US Moped History

November 29, 2020

Brief History of Mopeds in the USA

Author: Daven (m025001.sctcorp.com) Date: 02-22-2000 13:22
About the rise of mopeds in the 1970’s, and the fall in the 1980’s.

Among the many sorrows of 1995, America’s failure to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the arrival of the moped on its shores probably doesn’t rank very high. The oversight is, perhaps, even understandable. With their puny engines, fragile suspensions, and lumpy contours, mopeds were a paean to defensive driving, and as such, seem completely antithetical to what passes for a recreational vehicle today. Yet the moped was beloved. Twenty years ago, it was up there with hot tubs and Studio 54 on the top of the charts–a hallmark of its age. Since then, times have been tough. Even the recent 70s revivals have largely ignored the moped. Unresuscitated, unable to leap Travoltalike into our decade, the moped languishes in the dark recesses of the past, growing ever more obscure, fading like the leisure suit and Ben Gazzara. So quickly, before everyone who remembers the moped joins the Shah in the hereafter, indulge me, and to celebrate it. The semi-successful marriage of the motorcycle and the bicycle was first performed in gas-starved Europe at the end of WWII. Dubbed the moped (a contraction of the words motor and pedal), and basically unregulated, it flourished in the streets of Paris and Rome. The motors were very small (50 cc’s max) and of the simple two-stroke variety, so you had to mix the oil and gas yourself. But these spunky vehicles got ungodly mileage (between 100 and 200 miles per gallon). The pedals were used to help start the engine and to assist in hill climbing (although on some models, real hill climbing could be more easily accomplished by getting off the moped and walking). Those chic Europeans seemed to love them. But in America, mopeds were effectively barred by laws that classified them as motorcycles and demanded that they have foot brakes, turn signals, and various other features that they didn’t possess. We had to slake our thirst for this kind of machine with motor scooters and electric bikes. We probably didn’t even know we had such a thirst. Then in 1974, after a heavy industry lobby, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration relaxed the safety standards for mopeds. The great American moped markets were open. Laws varied from state to state, but basically, the U.S. moped’s maximum speed was set between 20 and 30 miles an hour, and drivers were forbidden to enter major highways. Beyond that, the mid-70s moped laws were pretty lax. Many states didn’t require a license, insurance, or registration; some didn’t even set a minimum operating age–which was a blessing for eager-to-get-dating 15-year-olds. (The 30 mph top speed was somewhat elusive, since most models that could achieve that kind of speed tended to shake the fillings out of your teeth when they did it. Yes, these mopeds were slow, and their engines were meek.)

They came from strange-sounding companies at first: Puch, Garelli, Batavus, and Tomos, to name a few. But once the craze was on, many of the big motorcycle manufacturers joined the fray. The Honda Hobbit, introduced in 1978, may have been the quintessential moped in name and appearance (especially name). The consumer appeal was easy to grasp: The moped was cheap, very cheap. Cheap to operate, cheap to buy, and free to insure. You could get a good one for about $350. That’s $350 for a machine that could take you anywhere you wanted to go at 20 m.p.h., and make it seem like a good time if there weren’t too many hills or big trucks around. $350! I spend about seventy bucks a week these days just on cough medicine and phone calls to the Motorcycle Industry Council, never mind transportation. Moreover, the moped was fun to ride–it put you low to the ground with some wind in your hair and moved you through traffic sort of like a motorcycle did. And in a nation delirious about all sorts of moving vehicles and the trappings thereof (truckers and CBs, the Dukes of Hazzard and CHiPs, go-carts and slot-cars) the fun little moped fit right in. Sales jumped from 25,000 in 1975 to 75,000 in 1976 to 150,000 in 1977–and then doubled again in 1978. There were moped articles in every magazine from Newsweek to Glamour. They were popular with men and women, with the young and the old (and the very old, who liked to tool around retirement communities). They were sold in drugstores and newsstands, as well as your more conventional cycle shops, and everyone was back-ordered. Some high schools began to offer Moped Ed courses to eager freshmen. Nick Nolte and Jacqueline Bisset were in a ridiculous moped chase scene in The Deep. Jimmy Carter encouraged us to buy mopeds as part of his energy conservation program. And the Department of Transportation estimated that in the 1980s, America’s roads would be covered by two- to three-million mopeds.

But the good days didn’t last. Lawmakers began to consider the safety issues raised when a vehicle with a top speed of 30 m.p.h. mingles with normal traffic (acceleration at stop lights was a big problem). There were some accidents: not as many as with motorcycles, but there were a lot more safety laws for motorcyclists–including helmet requirements. And in a moped accident, the mopeder always seemed to lose. Furthermore, the police became troubled by the fact that mopeds, with licensing optional in most states, were a good means of transportation for people who’d had their automobile licenses revoked. Resulting legislation greatly increased restrictions on the mopeds. Alas, public perception changed too: The novelty wore off, and the moped became wimpy. Sales leveled, then declined, then dropped off the map. By 1985, there were fewer than 12 moped dealers in the country, down from a late 70s peak of several hundred. Moped madness was over.

 


What’s new

November 29, 2020

What’s new

Click on these links to visit the newest sections, updated or revised.
These are the major revisions. Many more minor ones are not listed.

2022-07 Main Menus were made small-screen-friendly. 

2022-06 Parts/Ignition/CEV Magnetos was improved.

2022-06 Brands/Slovenia/Tomos/A3 Parts and A35/A55 Parts were revised.

2022-05 Parts/Cables/Cable Parts was improved.

2022-05 Parts/Cables/Tomos Cables was updated.

2022-04 Parts/Carburetor/Gurtner was revised.

2022-04 Parts/Cables/Puch Cables was updated.

2022-04 Parts/Wheels/Tires and Tubes was updated.

2022-03 Brands/Japan/Honda was revised.

