I found a Bath Supply Shop filled with Vintage Mini Bikes

I needed some new parts for my Standard toilet from 1955. I went to Mathison's Bath Supply in Livonia, MI. Walking in the door I was overwhelmed with Mini Bikes, Whizzers and Old bicycles from the early fifties. Frank Mathison not only collects, he restores them also. He has a Mini Bike Drag race weekend each year at Ubly Dragway in Michigan's thumb area. Frank has a website called www.oldschoolminibike.com He buys and sells bikes and parts. You can call Frank at 734-522-5633. I was thinking how cool would be to have a mini bike from the same era as your Hot Rod. I had so much fun shooting the shop, I forgot to buy my toilet parts.
Mike TPG

This green bike is a 1974 Heathkit, Frank has the correct seat in the back of the shop.

This unrestorred orange Little Indian is a 1972. Little Indian is celebrating their 50th anniversary this year.

There was this 1974 Little Indian model 5000 sitting in a bathroom in the back of the shop

I want this 1949 WZ Whizzer with a J motor and automatic clutch

The boxy grey primer fender belongs to an early 50's Ward's Hawthorne Mini Bike.

The Crazy looking primer rear fender belongs to a Pony Cycle form the early 50's. They were made in White Lake Mi


This Little Indian needs some TLC

Franks in the process of restoring this Simplex, he has all the parts

This Cl***ic Ruttman chopper frame is what I used to dream about as a twelve year old

Just a row of small displacement motorcycles, with a 78 Kawasaki 250 in the front of the lineup.

The bike on the floor is an unkown model from the early 40's. The one on the bench is a Little Indian waiting to get restored.

This 1970 Ruttman Judge is Frank's driver. It has a two speed automatic.


This Simplex was waiting for the gas tanks to be put back on.

They were stripping the paint on this Ruttman Horney Toad with oven cleaner. They take the paint off one layer at a time that way to get to the original color.


The ceiling is filled with frames and parts.

Frank has lots of vintage bicycles handing in the back room also.

Dig the red light on this 49 Simplex.

If you have any idea what this mini bike form the 40's is, call Frank at 734-522-5633

 

DAMN! All of a sudden, I feel like I'm 12 years old and I want a mini-bike! Awesome find!

 

cool bikes! thanks for sharing the photos.

 

This Frame is a Taco Mini bike, year unknown

This Ruttman Spyder is painted Plum Crazy and undergoing a restoration for someone on the west coast. It's going to cost him about $1500.

Ruttman chopper frame and fork.

Back view of the plum crazy Ruttman Spyder

Miss Handy is in charge of wheels, gears and other ***orted parts

Some fresh engines to go with the frames

One of the first Schwinn Sting Rays

A couple of those very desirable Ruttman chopper frames

This 1949 whizzer has hot cam in it. Frank likes to drive it at Ignace.

1948 W2 Whizzer

1953 X53 Western Flyer. I love the saddle bags.

Nice bags!

 

Those old machines from the 40's and 50's are "scooters"... mini bikes were a product of the 60's coming after the go-kart craze of the 50's.

We're doing 125' mini-bike drags on a clay track at the Shakedown in August... miss it and you're a weenie!

 

jeez, that guys got **** all over the place!

 

i'ld love to have one again...maybe even an extended front end one
at min i'ld have to have a front and rear spring setup..mine did back in the day...with serious knobby tires

 

1948 Simplex with a six horse overhead valve motor

1967 Skat Kitty with optional side car. This mini bike has a cast aluminum frame and was very popular with Shriners.



I love the pipe, it reminds me of the Angel pipe I had on my Mini Mate.


A super rare Schwinn Sting Ray Tandem

Bow in the presence of the 1959 Cushman Road King. This bike is a sleeper, Frank pulled out the stock six horse and put in a 18 horse engine.


1959 Mustang Stallion, looks like a cl***ic Harley Hardtail.

1973 Rupp Roadster II

An old Arctic Cat in font of an older Simplex.

1958 Mustang With a V Twin engine

The ultra rare Schwinn Sting Ray tandem

 

Oh dammm I used to have a Ruttman chopper..............brings back memories.

 

And **** depositories

 

You could have one again. Frank has frames and everything you need. He loves those choppers.
Mike TPG

 

wow cool stuff there....jeffrey

 

doe's any one know were i could send a pic to identify a mini bike i found in a pile of parts in the back of a old car i bought ?

 

there's an old simplex around the corner without an engine--maybe I should get it--could ride around the neighborhood

 

A New little Indian. It had a price tag on it of $750.

Frank has some eclectic tastes. Cool Stuff was all over the place.

This is a riot helmet that the Michigan State police used during the Detroit riots in 1967

Vintage wagon with Gas powered Hydro


Mercury lightning outboard

I love that texaco sign

This is a 1946 Laray


1973 Arctic Cat
That's all folks!
Thanks for looking.
Mike TPG

 

Just another reminder of all the cool stuff I either gave away or sold for next to nothing...cool pix...

 

Holy Turd Pots bat-man that cat has the coolest **** !! Although I didn't see a more door Roadrunner in his stash !! But I would dig the **** out of that 59 cushman >>>>.

 

Frank could identify it. Try his website to get his email.
www.oldschoolminibike.com

 

you just remided me i need to go get my taco22 and my ladys **** cat out of the storage room

 

man that looked like fun, sounds like this guy is quick to give a tour. great pics, i feel like i was there

 

Hey olscrounger, if that Simplex is priced right there's a couple things I need off it. Hit me a PM and let's talk.

 

You got a baby bull? I had to throw mine away about 10 years ago cuz I couldn't get parts for it.

 

Guess I should do something with the **** Kitty that's out in the garage. Those pictures will help in trying to put it back close to original. Don't have the trick exhuast pipe or high bars. Thanks for posting them

Lee

 

Wow is all I can say.

 

If this thread has motivated anyone to go out to the garage and work on their old Mini Bike, then I'm very happy. I hope some of you post your cool old Mini Bikes.
Mike TPG

 

Hi Lee,
Here's Frank Mathison's number 810-599-1399. He might know where get some parts for your **** Kitty. The flexible mount for the sidecar was pretty cool.
Mike TPG

 

yeah, we like them here to!!!! that guys stuff is great! wow!!!

 

Take some photos Big Khaunaa, I'd love to see them.
Mike TPG

 

I've got a thing for Cartoon Chick's, the one in your poster is Hot!
Mike TPG

 

I've known Frank for years as a car guy but him and I have never talked mini-bikes, strange. He's a great guy. I'll have to invite him to our next mini-bike madness event at Scott's place....you too of course.