www.VeloCruz.com Published Quarterly by VeloCruz Vol. 4 No. 3 Message From Jeff

By Jeff Matthews, VeloCruz president

Another year has passed with many great Solex experi- ences. I thought you might enjoy reading some of the comments we’ve received from cus- tomers and/or have been posted to the Yahoo Group for Solex Owners through- out the year: Winter Solex-land Neither rain, nor sleet, nor, as in this case, snow will keep the Solex from its appointed duty. “I own a 4600 and experience the same comments as you get when mo- toring around. One lady approached me with a cheque book, her com- An Original Solex Fan ment was, you fi ll in the amount, I am buying that bike. They sure are By JaNae Wright an attention getter. Happy motoring. We recently had the chance to catch up Solexes from . He had the original Nice to here from someone else in Al- with Robert Jones, known as BJ, from fi ve or so made in white and he got them berta that owns one.” his home in Delaware, Ohio. BJ was one legalized through medical prescriptions. —Bob in Fort Saskatchewan. of the original Solex dealers in the 1970s They were for therapeutic use—the patient and, together with partner Bob Smith, could pedal the bike around for exercise, “There are two kinds of people in single-handedly paved the way for the but if they overdid it, they could use the this world… thems that have Solexes Solex, and other , to be declared motor to get back home. The number was and thems that wish they did. I rode legal at that time without a license in the limited, but people seemed to like them. my 1966 3800 for the fi rst time to- United States. The man who imported them had a niece night! Yep, had to pedal uphill, but in Columbus who bought eight or 10 of it’s a steep hill. I’m looking forward Q. How did you fi rst get introduced to Solexes from him when he fi nished his to get this bike into good shape and the Solex? research in Detroit. That’s when I fi rst making it a daily driver. Thanks for A. In the mid ’70s there was a man in became acquainted with the Solex. everyones’ ideas and comments on Michigan who lobbied for a medical association and he brought in some SOLEX FAN continued on page 2 >>> VELOCRUZ continued on page 8 >>>

1 SOLEX FAN cont’d from page 1 >>> what we were waiting for. When we went exempt. We took the state ruling and went to court we brought a Solex and a racing to Kentucky, and Kentucky concurred and 10-speed bike and presented our case to wrote it into its law. We then moved on Q. What happened next? the judge. We proceeded to compare and got Michigan to legalize the Solex. A. Well, this niece decided to try and sell the Solex to the and proved that them to make some extra money. She did the Solex was more safe because of its Q. What motivation did you and Bob alright selling them, but the people who wider tires, slower top speed, headlight have to become such lobbyists? bought them were pulled over for driving and taillight, and more powerful braking A. By now we had made contact with without a license. The city had made the system. We presented it as a bicycle with a the VeloSolex company in France and determination that Solexes had to be 1/4 horsepower “helper” motor. had an agreement in principle that, if we licensed, in the same way a could get the Solex legalized, we would was licensed, making them equal to a Q. What was the response from the be granted a territory of fi ve Midwestern Harley-Davidson. Another one of this Judge? states in which to sell the Solex. With this women’s uncles named Bob Smith, also A. The judge just scratched his head intention, we then moved the fi ght to lived in Columbus. He and I worked at a and said he would render a decision in Washington D.C. Bob was able to walk used dealership and we decided to take the morning. The next day he called and a deal through the Senate and House that a crack at selling the Solexes and bought the rest of her inventory. Bob and I brought them to the store and we set to work assembling the bikes and getting them running. They sold really well at the manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $129.99. They sold 3800s black and some orange and yellow 4600.