2022-03  Parts/Frame/Covers, Reflectors/Reflectors was expanded.

2022-02  Parts/Cables/Motobecane Cables was updated.

2022-02  Parts/Electrical/Tail Lights. CEV Tail Lights was updated.

2022-02  Brands/France/Motobecane/Motobecane Cady was revised.

2022-01  Parts/Electrical/Batteries was revised.

2022-01  Brands/Puch/Puch U.S. Models was revised.

2021-12  Parts/Controls/Grips was revised.

2021-12  Parts/Controls/Handlebars was revised.

2021-12  Brands/Italy/Di Blasi was revised.

2021-11  Parts/Electrical/Speedometer Parts was revised.

2021-10  Parts/Accessories/Tools was revised.

2021-09  Brands/Germany/Sachs/504 and 505 Engine Parts was completed. Eighteen 1974 to 1984 parts and service manuals were combined to make colorized illustrated parts lists.

2021-08  Brands/Austria/KTM Photos and specs were added for 1968-88 KTM Hobby and other worldwide KTM moped models. The purpose is to learn what parts might be available.

2021-08  Brands/France/Motobecane/Cady Photos and specs were added for 1966-76 Cady, with the unusual Isodyne engine, to hopefully learn what parts are the same as other models. Cady’s were sold in mid-70’s Canada, but never in the US.

2021-08  Parts/Cables/Sachs Cables, Columbia Cables, Hercules Cables, KTM Cables, and Kynast Cables were all updated. Each cable is illustrated and specified so that replacements can be found or made.

2021-07  Parts/Controls/Taiwan Controls 1970’s and 80’s General and Lazer moped controls and parts are explained, shown and offered. So far these are just the controls with brake cable adjusters, used on General, Lazer, Clinton, Grycner and others. Later, Taiwan controls without brake cable adjusters will be added, used on Angel, Indian and others.

2021-06  Parts/Cables/General and Lazer Cables All Taiwan-made, Japan-style 1970’s and 80’s General and Lazer moped cables are now illustrated and specified. Most are offered for sale. 

2021-06  Parts/Cables/Honda Cables Many Honda moped cables are now illustrated and specified, but only some are offered. This is an effort to find replacements for all Japanese style cables.

2021-05  Brands/India/Kinetic, Soni Kinetic history and US models are explained. The Soni connection is revealed.

2021-05  Parts/Cables/Batavus Cables The table was replaced with a text list with application columns a,b,c,d,e. 

2021-05  Parts/Cables/Columbia Cables The table was replaced with a text list with application columns a,b,c. More specs were learned. Now all replacement cables are offered.

2021-04  Parts/Frame/Gas Valves was divided into five sections, selected by a menu. 

2021-04  Parts/Electrical/Tail lights, turn lights was expanded with a new menu. ULO was corrected and updated.

2021-04  Parts/Drivetrain/Pedals, cranks, pins, freewheels was revised. Pedal cranks are now easier to understand.

2021-04  Parts/Carburetor/Keihin was completely overhauled. The single long page was subdivided using a Keihin Menu. Links to photos were replaced with photos. New content was added. 

2021-03  Parts/Carburetor/Dellorto was made neater and easier to follow. Short codes now allow all prices to be in view. A Dellorto Menu was created. It is the first Myron’s menu that you click on images instead of words.

2021-03  Brands/Italy/Pacer was improved. History, models, parts, wiring, speed versions are all explained better.

2021-03  Parts/Engine/Pistons, Rings/Pistons 230 different pistons, all of the possible versions on US-model mopeds, were assigned universal 11-digit part numbers that contain their specs. The piston list was cleaned up and made easier to understand.

2021-02  Parts/Controls/Domino was organized and updated. 1970’s and 80’s moped controls are grouped in families, each with many variations. “D” part numbers are used that help with understanding the differences.

2021-02  Brands/France/Solex A complete list of Solex engine numbers was added. It incudes specs, photos, and links to photos. Now anyone can identify the year and model of their Solex. 

2021-01  Brands/Italy/Benelli was completely overhauled. New parts lists and color illustrations were added, for beloved Benelli mopeds and mini-cycles 50 to 65cc. A Benelli Dynamo Service Manual was added. 

2021-01  Brands/Italy/Motron was improved. All US models ’78-80 are explained. Colorized parts illustrations and official parts lists are shown. 

2020-12  Service/Engine Service/Spark Plug Reading was created, with color photos and analysis.

2020-12  Service/Engine Service/Torque Specs was created, listing both generic and service manual specs.

2020-12  Brands/Taiwan/Indian/Engine Parts was revised after recent discoveries. New items were added.

2020-12  Parts/Accessories/Manuals Tomos manuals were updated. New ones are offered.

2020-12  Main-bar/Pull-down/Sub-menu/Sub-sub A new sub-sub layer of menus was created in some of the larger posts. This menu revolution began a month ago with cables. Instead of waiting for the large post to load, looking in it’s table of contents, then scrolling to the section you want, you choose that section almost instantly from a sub-sub menu. Finding things is easier and faster. 

2020-12  Brands and Parts menus were embellished with eye-friendly country flags and icons.

2020-11  Home was revised. New Brands, Parts, Service, and More alternate menus were created. They have the same choices but in a thin-screen-friendly format. They also serve as back-ups. Having back-up menus allowed for the menus to be overhauled safely. 

2020-11  Brands/Spain/Derbi/Derbi Parts Illustrations for 1986-89 (flat reed) engine parts were added.

2020-11  Parts/Hardware/Cables/Derbi Cables was expanded and improved. All 27 original Derbi USA cables are illustrated, specified and listed. Most are offered.

2020-11  Parts/Hardware/Cables was overhauled. Cables A to J and K to Z are reunited. Now, instead of scrolling, you select the cable brand from a sub-sub menu. This was needed as the cable list grew longer.

