|
This lightweight two stroke American bike is awaiting a few parts, and is a future restoration project. The little 150 lb. Cleveland was introduced in 1915, and was the finest lightweight motorcycle to be produced in the USA in the early days. The engine, displacing 13.5 cu. inches, or about 200 cc., is mounted with the crankshaft longitudinal. Transmission is via worm and wheel, with a slick two-speed gearbox mounted between the overhung crank and the worm gear. The final drive is by bevel gears and chain. Ignition is by high-tension magneto driven at crankshaft speed, so starting was easy. According to early accounts, these little bikes were almost maintenance free. V. C. Short of Portland Oregon rode a Cleveland 850 miles in 24 hours on June 24th 1918, averaging 77 miles per US gallon, not bad for a lightweight, even by today’s standards! The Cleveland lightweight was built until 1924, after which it was discontinued, and replaced by the more majestic Cleveland Four. Impressions
from the Saddle
|
|||
|
|
|||
 |
|||
|
|
|||
 |
|||
