Description
Cyclotracteur ca. 1920 108 cc a.i.v. motor attachment fitted to period French “Lutin” bicycle
This little engine was considered quite innovative when it was first displayed at the Paris Show in 1913.
The 50×55 engine displaces 108 cc and delivers 1 ½ HP @2,500 rpm. Its weight is 30 Lbs. Inside the timing chest is a train of gears that drives the magneto and the oil pump. The side exhaust valve is mechanically operated, the automatic inlet valve is situated directly under the carburettor.
The drive is transmitted through the front wheel by friction roller.
Two types of roller were available, a ribbed cast iron one for dry weather and one covered with emery for when it was wet.
A small tram handle behind the headstock raises and lowers the engine unit on telescopic tubes. After the first world war the engine was imported for some time by a London firm.
For Cyclotracteur details & road test see Philip Tooth’s article in “ The Classic Motorcycle” of June, 1990.
This interesting vintage vehicle is unrestored and misses some parts such as carburettor, exhaust and friction disc cover on the right of the machine.