2020-11  Brands/Slovenia/Tomos Motor was added. 44 Tomos USA parts catalogs are combined! All Tomos A3, A35, and A55 engine parts are illustrated, explained and listed. Most are offered.

2020-10  Brands/Italy/Gadabout was improved. A BM-Pryer-Gadabout connection is exposed.

2020-09  Parts/Carburetor/Keihin was expanded after much study. More carbs are covered. More parts are offered. The goal was to find available substitutes for unavailable parts. 

2020-08  Brands/Italy/Garelli Models now includes all models worldwide 1947-1993, not just USA. Each year has a model list and a sales flyer image, made from several pages combined. 

2020-07  Parts/Drivetrain/Chains is now cleaner and easier to follow and understand.

2020-06  Brands/Italy/Baretta was expanded and updated, but parts lists are not finished.

2020-05  Parts/Controls/Magura was updated. The part numbers now link to part images.

2020-05  Parts/Engine/Seals, O-Rings O-rings are listed by size so that substitutes can be found.

2020-04  Parts/Frame/Gas Valves was improved. 172 applications images were converted to links. Now the page loads faster, scrolls better, and is easier to understand and use.

2020-04  Brands/Taiwan/Indian Info was improved. The 26 page Indian Owners Manual was added.

2020-03  Parts/Controls/Domino 1970’s Domino Italian controls are renovated. New items are offered.

2020-02  Brands/Italy/Benelli Benelli is loved, admired and updated. All US models 50-900cc are listed. Benelli 50-65cc engine types are explained. Benelli G2 engine parts are shown, some are offered. 

2020-02  Service/Engine/Top End Service How to check and restore cylinders by honing is added.

2020-02  Brands/Italy/Vespa Parts Vespa (Piaggio) parts are revised. Engine parts are shown and listed. 

2020-02  Brands/Italy/Vespa, Piaggio Piaggio moped models are separated from Piaggio moped parts. Ciao models worldwide 1967-87 are added, with frame numbers and quantities made for each year.

2020-01  Brands/Italy Misc. 1964-69 Chris Cycle (Wilier) mini-cycles are added, Morini 3CV or 101 engines.

2020-01  Parts/Engine/Transmission Vespa (Piaggio) 1967-86 transmission parts are added. All US model moped parts are specified and explained, including gears and gear ratios. 

2019-12  Parts/Engine/Pistons, Rings Rings and pistons are organized, corrected and updated. 217 different 50cc pistons are listed, 82 are offered. 80 different rings are listed, 63 are offered.

2019-11  Parts/Ignition, Magneto/Dansi, Motoplat/Wtemco Dansi magneto parts for 1960’s – 1970’s small Italian motorcycles are revived and revised. A table of over 30 Dansi magneto images and specs is presented, with ID numbers decoded. 6 different Dansi points are shown and offered for Benelli, Morini, Moto Guzzi, Aermacchi, and others. Many Dansi stator images online have missing points. This info ends the widespread confusion. 

2019-11  Parts/Engine/Bearings, Seals Needle bearings and bushings are organized and updated. 

2019-10  Brands/Italy/Garelli Parts Garelli Parts is separated from Garelli Models. Engine parts are illustrated, specified and listed. Most but not all are offered for sale. Agrati-Garelli of America parts manuals and revisions are shown and understood.

2019-09  Parts/Engine/Bearings, Seals Seals are updated. Seal types are illustrated and listed.

2019-08  Brands/Italy/Di Blasi Di Blasi folding mini-cycles and parts are shown and explained.

2019-08  Parts/Cables K to Z Motobecane cables and cable parts are revised.

2019-08  Parts/Controls/Motobecane Motobecane controls and parts are organized, illustrated and offered.

2019-07  Brands/Derbi Derbi history is told and appreciated. US models 1976-89 are shown and explained in detail.

2019-07  Brands/Motobecane Motor 1949-98 Mobylette engine versions are explained, and how to tell the year by the engine number. 1970-80 engine parts for model series 40 and 50 are illustrated and offered.

2019-07  Brands/Italy/Wards Riverside 1965-69 Montgomery Wards mopeds (Benelli) are shown, along with the parts manual. All 1955-69 50-350cc Wards Riverside models and product codes are listed and compared.

2019-07  Brands/France/Wards Riverside 1960-64 Montgomery Wards mopeds (Motobecane) are shown. How to tell the year is explained. Correct Motobecane equivalent models are shown and explained. Tire size confusion is ended.

2019-06  Parts/Cables, Hardware/Cables K-Z  Cables are split into A-J and K-Z. Kreidler cables are illustrated, explained and offered.

2019-06  Brands/Italy/Italjet, Indian Indian and Italjet mini-cycles 1969-84 are loved, studied, displayed and explained.

2019-06  Parts/Wheel Parts/Tires and Tubes  Tubes for sale are updated. Weights and sizes are shown and compared. Expansion and correct fit are explained. Misleading size labeling is exposed. 

2019-05  More/Riding and Maps/Nature Walks This has nothing to do with mopeds. Shaun and his dog explore natural and wild areas. 96 local wild plants are studied and identified. Most are photographed and explained.

2019-04  Parts/Wheel Parts/Spokes 10,000 spokes in 200 different sizes are listed and explained. Most are offered. Every spoke at MM is identified, from 200 wheels and 20+ moped shops inventories.

2019-02  Parts/Carburetor/Dellorto  Dellorto SHA type Italy-made carburetors 1960’s to 2010’s explained. Parts offered.

2019-01  Brands/Italy/Misc Italian Harley Davidson (Aermacchi) US models 1961-78 are shown.

2018-12  Brands/Taiwan/Indian Parts All AMI-50 4-stroke moped parts are listed. Most are offered. Parts illustrations are revised.

