I have a motorcycle (not complete) that I think was built in the early 1900's. The name tag states that it is a "Texas Special", and that it was distributed by Herbert L. Flake of Houston. Someone had put a Harley Hummer gas tank on it and a Mo-Ped motor, before I got it. Can anyone tell me if it is authentic, or what is it ?? Any help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Fred
Hey man, a lot of really early motorcycles were actually modified bicycle frames, also note that schwinn did make special models for different markets. That front fork look schwinnish. check the frame for ID numbers.
******** into old two wheels. I've never heard of a "Texas Special", but thats not saying much. Between 1890 and 1920, for every motorcycle manu that we might even remotely recognize today on a anitque registry, there was probably 10 that were so small and local that only someone from that area at that time, would really know for sure. I could do some research to find out a likely engine mate to the frame though. A lot of those small time jobs used generic main engine components from major manu's like Hedstrom or Briggs.
CycleJock, your bike looks to be post WWII (49-51ish). It sports a post war Schwinn 'knee action' springer, a messinger motobike B1 saddle (or Persons 'King Comfort'. The rear fender is a Schwinn Heavy Duty. I'm guessing it's a LaRay based scooter. Will tell you more later...
Back fender is a Schwinn spit fire 1955 vintage a just bought a whole bike at auction same colr and all
Well, there is still a Herbert L. Flake company in Houston that is now a Lock Hardware Distributor. Their website says they have been in business since 1912. http://www.hlflake.com/ You should call them and see what they might know about it. I also found a website talking about a guy that now works there who is a distributor of bicycle parts. CLICK HERE TO SEE THAT WEBSITE
It looks kind of home fabbed to me. Maybe based on a LaRay or maybe even a real early Simplex. It doesn't have a frame notch for a belt, so I dont think it could be any earlier than the 30's. I've got a bike that was made sometime around 1905-1910 that we've had for 30 years and we *still* dont know what it is... but yeah, there are lots of bikes out there, that they only made one or two of them.
Not to hijack the post, but here's Mine.... pretty neat old motorcycle. Also, check some threads with a pitch gauge and see if it's of US manufacture.
that tag must be from a bicycle! pictured on that tag is the san jacinto monument. it's near houston and marks the spot of the famous battle of san jacinto. construction of the monument was started in 1936 and finshied in 1939. so it's not early 1900's but is very kool!
I didn't see these last few pictures earlier. I have to agree, can't really be before 30. Older bikes need to have large perimeter belt pulleys to compensate gear useable ratio, and the appropriate belt cutout in rear frame to p*** through. Also the horizontal cross memeber in the middle. Woulda meant it had a full horizontal piston set-up, which is possible if it was 2 stroke (though cost preven***ive at the time for a small manufacturer and not reliable). But horizontal 4 strokes didn't come till later with better oil piping technology.
Good score man. The Schwinn fork is an old Triumph patent- Arnold, Schwinn Co bought it from Triumph after WWI when they were gettin heavily into the motorcycle business. It was used on most Triumphs from about 1908 untill maybe the mid twenties.
[ QUOTE ] that tag must be from a bicycle! pictured on that tag is the san jacinto monument. it's near houston and marks the spot of the famous battle of san jacinto. construction of the monument was started in 1936 and finshied in 1939. so it's not early 1900's but is very kool! [/ QUOTE ] Thats a damn good point. Everyone thats ever lived in Texas has had Texas History in school at one time or another. That should help ya narrow it down. Personally I think it's just a bicycle with a Hummer tank on it. But heck, who knows?!
it may be a bicycle with a Hummer tank ......But the wheels are two inches wide and have 1/8" spokes. Did they make bicycle wheels that wide and with heavy spokes back then?
Try contacting the Barber Motorsports Museum in Birmingham, AL. Mr. Barber has the most insane motorcycle collection I've ever heard about (and his own racetrack and museum for it). Someone there would probably be able to point you in the right direction. they literally had a boardtrack set up in one corner of the building with these old racers "racing" on it... --Casey
The Jalopy Journal