Q. vs Did you have any problems with licensing? A. Within weeks we received calls from purchasers complaining that the police had pulled them over and ticketed them for operating a motor vehicle without a license. Realizing that such treatment was fundamentally counterproductive to their sales efforts, Bob and BJ decided to fi ght it in court. They took a trip to downtown informed us that it was his ruling that defi ned the as a motorized bicycle. Columbus and spotted a police cruiser the Solex be classifi ed as a motorized It passed. and approached it. As it turned out, it bicycle and that it would not need to be was an offi cer that Bob knew. Bob asked registered. After this victory, we proceeded Q. So you became a Solex distributor? if the offi cer had heard about the Solex. to order another 20 or so bikes. We also A. No, it didn’t turn out that way. During He answered that yes, he had heard some decided that, if we were going to succeed the time we were in Washington D.C. discussion of it at the police station. Bob in selling the bikes, we would need to VeloSolex merged with Motobecane, asked him what he would do if we were get them legalized in an area larger than and the deal was off. We ended up with to take a ride down the street on Solexes Columbus. We took the decision from a Solex dealership. An interesting side without license plates. He answered that Columbus to the county vehicle bureau. note is that before the ruling was written he would have to give us a ticket. We They researched the court fi le and agreed. up, Motobecane and several other moped got the Solex out of van, started it up We then took those two rulings to the manufacturers tried to jump on with and rode it down the street. True to his state, and the state concurred and issued word, he gave us a ticket for operating statements that the Solex was registration an unlicensed vehicle. This was exactly SOLEX FAN cont’d on page 3 >>>

2 SOLEX FAN cont’d from page 2 >>>

Solex and add their lines to the bill. A Classic Comes to Life Motobecane got their name added as By Brian Colter did Batavus from , Puch from Austria, Vespa, Sachs-Hercules from . Within a year there My Solex experience started some years tion. Quite rare, especially in the United were over 104 models on that legal list ago when I was given a rusty, old bicycle States, but definitely not the only one in in Ohio. Within two years we had closed with what seemed like a motor over the the world as I had originally thought. the used car portion of our business and front wheel. My brother-in-law thought Much of the information that I came were selling only mopeds. that, since I rode a Harley-Davidson across was in French, but luckily I had motorcycle, I might be interested in studied French in high school and col- Q. Where did you get your inventory? whatever this contraption was. lege, thinking it would come in handy A. That’s another interesting story. I recognized the word “Solex” on the for playing ice hockey up north and in In anticipation of the passage of the motor as the manufacturer of carburetors Canada. Although I don’t speak the lan- law legalizing mopeds, Motobecane used on Volkswagens that I have had the guage fluently, I am able to read and write had stockpiled thousands of units in opportunity to own and repair, but could it well enough to get by, and this has been Canada. As it turns out, when the law find out no more information about my a big help. It has enabled me to not only was passed the United States put certain new acquisition. Looking through vari- read the websites, but also to order parts specifi c restrictions on what types of ous motorcycle books and magazines pro- from France, participate on the French mopeds were allowed. For example, a duced nothing, and nobody that I knew Solex forums and message boards, and to moped had to have a certain type of recognized my bike. I figured that, what- make friends with some truly nice French headlight and brake light, among other ever it is, it’s pretty rare and I must have people. I look forward to checking my things. Unfortunately for Motobecane, the only one. I decided to put it on the e-mail to see what’s new with my friends and, as it turns out, fortunately for us, side until I could find out what it was. across the ocean. those bikes already in Canada did not My story picks up again some years I, of course, also look forward to comply. That inventory sat for a while, later when I bought a computer. As with checking the Yahoo! Solex Owners of and eventually we went and bought so many other Solex owners, this opened America group site to see what’s happen- 18000 units. After modifying the up a whole new door for me. Merely ing with fellow members, not only North magnito system to add a sealed beam typing in the word “Solex” got the ball Americans, but Europeans, too, from headlight and taillight they were ready rolling. Website after website, link after Britain, Germany, France, and elsewhere. for sale in the United States. Well, you link, I collected enough info to finally I think I remember seeing a posting or can imagine that we heard from Velo- determine exactly what I had, a 1949 two from Japan, also. Solex and Motobecane. They informed 45cc Velosolex. Official production of the Once I knew what kind of bike I had, us that we could not sell bikes with Velosolex started in 1946, so this one was SOLEX STORIES cont’d on page 4 >>> their logos and names on them. So, we made in only the third year of produc- stripped them of stickers, ground the names off of the different metal parts, and named them “Roadrunners.” They sold like hotcakes. We couldn’t keep up. We also took a bunch of the fork assemblies and motors and sold them as a kit to create a motorized . We sold a couple of thousand of those.