2018-12  Brands/Japan/Yamaha Every US-model vintage Yamaha up to 1993 is listed, displayed, explained. Confusing early models are understood. History and two-stroke development is appreciated.

2018-12  Parts/Carburetor/Mikuni Baby Mikuni Japan-made carbs for 50cc mopeds are shown. Parts are listed. Some offered. Mikuni jets for many motorcycles are displayed and listed. Many are offered for sale.

2018-11  Parts/Controls/Magura Installing a 1970’s Magura wrap-around throttle cable is added.

2018-11  Parts/Cables, Hardware/Hardware Over 1000 different sizes and types of metric bolts, screws and nuts are listed and offered. Many are original replacements, for when it is desired to match the existing original bolts.

2018-10  Brands/Italy/Morini Motor All vintage Franco Morini (FM) engines 50-80cc 1954-1999 are displayed and explained. Parts for most 1970’s-80’s engines are illustrated, explained, listed. Some are offered.

2018-10  (all sections) Until now, item prices that appear in many places had a link to a single place.  The price of a 6×25 hex bolt would say “see Hardware“. Shortcode variables make that obsolete. In future revisions, shortcode variables replace links, for the price of items listed in many places. The only other change visible is “shortcode new” price is a lighter green than “new price.

2018-09  Brands/Italy/Misc Italian Table of Contents is a “who’s who” of vintage Italian mopeds. All US-model and many Euro-model Italian moped brands and their manufacturers are listed. Twenty 1966-70 Italian-model moped advertisements are added, each in their brand section. Benelli, Cimatti, Fantic, Franco Morini, Garelli, Itom, Malaguti, Minarelli, Moto Bimm, Moto Graziella, Moto Guzzi, Motom, Negrini, Omer, Paloma, Testi.

2018-09  Brands/Italy/Fantic Many Euro models and all US models, including Concord, are specified and displayed. The underlying connection between Fantic and Agrati-Garelli is explained.

2018-08  Brands/Korea/Daelim Motor A large color-coded cut-away illustration comparing the DP50 and DK50 engines is shown.

2018-07  Brands/India/Hero Majestic Some 2003-2006 Hero, TBS and Yumbo flyers are added.

2018-07  Parts/Cables, Hardware/Cables  Vespa and Trac cables are illustrated and added.

2018-07  Brands/Korea/Trac Parts catalog illustrations are scanned, enhanced, colorized and added. Many parts for 1982-1990 Trac mopeds and nopeds are shown. Some are listed and offered.

2018-06  Brands/Slovenia/Tomos Models Myrons Tomos flyers and 2017-18 models are added. All US models 1975-2018 are displayed and explained with VIN codes, speed versions and specs.

2018-06  Brands/Slovenia/Tomos Grid 2 Part 2 of apps grid. What bikes each part goes on. All painted Tomos parts are in a Part Colors Grid, with actual bikes of each color-column. All US model moped colors are listed for each year and model in a Bike Colors Chart. This is to help eliminate mistakes or confusion between similar colors or bike models.

2018-05  Brands/Slovenia/Tomos Grid 1 Takes a minute or two to load. Part 1 of 2. All Tomos USA parts from 2012 are indexed in a massive 2300 row by 34 column applications grid. It tells the model and year range each part is original on. Tomos part names are also enhanced.

2018-04  Brands/Italy/Garelli 1967-70 Broncco Garelli mini cycles US models are added. All US models 1967-92, remakes 2000-02 and some Euro models are shown and explained. Engine parts for 1975-92 US models are illustrated and listed. Some are offered.

2018-03  Brands/Austria/JC Penney, Sears Free Spirit (Kromag) All US models 1978-79, Puch-compatible, are shown and explained, including speed versions. 

2018-03  Parts/Cables, Hardware/CablesAMF, Batavus, Peugeot, Sparta cables are shown and added. 

2018-02  Parts/Ignition, Magneto/Ducati, IDM, Iskra, AET  AET magnetos are shown and explained.

2018-01  Parts/Ignition, Magneto/Bosch magnetos Bosch moped magnetos 1960-1990 are shown,explained. Parts are listed. Some are offered. 

2018-01  Brands/Germany/Kreidler US-model Kreidler mopeds 1977-80 are shown and explained. Engine parts and some frame parts are illustrated and listed. Only some are offered.

2018-01  Brands/France/Peugeot Motor All parts for 1975-83 Peugeot 102 and 103 engines are illustrated and listed. Many are offered.

2017-12  Parts/Ignition, Magneto/Dansi,Motoplat,Wtemco Motoplat magnetos 1970-90 are shown.

2017-12  Brands/Italy/Malaguti Malaguti US models with Morini engines are displayed and explained.

2017-12  Brands/Italy/Bianchi Bianchi, Snark, Italvelo US models are shown and explained.

2017-12  Parts/Ignition, Magneto/Spark plugs, Points Plugs points condensers are shown and offered.

2017-11  Parts/Ignition, Magneto/CEV magnetos Many CEV magnetos 1960-1990 are shown and explained. Most parts are listed and offered.

2017-11  Brands/England/NVT, Scorpion  All US models 1976-78 are shown and explained.

2017-11  Brands/America/Dialex, Pivar, Pryer, Tri-Rad, Whizzer All Whizzer originals 1938-1965, and remakes 1997-2009 are displayed, listed and explained.

2017-11  Parts/Cables, Hardware/Cables Garelli cables are illustrated, explained, and offered.

2017-10  Brands/France/Peugeot Parts in other sections are listed. Peugeot history is appreciated. All Peugeot mopeds US models 1976-1983, and many Euro models, are shown and explained. A photo tour through the massive 1977 Cycles Peugeot moped factories is presented. Be amazed!

2017-10  Brands/Italy/Misc Italian 1970’s Beta mopeds are added. The relation to Bianchi is explained.

