My machines
I am very lucky to be the proud owner of a nice selection of pioneer, vintage and modern machines. Below some pictures of my current collection. I have ordered the list by year. At the bottom you will find some pics and info on machines I used to own in the past.
Each link will take you to a specific page for the machine including a picture gallery at the top of each page.
1912 Premier 2,5 HP
My first real veteran bike! It is a 1912 Premier 2,5 hp and I am very pleased with it! With no gears, no kickstarter, no clutch and practically no brakes it definitely is a completely different ride from a Scott. But big fun all the same. I have never had a machine that is so relaxing to ride.The bike is currently in parts as it is in need of a new bigend and piston. The parts have finally arrived recently so it is now just a matter of finding time…
1923 Scott Squirrel
Well, after the debacle with the Flyer engine (see below) I just had to buy myself something for comfort. I knew of a 1923 Squirrel for sale in Austria and after some serious thinking I went for it. And I have never ever regretted it! This bike is my absolute dream bike and I will never sell it! It is so much lighter than the Flyer and it is a very good performer. Despite her age she is still pretty fast and well able to cope with modern traffic.
1927 Scott Flying Squirrel
My first Scott is a 1927-ish Flying Squirrel. I write -ish as it is a bitsa build from parts by a very determined man in the fifties. The rich history of this machine, there are tons of receipts with it, make this bike extra nice. I tuned this bike with the kind help of Roger Moss but after only 400 m the engine blew up… It has been in the workshop ever since… In the older posts on the blog you will find a lot of info (on the work I did) on this machine.
1927 Ready
For years me and my wife wanted a real vintage motorcycle. An old flattanker was high on our list but not affordable. Then we found this Belgian Ready. With the big 500cc JAP sv engine it looked perfect and we thought it would be the perfect entrance in the vintage bike-scene for us… However, we soon found out that looks aren’t everything…. the bike was completely worn out internally… So a lot to do there!
1954 Vespa rodmodel
I found this scoot in the basement of a bicycle shop. The guy was not very eager to sell the bike. In fact, he had sold the bike in the past and bought it back! It was not very pretty but complete and the model is sought after. But the model is also very, very slow. So when I found a 150cc Grand Sport engine on a Belgian autojumble the choice was easy! With this engine the scooter is pretty quick and due to the wide handlebars very easy to control.
1955 Cimatti
Some years ago I bought this nice little Cimatti. The intention was just to make it road legal again. But, this model proved to be very, very rare! Even the Italian specialists could not get much information. So, without paperwork, I decided on converting it to a classic racer to be used in track sessions. However, in between I did get the paperwork sorted out so it’s going to be a road legal racer now!
1955 Piatti
When I bought the Maico Mobil there was this very rare Piatti standing next to it. I just had to have it to brighten up our livingroom! It is one of only 805 made in Belgium. My Piatti is believed to be from an unsold lot of 12 that remained in the factory for many years. They were all sprayed green (originally they were only available in grey). Mine had only 31 (!) km on the clock and I only doubled this during my ownership.
1957 Vespa 150
This is the first riding Vespa motorscooter I bought. I bought it from a friend who assembled it from boxes of bits. It has taken me and my wife everywhere in Holland and Belgium. Not fast but very relaxing. And still with original paint. Selling this is a sure way to a divorce! The bike has been standing still now for just too long, I definitely have to get working on it so I can ride it again! If only I had time…
1957 Maicoletta
This is definitely one of the best long range touring scooters that was ever made. With rather large 14″ wheels, a powerful 14 HP engine, good brakes and one of the largest seats ever fitted to a two wheeled vehicle this scooter is made for doing long distances. I use it quite a lot. For long distance touring (End to End in 2005, see owner profile), commuting and on track. I will never ever sell it again.
1964 Vespa V90
This little gem is one of only a few Vespa 90′s in Holland. Although it’ may not be very pretty it is a joy to ride! With it’s small size, little weight and a highly tuned engine it is a real throw-around. I use my little red “Mighty Mouse” frequently to commute to work and race it on track as much as I can… So far I’ve raced it on the Nürburgring, Spa-Francorchamps and several smaller tracks.
1990 Yamaha SRX
End of July 2006 I bought this very nice Yamaha super single. Being a single cylinder fan (with some exceptions of course) this bike has been one of my favourites ever since I got my licence. After years of yes-no-yes-no I finally decided to get me one! During the last few years I have had it overhauled, resprayed and kitted. It now has 40 BHP at the rear wheel and it is great fun to ride!
Machines I used to own
In the last 20 years I have owned and enjoyed a wide selection of (classic) bikes and scooters. And even the occasional classic car. Below a selection of these machines with some short notes. The links will take you to a picture gallery of each specific machine.
1957 Maico Mobil
Being one of the scooters on my shortlist for years this Maico Mobil was one of the strangest (and most expensive….) vehicles I ever owned. Looking like the Batmobil it attracted a crowd everywhere! Despite it’s bulky appearance it rode pretty good! But with the all aluminium bodywork being in mint condition it was very vulnerable. And as I intend using my bikes daily, I decided to sell it again. But I’m very glad I can say I once owned one!
More to follow!
