Go Kart Cycle Big Bear Scrambler

[Addicted 2 Minis]

Can anyone tell me what the front fork inner legs look like?

I have seen them in two configurations, some have tabs that put the axle in front of the forks, some have the tabs on the bottom.

 

[jcar]

I have seen them in two configurations, some have tabs that put the axle in front of the forks, some have the tabs on the bottom.

View attachment 255910 View attachment 255911

I have seen both of those, I'm wondering about the inside is there springs and what it looks like where they bolt in.

 

[Addicted 2 Minis]

The Flexo Big Bear Scrambler had sprung forks, they used bolts in the upper fork section to retain the springs as seen in the photo below.

 

[jcar]

The Flexo Big Bear Scrambler had sprung forks, they used bolts in the upper fork section to retain the springs as seen in the photo below.

View attachment 256085

Do you know how the springs are attached to the lower legs?

 

[Addicted 2 Minis]

I'm not a 100% certain but I think there's a post welded to the lower fork leg that the spring threads onto. Try the "Media" tab at the top of the page, maybe someone has some fork pictures there?.

 

[minibikin']

If he only knew I would have gave him at least $1,000.00 more for it, he wouldn't stop kicking himself in the butt for days. I find it odd that nobody here bought it or else they would have posted about it. Those bikes aren't just something someone buys for their grandchildren to run around the yard when they visit. You have to have a certain liking for them, like the folks here do. I am also surprised that it or it's parts haven't found their way to eBay. Hopefully @RideSF or someone who appreciates them got it, all I know is, I didn't .

There are two collectors that I know of in Cali that aren't forum members. One of them owns my old one. My guess is one of them got it...

 

[minibikin']

What makes this particular model so desirable? Is it the rarity or something else?

Not the "first" minibike made, but one of the first produced in 1959-60

 

[Havasu Dave]

Do you know how the springs are attached to the lower legs?

Machined slugs which the axle slides into, to which the springs are forced on by twisting and retained by friction. Smaller slugs fit into the top of the fork and are retained by bolt and nut.

There are two collectors that I know of in Cali that aren't forum members. One of them owns my old one. My guess is one of them got it...

Hi Chad. The "pulley" went to the East Coast, the remnants of the frame will probably grace a recycle bin.

 

[Davis]

Just made my day seeing you back buddy!

 

[Havasu Dave]

The "first" mini bike mass produced was the Bug Flea which beat the Go Kart Cycle to production by a week. All of this historical information is located within this forum, but unfortunately not so easy to search.

This Flea also went to the East Coast- where the pulley went.

 

[Havasu Dave]

Just made my day seeing you back buddy!

FM Kick Start in the box, so we won't miss it.

 

[Davis]

Still made my day!

 

[PatrickCraik]

Not the "first" minibike made, but one of the first produced in 1959-60

The Doodlebug was made in '46,although called a scooter,definitely a mini bike. The name wasnt thought of yet. The Michrinas of Detroit were making minis in '59,maybe '58. So many regional makers, just like cars of the early 20th century, tough to say which was 1st

 

[Havasu Dave]

Here is a link to an article posted by Markus some time ago. The article was written by Lynn Wineland who at the time was the editor of Rod and Custom magazine.

The term "mini-bike" hyphen and all was first coined by Wineland in Rod and Custom as they were launching promotional ads and articles for an upcoming event dubbed "Tiny Bear Run. Also, I miss-spoke above. Livingstone's Go Kart Cycle beat Pierson's "Flea" out the door by a week.

By the time the Michrinas were building their first three bikes, Go Kart Cycle already had two models in production, Flea had at least one, and Caper Cart had produced the Caper Cycle.

For those interested in the subject, check out the article, as it's as illuminating from someone who was there, and involved in the "sport" especially later on with John Steen in the development of their kits and later on "Taco" brand. Thanks for the scan Markus, I've referred to it several times.

https://oldminibikes.com/forum/index.php?threads/who-invented-the-minibike.57166/post-907473

 

[Tom S.]

Here's a link to Lynn Winelnd's obituary. Very interesting.

Lynn Wineland Obituary

 

[jcar]

I plan to make copies of my Greenhorn when I get the chance, I have the bender and dies. I also have a scale drawing of the Greenhorn, not very detailed but close.


View attachment 255720

 

[jcar]

Can anyone please measure the witdth of the the top and bottom sections of the big bear frame please.

 

[sonerenos]

Can anyone please measure the witdth of the the top and bottom sections of the big bear frame please.

i am sure this request wont be obtained easily. once you start reproducing these, the originals will be mistaken for your repops. those bikes hold a pretty high value to them, and reproductions will only decrease that value (in my opinion). your best bet is to find and purchase an original. once you do, and you build the reproduction frame, what are you going to do about the brake and sprocket that are unobtainable? how about those 5" go powers that no one wants to let go of?

heres a possible solution to your request.

https://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/for/d/el-segundo-flexo-mini-bike-frame/7083687293.html

 

[Addicted 2 Minis]

Yep!, mine cost me nearly $3,000, that being said, I will show you what is available on the internet, anything else is money out of my pocket!.

 

[jcar]

i am sure this request wont be obtained easily. once you start reproducing these, the originals will be mistaken for your repops. those bikes hold a pretty high value to them, and reproductions will only decrease that value (in my opinion). your best bet is to find and purchase an original. once you do, and you build the reproduction frame, what are you going to do about the brake and sprocket that are unobtainable? how about those 5" go powers that no one wants to let go of?

heres a possible solution to your request.

https://losangeles.craigslist.org/wst/for/d/el-segundo-flexo-mini-bike-frame/7083687293.html

Thanks for the photos .... I'm not copying a big bear I'm scaling up a Tom Thumb and just wanted to know the width of the top and bottom frame for seat width and engine mount width. I agree with you on getting a real big bear however I just can't seem to locate one, wish I kept the one I had as a kid that I bought for $15