2017-10  Brands/Italy/Benelli 1965-75 mini-cycles, ’76-77 Blazer, ’77-80 G2 mopeds are shown. 

2017-10  Brands/Italy/Moto Guzzi 1970’s Moto Guzzi mopeds are shown. SEIMM is explained.

2017-09  Parts/Carburetor/Keihin “baby” Keihin carburetors for vintage 50cc Hondas are shown. Keihin carb versions are explained. Parts are illustrated and most are offered for sale.

2017-09  Brands/Slovakia/Manet 1995-99 Puch Korado and parts are shown. Manet is explained.

2017-08  Parts/Engine/Engine Hardware Circlips (snap rings) and apps are illustrated and offered. 

2017-08  Brands/Germany/Hercules 1972-82 Sachs and Eagle mopeds made by Hercules are shown. Hercules, DKW history and brands are explained. Some US-model parts are illustrated and listed.

2017-08  Brands/Germany/Sachs Motor Sachs engines are explained. Model numbers are decoded. Sachs 504/1 and 505/1 parts are illustrated, listed and some offered. Speed versions are explained.

2017-07  Parts/Drivetrain/Pedal Parts Pedals, pedal cranks and freewheels are shown and updated. Most original and replacement pedal cranks and measurements are shown, listed and offered. Pedal and freewheel threads are explained, including French thread freewheels on Motobecanes. 

2017-07  Parts/Ignition, Magneto/Bosch Magneto 38 magneto numbers (on flywheel) are shown. Illustrations and specs are listed for each magneto. Most parts are shown, listed and offered.

2017-06  Parts/Engine/Engine Hardware Shim washers and apps are specified, shown and offered.

2017-06  Parts/Electrical/Tail Lights  Moped tail lights and parts, original on US models, are shown. Parts for CEV, ULO, Peterson, Stanley, Cateye, Saturnus, Fiem brands, and replicas are offered. 

2017-05  Parts/Accessories/Mirrors Mirrors are updated, displayed, and offered.

2017-04  Brands/Slovenia/Tomos Models Tomos model photos, specs, VINs are shown and updated. 

2017-04  Service/Electric/Indian Ignition Magneto testing and points replacing are topics covered.

2017-04  Service/Electric/Vespa Electrical Many Vespa moped colorized wiring diagrams are shown. Confusing electrical systems, parts varieties, and corroded engine wires are the main topics. 

2017-03  Brands/Italy/Vespa (Piaggio) Vespa moped electrical parts are shown with apps, and offered.

2017-03  Brands/Taiwan/Angel  Mikuni carburetor service info, for Angel and Speed Bird, is added.

2017-02  Parts/Electrical/Tail Lights CEV and ULO tail light versions are displayed. Parts are offered.

2017-02  Brands/Italy/Vespa (Piaggio) 1968-85 Vespa mopeds (US models) are shown and explained. Piaggio history and aircraft production is explained and appreciated.

2017-02  Brands/Belgium/Flandria Flandria history and US models 1976-79 are shown and explained.

2017-01  Brands/France/Motobecane 1949-88 mopeds and 1974-81 US-model mopeds are shown.

2017-01  Parts/Frame/Gas Valves  Replacement gas valves (petcocks) and apps are shown and offered. 

2017-01  Parts/Controls/Handlebars, Grips Many stock handlebars are measured, shown, and offered.

2016-12  Brands/Italy/Garelli The history of US distributors, manuals and models are explained. 

 

 


Ordering

November 29, 2020

Ordering

This website does not have online ordering. Ordering is by email.

Before ordering parts, your moped’s identity must be known. The year, make, model, version, and serial number are stamped into the ID plate, usually located on the frame behind the headlight. Use the Brand menu to help learn the identity (year, make, model, version, ser#) of your machine and many of it’s components. Be aware there are some false names and remakes.

Email Shaun at myronsmoped@gmail.com to ask questions. Please send pictures of the parts you are asking about. Shaun is often unable to answer many questions over the phone. 

Email Shaun at myronsmoped@gmail.com first, if there are several items or more, or if any of the items are not listed or require investigation. Your itemized order will be listed with prices, and sent in a reply, for your review. Any changes can be made. A revised order is sent in a reply. When it is final, then you pay by email (to PayPal), or by phone (to Myrons) usually.

Payment by email: Ask Shaun to send a PayPal invoice. You don’t need an account to pay. You pay with a payment card, credit or debit. 

Shipping and Terms:  Shipping is by USPS. Small items (small flat rate box or envelope) ship for $9, all 50 states, US Priority Mail, 2-3 days to most areas. 

 

 


Brands Menu (alternate)

November 29, 2020

Baretta/Piccoli   Benelli/Motobi
Bianchi/Italvelo   Cimatti  Cosmo/Colt
Demm/Smily   DiBlasi   Fantic/Concord
F. Morini/Lem  Gadabout/BM  Garelli/Agrati
Gitane/Testi   Harley-Davidson/Aermacchi
Intramotor-Gloria   Italjet/Indian    Malaguti 
MB Sebring   Minarelli Motor   Morini Motor
Moto Guzzi   Motomarina    Motron    Negrini
Pacer/Italtelai   Rizzato/Califfo   Safari/MZV 
Vespa/Piaggio    Wards Riverside   Others

General/Clinton/Grycner/AMS 
Angel/Speedbird/TYM   Indian   Others

AMF   Columbia   Murray   Others  

KTM/Foxi Deluxe   Puch   Sears Allstate
Sears Free Spirit/JC Penney/Kromag

Motobecane   Peugeot   Solex/Velosolex
 Ward Riverside   Impex/Solex

Kreidler   Kynast   Solo/Odyssey 
Sachs/Hercules    Rog Badger   Tomos

Avanti/Cosmo   Hero/Yumbo/TVS 
Majestic Auto Ltd.   Kinetic/Soni

Honda   Yamaha   Suzuki   Kawasaki  

Batavus  Laura Motor  Sparta/Foxi GT

  Flandria/Bermuda   Honda PA50/Benelux  

Jawa/Babetta   Puch Korado/Manet  

Chengdu/GD/Chung Qing   SSR/Lazer  

Trac/Kia/Daelim     NVT/Scorpion

Derbi    Casal/SIS    Carabela

 


