Wards XE525, my first

M

mikertoo

New Member
#1
#1
Hi - newbie, not really a minibike guy but a Wards guy. Got a Benelli 175 and Lambretta 125 Riversides in the garage alongside this XE525.



1. Is this an XE525? Says that on the chainguard (not installed), on the tag it says Model GIL-13988A. I know it's not the orig engine. About what year would this be?

Seems fairly complete, not sure what direction to go with it. It would be easy to put orig if engine/clutch are available. Anyone have a good pic of the orig jackshaft setup, and orig clutch?

I first fell in love with a VT525, could set it up like that too. What engine did those have?

I'm really a two stroke guy, if I went that route what would be a good unit to install?

Just cleaning and fixing a few things at the moment. The only real booger is the chrome on the front fender, other than that it's a nice survivor.

miker(too)
 
M

mikertoo

New Member
#3
#3
Gee, I'm overwhelmed with the response. Thanks for the jackshaft pic tho - looks like that was the torque convertor model?

miker(too)
 
Havasu Dave

Havasu Dave

Moderator
#5
#5
mikertoo said:
Looking for a Wards minibike... prefer a VT525 but willing to consider others, prefer something relatively orig, condition open, want something to add to the Wards-friendly garage next to the Lambretta and Benelli.

miker
Click to expand...
mikertoo said:
Gee, I'm overwhelmed with the response. Thanks for the jackshaft pic tho - looks like that was the torque convertor model?

miker(too)
Click to expand...


I guess you found one. Are you going to sell it?
 
45t

45t

Well-Known Member
#6
#6
That bikes a beauty. I always liked the looks of the Wards/Gilson/Allis bikes. The 3.5 briggs looks nice and new but tiny in that big frame. I'm not sure what size engine originally came in them? I wonder if it was a 5hp or bigger?
 
jrzmac

jrzmac

Active Member
#7
#7
1970 Montgomery Wards XE 525 made by Gilson. heres a few ads:









a few pics of the XE525: (not mine but one of my fav's)











 
f150tilt

f150tilt

New Member
#8
#8
Welcome to the Gilson Club...if it ws me I would keep it original since it's in very good condition:thumbsup: The chrome forks are sweet!:drool:
 
M

mikertoo

New Member
#9
#9
Havasu Dave, yes I've been looking a while. I think it's part of the permanant collection now! Love the "comfort engineered folding footpegs" fer sure!

Other pics I've seen appear to show two chains between engine and jackshaft - one for each ratio? Love to be able to go back to orig hardware somehow.

LOL this morning as I remembered I have a spare Riverside/Benelli 175 engine, as was put in the Benelli Volcanos. That would be awesome too, but hardly "preservation". :) Besides, I already got another project going that will eat Volcanoes for breakfast lunch and supper.

Thanks for the responses (especially the specs), very cool.

miker
 
B

BradySmith

New Member
#10
#10
If anyone wants to sell an xe525 please let me know. I had one when I was a kid and would love to have one again. Would restore it to perfect original condition. It would get a lot of love from me and my grandson I promise!
 
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