Q. What were the successes/challenges in your Solex business? A. As I said, our challenge was to let people know about the safety of the Solex. We channeled the marketing to focus on the weight, that it is easy to transport with RVs: “Get 300 miles per gallon out of your motor home—take your Solex along!”

3 plug and a spark plug wire purchased from VeloCruz. Tommie Matthews pro- vided helpful literature and advice. I took my time with the frozen piston and won the battle, letting it sit in Coca- Cola (a mild acid) for some time, then using a combination of soaking in and spraying with WD-40 and light tapping back and forth until it was worked free. New piston rings (very hard to find for the 45cc motor) were won on eBay U.K. and installed. A 45cc motor and toolbox were won on eBay France as well, both from Bixente Moto. The motor supplied the headlight and replacement flywheel, and also a small carburetor part. The saddle was sent to The Saddle Shop in Michigan and came back a couple of months later looking better than new. Light bulbs, bulb socket and head gasket came from the Deschamps brothers of www.lesolex.com as did some valuable technical assistance. New throttle and decompressor rods were fabricated from coat hanger wire, which was exactly the right thickness. New wiring was run for the lights and the fuel tank needed major cleaning. Suitable rubber grips were found at Steve’s Moped in New Jersey and adapted to the bike. All that remained after a year of work was to clean and set the points, fill up the tank and give it a try. I took the bike outside, lowered the motor, closed the choke and pushed in the decompressor lever like I had read to do. I started pedal- ing, let out the lever and… it started right up! I couldn’t believe it! Here I was riding on this 50-something-year-old bike after I set to work. Every nut, bolt and part was few millimeters narrower than the origi- bringing it back from the dead. What removed, cleaned, de-rusted, and exam- nal, an unnoticeable difference. After get- a great feeling. Nobody that had seen ined. As I went along, I asked questions ting the basic bike cleaned the bike when I started and gathered info on the Internet. up and back together, the thought that I would ever Some of the main obstacles to getting new wheels and tires were Some of the main obstacles get it going. But, thanks the bike running were a bent flywheel, installed and the bike real- to getting the bike running to some hard work and frozen piston, wheels and tires in unsal- ly started to take shape. A were a bent flywheel, fro- to all of the great help vageable condition, worn saddle, and sev- brake lever, chain guard that I’ve received and all eral missing parts. My plan was to locate and new fuel filter were zen piston, wheels and tires of the wonderful people wheels and tires first, since I had read that obtained from Velosolex- in unsalvageable condition, that I’ve come to know, they were impossible to find. I figured America. Northern Tool worn saddle, and several I now have a classic piece that, if I couldn’t find them, to continue and Equipment supplied missing parts. of history to ride around with the rest of the project would be universal type brake cables on and enjoy. useless. Using the computer, I was able that I adapted and fit to to find a bicycle shop, Harris Cyclery, in the Velosolex. I was able Solexly, Brian Massachusetts that had the correct size to use new brake blocks, cylinder base tire available, and wheels that were just a and exhaust manifold gaskets, a spark