KTM Cables

November 29, 2020

KTM Cables

KTM Foxi Deluxe

KTM Foxi Deluxe

Foxi Salzburg

Foxi Salzburg

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

KTM Foxi Baron

KTM Foxi Baron
stem handlebars

1977 KTM Foxi Baron
clamp on handlebars
takes short type cables

’77 KTM Foxi Salzburg
stem-type handlebars
takes long type cables

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

KTM Foxi mopeds are very Sachs-ish. They have a Sachs engine, same controls and similar cables and wheels as Hercules. 

 

KTM choke cable 1-ended 12.11.097
1977-80 KTM Foxi (Austria) with Sachs 504
39.6+ = 38.0 + 1.6+ with pinch bolt

12.11.097r   1-ended replacement  $12

 

KTM throttle cable 2-end 
some ’77-80 KTM Foxi with Sachs 504
41.0 = 36.5 + 4.5 for short cable pipe
10.11.191rs 2-ended replacement
 $19

 

KTM throttle cable 2-end 10.11.191 $28
most ’77-80 KTM Foxi with Sachs 504
41.0 = 36.0 + 5.0 for long cable pipe
10.11.191r 2-ended replacement
    $19

 

KTM start cable 1-ended 12.11.195
1977-80 KTM Foxi with Sachs 504
40.9″ = 1.1+2.8+0.3+34.5+1.2+1.0
12.11.195r   1-ended replacement
  $21

 

KTM front brake 2-ended clevis type
1977-80 KTM Foxi with Sachs 504
42.0=37.8+4.2 with Magura adjuster
12.11.092      original long xxxxx   
$32
41.3=37.2+4.0  NO Magura adjuster
12.11.092      original long xxxxx    
$29

38.3=34.2+4.1  NO Magura adjuster
12.11.092s    original short xxxx    
$28

40.0=35.8+4.2  NO Magura adjuster
12.11.092rB  80’s Barnett long x   
$12
36.4=32.5+3.9 with Magura adjuster
12.11.092rBs  80’s Barnett short  $14
65.2=61.3+3.9  NO Magura adjuster

 

KTM rear brake 2-ended clevis type
1977-80 KTM Foxi with Sachs 504
65.2=61.3+3.9 with Magura adjuster
12.11.096      original long xxxxx   
$39
65.2=61.3+3.9  NO Magura adjuster
apparently was never made xxx 
 none
62.1=58.2+3.9 with Magura adjuster
12.11.096s    original short xxxx   
none
65.9=61.7+4.2 with Magura adjuster
12.11.096rB  80’s Barnett long none
64.2=60.0+4.2 with Magura adjuster
12.11.096rBs 80’s Barnett short   $24
65.2=61.3+3.9  NO Magura adjuster
12.11.096r     replacement long     $29

 

 

 

 

 

 

KTM clevis end
not riveted

KTM clevis end
not riveted to arm

Hercules cable end clevis type

Hercules clevis end
is riveted to arm

 

KTM brake cables have the clevis piece trapped on the cable. Hercules brake cables have the clevis piece trapped on the brake arm. When installed, both clevis end cable types almost look the same. 

 

 

 

 

KTM Foxi with short and long elbow

 

KTM uses the long Bing Sachs carb elbow. The 5.0″ exposed length is for a long elbow (4.45″ is for short elbow). But here on the left is a 1977 KTM with a short elbow and a 1979 carburetor. It must be from another bike.

 

 

 

 

 


Kreidler Cables

November 29, 2020

Kreidler Cables

Kreidler MP9 throttle cable original 255.04.81 xxxxxxxx N/A
Kreidler MP9 replacement throttle cable (with pipe 2g)  $32

Kreidler original thin throttle cable
makes a sharp bend under the cover.

 

 

 

 

 

The original Kreidler throttle cable is thinner than all others, with a 4mm conduit instead of 5mm. The thin conduit allowed it to bend sharply above the carburetor.

Replacement cables all have 5mm conduit that cannot bend that much. So they need to have a curved metal pipe like many throttle cables have.

substitute throttle cable

 

The curved pipe that works best is #2g listed in the Dellorto carburetor parts section. It has M6-0.75 fine metric threads for a Dellorto carb top. Here it is being used on a Bing carb top with no threads. Fortunately the 6mm Bing carb top hole is just the right size to screw-in the Dellorto curved pipe. Slots are ground in the threads so the curved pipe cuts it’s own threads as it is screwed in. Here is what it looks like screwed on to the Kreidler carburetor.

The original throttle cable 255.04.81-28/36 package says it fits type MF (mofa) from 2231921, and type MP (moped) from frame number 2605111.

 

 

Kreidler MP9 front brake cable original 255.04.84  $18
Kreidler MP9 front brake cable replacement xxxxx $15

Kreidler brake plates

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kreidler brake plates have special cable stops with 8mm holes instead of 6mm. This makes “universal” cables that fit many mopeds, not fit well on Kreidler. The cable does not stay centered and straight at the cable stop. They need a 8mm “step-ferrule” instead of the usual M6 adjuster at the brake.

Kreidler brakes use Grimeca pinch bolts, like on Italian mopeds. That means the brake arms have 9mm holes with flat sides 7mm. 

Kreidler MP9 rear brake cable original 255.04.85  $28
Kreidler MP9 rear brake cable replacement xxxxx  $15

The original rear brake cable comes with an inner wire that is barely long enough, with only 3.9 inch of exposed length. When installed the end is right after the pinch bolt.

