What is it?
- Thread starter tommie d
- Start date
I looked at minidoodle the other day. That model was what I thought it was until this was posted today. http://www.oldminibikes.com/forum/what/30334-manco.html
That bike is a exact match for the owners manual on minidoodle.
These bikes I'm looking at do not have the torque converter and have a few other differences like that bigazz sprocket, and the handle bars look to be welded on and not clamped on. I still think they might be Sears or Manco but maybe a earlier model.
Does your bike have any kind of ID tag on it?
That bike is a exact match for the owners manual on minidoodle.
These bikes I'm looking at do not have the torque converter and have a few other differences like that bigazz sprocket, and the handle bars look to be welded on and not clamped on. I still think they might be Sears or Manco but maybe a earlier model.
Does your bike have any kind of ID tag on it?
One of the photos on ebay shows a tag with Model 80759. The one I posted is Model 391.80790. The tank is the same as shown in the 1974 catalog page posted under the photos tab. These have lots of identical details, like the rear brake pedal setup. There are also lots of differences, like the tank, welded handle bars, clutch and cover. Lack of the Sears vendor code prefix suggests these were made by Manco, but not sold through Sears. Very likely a different year as well as different model.
Here is a similar model. Or at least , the forks are similar. Model number is one off at 80758. Has same front axle mount, number plate. Has plastic fenders. Welded handle bars. Frame completly different. Tag on engine plate says Sears roebuck and list the same 80758 number. I used to be able to read the manufacturer. It was on the tag. I am almost completely sure it was not Bird. THink it started with an "S" and was made in Chicago. The tag has deteriorated and am just going from memory. I have looked for one like this and have not come accross another. Would like to see a picture of a complete original so I could put it back to close to stock appearance. thanks
The chainguard screams manco! There are also many similarities to the bird models as well, they even have some MTD similarities although I'm leaning towards Manco. They are a true mystery so far, but if the price is right I would buy them regardless of the make! They are original unmolested machines, well built and a matching pair! I would not hesitate to buy them for the right money, even though minicycles are not my thing the fact they are so nice and a pair will no doubt make them a great addition to someones collection! Buy them tomie d!
Never mind as it looks like there is a "new" bidder in the auction. I never bid once a person with zero feedback starts bidding on the last day. Not always but a few times I have seen where a seller get's family or friends to sign up just so they can get a higher price for the item. So if the new person is the real deal then their going to get one heck of a good deal, if not we will see it get relisted.
That's quite a drive for me even if I were buying them! I had never even heard of Bromide till today, looks to be close to Macalester. I was under the impression you already had them till the thread progressed some! I'll have to look the ad up on Ebay, dont worry I have no intention of buying them. Minicycles aint my thing, that's why I sold the Rupps a while back. I restored them somewhat and the cost was astronomical compared to my minibikes, but I made a tidy profit!
That makes me sick! I would've bid on them had I known! I've been off ebay for a little while to keep from spending too much! I thought you had gotten them and wanted to know what they were, I would've went in half with ya and kept yours here till you could pick it up! I coulda driven that far for a sweetheart deal like that, and spent the $ too! I woulda thought they'd go for like $500, wish I'd paid more attention!:doah:
Well, these were in Bromide Oklahoma - which might be described as the middle of nowhere but 50 miles further... But they were nice folks! Finally got a chance to take more pics of these. If anyone has any new revelations or even another wild ass guess?? I'd really appreciate it. I hope to fix up one for sale & one to keep...