4 Found A Solex and Lost My Marbles By Marcus Neville

I lived with my family in Sussex, England it had not been sold prior to emigrating to the States 25 years before I spotted it. The ago. At the age of 10 a conventional bicycle vendor had not even was the primary means of transport for my put it out for sale as he brother and myself. I had a part time sum- was still setting up his mer job which entailed 35 miles of round table—perfect timing! trip bicycling. On the tiring ride home I tried to contain my after work, I would reflect on those “black enthusiasm for fear the motorized bikes.” A Solex would have been purchase price might the perfect solution to my transportation increase accordingly. problem but it was not to be. I caught the attention My fascination for the Solex motor of the man behind the bikes began while visiting France. When I table and said “How was a young boy, family holidays (vacations) much for the bike?” would take us through France en-route to “You mean the Solex?” Southern France, Italy and Portugal. The he replied. “Yes, the sight of self-propelled bike,” I my treasured find into my truck, and buzzing around the towns and said, fearing he knew what he admired it through the rear view mirror for countryside was, to say the The sight of self- had and might be little proud the next 1,000 miles all the way back to my least, intriguing. Naturally, propelled bicycles of it. The bike had deflated home in Virginia. most were outfitted with the buzzing around the white wall tires front and rear, I have since renovated the bike, thanks traditional wooden boxes filled towns and country- which was helpful when it to VeloCruz. Jeff was very helpful in supply- with everything from Poodles side was, to say the came to negotiating the price. ing me with advice and all the parts I need- to Pinot Noir. least, intriguing. The engine turned freely and ed to get the bike back in tip-top condition. My first thought was how the bike was fairly complete. She now runs and looks like a champ! I could acquire one of these I’ll spare you the details of I decided to call my brother in England gems to get me to and for my job. I looked my Old Kent Road Bartering Shenanigans, and relate the story to him expecting him into it and found that the laws in England but I ended up with the bike for $75. As to be envious of my latest acquisition. required vehicle registration, a license tag I wheeled it out of the market towards Not so, he already had picked up a yel- number, a vehicle roadworthy test, manda- low one a few years tory crash helmet and lastly a provisional back and had not driving license, for which the applicant told me about it. To had to be 16 years or older. This was far make matter worse too much administration for a 10 year he paid even less old, plus I was not old enough to apply than I did and did for the special license. I managed to forgo not have to make the idea and continued to pedal 35 miles any repairs. He still a day. The thought of ever owning a Solex lives in England so seemed unlikely until 44 years later when I is a little closer to was at a Flee market in Ft. Lauderdale Fla. the source, I told up and down the rows of stuff/ him. merchandise for sale I spotted the rear My business is wheel of a bicycle protruding up in the air. close to my home. My fascination for two-wheeled vehicles Weather permit- took me closer. There she was in all her ting; I ride my glory, a sight I had not seen for many years, Solex, complete a Solex! It was standing on end, balancing my truck, I was amazed by the amount with wooden box and bungee cords to on its front wheel and leaning against some of inquisitive people that approached me, work each day. I think my employees think boxes. It was probably only the fact that wanting to know where I got it, did it run I have lost my marbles, but I tell them “It’s the engine was obscured from view that and how much I paid, etc. I proudly loaded a Solex thing.”

5 3800 vs. 4600—Differences Part 2 By Jim Clift

Here are some pictures of one of the main differences in the 3800 on top of the other two coils. Instead of the lighting post of the and 4600 engines. A 3800 has two coils, ignition and lighting, as 3800 model, the 4600 has three wires. The purple one goes to the just about every Solex has had in manner or another. ignition kill switch and the other two go to the lights/horn and When the 4600 USA model needed to have a horn and stop- the stop light switches. Different sized connectors make hooking light, the way to accomplish this was to add an additional coil. everything up a snap. As you can see in the picture it sits to the front of the engine

Dealer in the Spotlight by Lawrence Woodward

My fi rst encounter with a Solex Motorbike was on a routine trip to the Post Offi ce on my strictly Pedal power bicycle. I thought how nice it would be to have the option of Pedal & Motor so I contacted Jeff Matthews and ordered one. It is now one of the great JOYS of my life. I decided We are looking for to get into the Dealership aspect of SOLEX because I new Solex dealers, think there is great potential for SOLEX motorbikes technicians and service in my geographical area. facilities. Please There could not be a better time for people to own a contact Jeff via e-mail SOLEX. [email protected] HAPPY SOLEXING Larry Woodward if you are interested in Dunedin, Florida working more closely phone: 727-432-3733 e-mail: with VeloCruz. [email protected] Larry and his beloved white Solex