The replacement cable has a more correct inner wire length, one inch longer than original. When installed the end is about one inch past the pinch bolt.

The original rear brake cable 255.04.85-18/14 package says it fits type MF (mofa) from 2217511, and type MP (moped) from frame number 2604893.

 

 

 

Kreidler MP9 start cable original 255.04.79  $30
Kreidler MP9 start cable replacement xxxxx $15

The original start cable upper end has a curved pipe with adjuster. This helps prevent the adjuster from getting broken if it contacts certain handlebars the wrong way. It is not necessary. Most other models do not have it. 

The replacement cable has no adjuster. Adjustment is made by loosening the pinch screw in the hand lever. The modern lined conduit performs as good as the curved metal pipe did, and it never breaks

The original start cable 255.04.79 (with curved pipe) package did not say what it fits.

Another start cable 255.04.79-6/41 (without curved pipe) package says it fits type MF 2 from 2350620, MF 4 from 2257812, MP 2 from 2704941.

 

 

 


Kinetic Cables

November 29, 2020

Kinetic Cables

Kinetic TFR throttle cable

Kinetic TFR carb top

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kinetic TFR decomp cable

 

 

 

 

 

 


Jawa Cables

November 29, 2020

Jawa Cables

1970’s Jawa moped cables will be listed and some offered when this is finished. 

Jawa 207 cables 1973-83

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


JC Penney Cables

November 29, 2020

JC Penney Cables

JC Penney Pinto and Swinger (late 1970’s) moped cables are displayed and offered in Puch Cables.

JC Penney start cable  42.5 x 31.9″
(1080 x 810 mm) with special stop piece

JC Penney start cable stop piece

 

 

 

 

 

 


Honda Cables

November 29, 2020

Honda moped cables have many versions and differences. This is an illustrated spec sheet and price list combined. Showing what all the lengths and specs are allows substitutes to be found or replacements to be made or modified.

 


 

1977-79 Honda NC50 Express 

These 1977-79 silver cables interchange with 1980 black ones.

 

 

17910-147-030   throttle cable silver none
57.0″ goes inside frame, PA08B, no cable pipe
17910-147-030r  replacement gray     $35

 

14950-147-020  choke cable silver    none
56.3″ goes inside frame, orig. had grommet
14950-147-020r replacement gray      $23

 

45450-190-670  front brake cable sil none
42.4″ total length
45450-190-670r replacement gray     none

 

43450-147-712 rear brake & start sil none
57.4″ goes inside frame, 57.4″ total
43450-147-712r replacement gray     none

 


 

1980 Honda NC50 Express  

These 1980 black cables interchange with 1977-79 silver ones.

 

17910-147-650   throttle cable black  none 
57.0″ goes inside frame, PA08B, no cable pipe
17910-147-650r  replacement black     $35

 

14950-147-650  choke cable  black  none
56.3″ goes inside frame, orig. had grommet
14950-147-650r replacement black  $23

 

45450-190-671  front brk cable blk  none
42.4″ total length
45450-190-671r replacement black  none

 

43450-147-970  rear brk & start blk none
57.4″ new# 43450-147-651
43450-147-970r replacement black none

 


1981 Honda NC50 Express

For 1981 the wind-up start was changed to direct kick start, so the rear brake cable no longer had to operate the starter. Also the unregulated oil injection pump became regulated by a split throttle cable. 

 

17910-191-850  throttle cable A blk none
48.0″ goes inside frame, to splitter, not carb
17910-191-850r replacement  black  $36

 

17911-191-010  throttle cable B blk none
13″ rotary splitter with 2 cables, to oil pump 
and to PA15A carb with cable pipe
Et=2.4″, Eo=?, Ct=?, Co=? 
17911-191-010r replacement  black none

 

45450-190-671  front brk cable  blk none
42.4″ total, same as 1980
45450-190-671r replacement black none

 

43450-191-405 rear brake cable blk none
57.4″, inside frame, no more wind-up start
43450-191-405r replacement black none

 


 

1982-83 Honda NC50 Express

 

 

17910-GA6-670  throttle cable black none
57.5″ goes outside frame, 1-into-2 cables
to PA13B carburetor with long cable pipe
E=?, Et=?, Ct=?
17910-GA6-670r replacement  black none

 

45450-187-672  front brk cable  blk none
42.4″ total, longer rubber boot
45450-GA6-670r replacement  black none

 

43450-GA6-670  rear brk cable  blk none
57.4″ total, goes inside frame
43450-GA6-670r replacement black none

 


 

1979-80 Honda NA50 Express II

 

 

17910-163-000  throttle cable silver none
60.1″ goes outside frame, also 17910-162-010
to PA08C or PA08D carb, no cable pipe
17910-163-000r replacement gray    $35
17910-163-770r replacement  black  $35

 

14950-163-010   choke cable   silver none
58.8″ goes outside frame, also 14950-162-010
14950-163-010r replacement  gray    $23

 

45450-193-670   front brk cable silv none
45.4″ can be 42.4″ routed more directly
45450-193-670r replacement  gray   none

 

43450-163-670  rear brk & start silv none
60.4″ outside frame, new# 43450-163-671
43450-163-670r replacement  gray   none

 


 

1981 Honda NA50 Express II


17910-193-671  throttle cable silver none
goes outside frame, 1-into-2 cables
to PA16A carb with cable pipe
60.0″ E+Ct+Et=60″, E+Co+Eo=57″
17910-193-671r replacement gray   none

 

45450-193-670   front brk cable silv none
45.4″ total, can be 42.4″ with NC50 routing
45450-193-670r replacement  gray   none

 

43450-193-670   rear brk cable  silv none
60.4″ total
43450-193-670r replacement  gray   none

 


 

1982-83 Honda NU50 Urban Express

 

 

17910-GC1-000  throttle cable silver none
51″?? outside frame, 1-into-2 cables
to PA13E carburetor with cable pipe
17910-GC1-000r replacement  gray   none

 

45450-GC1-000   front brk cable silv none
52.0″ total, rod type
45450-GC1-000r replacement gray   none

 

43450-GC1-000   rear brk cable  silv none
67.0″, fits ’85-90 Spree but is 2″ longer
43450-GC1-000r replacement gray   none
43450-GC1-020r replacement black none

 

 


1978-79 Honda PA50 Hobbit

The PA50 front brake cable angles more upward, like European mopeds, unlike NC50 and Japanese motorcycles. Because of the more direct routing, the cable is shorter.

