries this year. It had a variator and went well - mind you, the French lad riding it probably weighed sod all wringing wet which helped!
It's an R7 ST actually. It has a variator but no separate clutch.
I've found the paperwork I mentioned, mainly low-quality copies of brochures and instructions. If they're any good to you I'll stick them in the post - just need your address.
Very kind of you Nick. Anything on the little Di Blasis would be much appreciated. I find them fascinating and great fun. I'm at 10 Amberley Court, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR32 4RL
Keep buzzing,
Rod Fryatt
Thanks for the address, papers in the post. Don't worry when a brown envelope postmarked HMRC lands on the mat!
Papers received thanks Nick. Its amazing how many variants there are of these origami bikes.
Rod Fryatt
No problem! I saw a reference to a canvas bag for the Moto Graziella, my latest folder, and will keep a look out. I won't hold my breath, though.
thats great that, It would nice to be see the tank from underneath to see if its been re-enforced in any way, Its bizarre to think they use the tank as a stressed member!
What's new?.
P&M, later Panther, used the engine as a stressed member from 1896 if we count Joah Phelon's first bike (Phelon and Moore - P&M - get it?) They went into receivership in 1961, though machines were still assembled from parts stock for a few more years after that. Still with the engine as a stressed member.
See video www.flickr.com/photos/velton/4245500239/in/set-72157623140498000/ for a fine example. The bike, not me! Yes, it was minus 15deg c and that is frost on the roads! (Bike courtesy of Tom Norman, - I was just sorting some problems out for him!)
See below one of my own 'darlings'.
And now you know why I sign myself as .....................Potty Pantherman! Best...........
Ah P & M purveyors of Terrot mopeds and scooters to the gentry for a short period - wonder how many of those they actually sold!
What's new?.
P&M, later Panther, used the engine as a stressed member from 1896
-pottypantherman
I know what you mean but engines are big and solid items, Tanks on autocycles seem to be an afterthought usually they seem to be quite delicate with thin sidewalls, It seems to me that they designed the entire bike around the tank, Id have thought it they wanted to make a tank as a stressed member they might have to make it heavy duty by using thicker steel, wheras with engines they don't need to be upgraded to become stressed,
Agreed Luke, but it did make for some conversation, and provided a vent for my pent-up Panther enthusiasm.
Potty P.
The Di Blasi tank is a very strong stiff box with the steering head built in. The modern models have a top frame member and I think the tank is plastic.
Don't forget the Vincent where the engine is the frame.
Rod Fryatt
Was the oil tank part of the frame too? Or is the grey matter playing tricks on me?
Potty (nothing to do with 50cc bikes!) P.