6 HAPPY HOLIDAYS! SUBSCRIBER SPECIALS FOR THE SEASON

Solex Long-Sleeve Solex Fleece Vest - Mock Shirt (100% Cot- $34.95 (specify size) ton) - $22.95 (specify size)

Solex Light Jacket - Solex T-Shirt $47.95 (specify size) Solex Hat - (Hanes 100% Cot- Embroidered with a ton) - $19.95 Solex logo. $19.99 (specify size)

Check out these other great subscriber deals! 2004 Model 3800s—Just Arrived! Regular 84-page repair manual—$13.95 (save $4). To Order: price is $1145. Subscriber discounted This will be a great resource as you ap- VeloCruz price is just $1095 (including shipping proach your winter Solex projects. to most major U.S. cities Limited PO Box 902021 Solex Gift Certifi cate—only $20. This is quantities available. Basket extra. Sandy, UT 84090 a great stocking stuffer, and can be Michelin Tire & Tube special—$25 (low- applied towards the retail price of any ph—(800) 393-7101 est price in years!). bikes, parts, or accessories. (Valued at fx—(801) 383-6070 $25). e-mail—[email protected] Solex Saddlebags (black with Solex Logo) These are beauties. $39 (save $20). Web—www.velocruz.com

7 VELOCRUZ continued from page 1 >>> When I was growing up in Kansas The coming year promises new op- City, TWA pilots would bring Solex portunities for the Solex. Production in motorbikes home for their teenage Hungary is up and running again, and this group. Keep ‘em coming! 200 sons to ride. Rode them many times, bikes can be supplied to meet the increas- m.p.g.? Sounds like the solution to and was pleased to see that you are ing demand. Fuel costs will probably not the energy crisis to me. importing them. go down much, which means that 200 —Bill in North Carolina —Solex fan in Texas miles per gallon really does become 200 smiles per gallon on a Solex. I did business with you over one year WOW! Many other companies could Thanks to each of you for your sup- ago and thoroughly enjoyed dealing learn a lesson or two from you guys. port this year. It is fun doing business with you. I eventually completely GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE! with you and learning about your passion restored my old 1961 Velo and have Hats off and thank you. for this product. ridden it on and off since last Spring. —Charles in California —Steve in Tennessee Sincerely, Jeff Matthews - CEO, VeloCruz

Photo Contest Winner “Out numbered, Out powered but not Outdone“ Taken outside of the Yorktown Pub on Water Street in Historic Yorktown Virginia. Photo shows myself Marcus Neville (white hat) and my friend, Ernie Goudriaan from Holland visiting for a week. He was quite at home on a Solex. The nearby Colonial Parkway makes for great Solexing with some beautiful scenery. It is also a good way to visit the Yorktown Battlefields, the museum and monuments related to Historic Yorktown. I highly recommend the area for some good Solexing. Colonial Williamsburg can be reached by riding through the Colonial Parkway, approx 15 miles. Makes for a fun day ! More area info can be viewed at: http://www.williamsburg.com/york/york.html

ENTER THE PHOTO CONTEST AND WIN A PRIZE Winner will be announced in the next issue of the Solex Newsletter. All entries become the property of VeloCruz and will not be returned (can you imagine the headache?). Submissions, including caption information, can be in digital (via e-mail or disk) or print format. If submitting digital photos, please make sure the image is more than 200 dpi. Any common format (e.g. GIF, TIF, JPEG, BMP) accepted. Send images and caption information to [email protected] or Attn: Matt Wright, 360 W. 4800 N., Provo, UT 84604

VeloCruz PO Box 902021 Sandy, UT 84090

Sales ph— (800) 393-7101 (U.S.) (801) 733-4578 (Inter.) fx — (801) 383-6070 e-mail—[email protected] web—www.velocruz.com

Tech Support ph—(801) 733-4578 Over 200 Smiles per Gallon!

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