The benefit of Japanese routing is no interaction with the suspension (going over bumps does not affect the braking), while the benefit of European routing is convenience, because the cable does not hang out and interfere or get damaged. 

17910-148-671  throttle cable silver none
43.7″ = 4.0 + 39.7
17910-148-671r replacement gray    $20

 

14950-148-010   start (decomp) silv none
32.75″ = 1.25 + 31.5
14950-148-010r replacementgray   $13
34.4″ = 1.2 + 33.2    #HO12071

 

45450-148-670   front brk cable silv none
38.4″ = 3.6 + 34.8
45450-148-670r replacement  gray   none

 

43450-148-670   rear brk cable  silv none
57.0″ = 2.0 + 2.4 + 52.6
43450-148-670r replacement  gray   $18
57.8″ = 2.1 + 2.4 + 53.3    #HO12106

 

 


1980-83 Honda PA50 Hobbit

The ’80-83 PA50 black handlebars are 2.1 inches taller than ’78-79 PA50 chrome handlebars. So all of the cables are 2.1 inches (53 mm) longer. These longer ’80-83 cables fit on a ’78-79 but have to bend forward against the side of the headlight. 

 

17910-148-780  throttle cableblack none
45.8″ = 4.0 + 41.8     
17910-148-780r replacementblack  $19
45.8″ = 4.0 + 41.8     #9001343

 

14950-148-020B start-decomp  blk none
35.5″ = 1.25 + 34.25
14950-148-020Br replacement black none
34.4″ = 1.2 + 33.2    #HO12072

 

45450-148-671   front brk cable blk none
40.5″ = 3.6 + 36.9
45450-148-671r replacement black none

 

43450-148-671B rear brk cable blk none
59.1″ = 2.0 + 2.4 + 54.7
43450-148-671Br replacement blk  none

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


NC/NA50 comparison

FRONT BRAKE CABLE – length measurements, calculations and estimations

Treatland conduit length TC is “from top of metal cable end to the edge where the black housing plastic meets the threaded rod adjuster thing”. Myrons conduit length MC is defined by the illustration. So TC = MC – 0.9″

Treatland total length TT and Myrons total length are defined the same. So TT = MT.

Exposed length is calculated. TE = TT – TC and ME = MT MC. So TE = MT – MC + 0.9 and TE =  ME + 0.9″.

TC     TT      TE  upper  lower
MC     MT    ME
====================
00.0   00.0   0.00  ∅8   ∅8  45450-190-670  77-79 NC50 F brake silver
00.0   00.0   0.00  ∅8   ∅8  45450-190-671  80-81 NC50 F brake black
38.8   42.4  .3.6               measured 

PA50 front cable fits
NC50 except for length

00.0   00.0   0.00  ∅8   ∅8  45450-193-670 79-81 NA50 F brake black
41.8? 45.4? 3.6                   3″ longer cable (estimated)

36.5   42.25 5.75  ∅8   ∅8  45450-GA6-671 82-83 NC50 F brake black
38.8? 42.4? 3.6                   longer rubber boot

47.0   52.0   5.00  ∅8  rod  45450-GC1-000 82-83 NU50 F brake silver
47.7? 52?  2.2+2.1?            longer cable for longer fork

33.5   38.0   4.50  ∅8   ∅8  45450-148-670  78-79 PA50 F brake silver
33.5   38.0   4.50  ∅8   ∅8  45450-148-671  80-83 PA50 F brake black
34.8   38.4   3.6                  measured – cable goes more straight down

 


REAR BRAKE CABLE – length measurements, calculations and estimations

 

TC     TT      TE  upper  lower
MC     MT    ME
====================
42.0   58.0   16.0  ∅8  rod  43450-147-712 77-79 NC50 R br/st silver
43.0   59.0   16.0  ∅8  rod  43450-147-651 80-80 NC50 R br/st black
44.0   58.5   14.5  ∅8  rod  43450-190-670 80-81 NC50 R brake silver
00.0   00.0   0.00  ∅8  rod  43450-191-405 81-81 NC50 R brake black
42.7   57.4   14.7                 measured

00.0   00.0   0.00  ∅8  rod  43450-163-670 79-80 NA50 R br/st silver
46.0   61.0   15.0  ∅8  rod  43450-193-670 81-81 NA50 R brake silver
45.7? 60.4? 14.7?               3″ longer? than NC50, for longer frame

00.0   00.0   0.00  ∅8  rod  43450-GC1-000 82-83 NU50 R brk silver
60.0   67.0    7.0   ∅8  rod  43450-GC1-020 82-83 NU50 R brk black
61.1?  67?     5.9?               9.6″ longer? than NC50, cable stop is closer

00.0   00.0   0.00  ∅8  rod  43450-GA6-670 82-83 NC50 R brk black
51.5? 57.4?  5.9?                 same length? as NC50, cable stop is closer

53.0   57.0   4.0   ∅8  rod  43450-148-670  78-79 PA50 R brk silver
52.6? 57.0? 4.4?

00.0   00.0   0.00  ∅8  rod  43450-148-671B 80-83 PA50 R brk black
54.7? 59.1? 4.4?

 


Honda C100 Throttle Cable