3800
The classic Solex: an engine over the front wheel, driving the tire with a roller.
Full history →Photo: Luis Miguel Bugallo Sánchez (Lmbuga), CC BY-SA 3.0
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VéloSoleX
The French bike with a motor on the front wheel
// The story
The VéloSoleX went into production in Paris in 1946, and more than 8 million have been sold around the world.
It's basically a bicycle with a tiny two-stroke sitting over the front wheel. A roller presses on the tire and spins it. Later models ran 49cc and around 0.8 horsepower, got about 200 miles per gallon and topped out near 20 mph. The whole thing weighs about 62 pounds.
The 4600 was built for export only, with bigger lights, a brake light and an electric horn to meet US rules. There was even a folding version.
// The models
VéloSoleX models
6000 / Flash
A sideways engine with shaft drive, very different from the classic Solex.
Photo: Alf van Beem, CC0
5000
Smaller wheels, whitewall tires and a white motor, in yellow, blue, orange or white.
Photo: sam, CC BY-SA 2.0
More VéloSoleX models and versions (no free photo yet. Got one? DM us)
- 330 / 660 / 1010 / 1400 / 1700 The 1950s models, each with updates. 1953–61
- S 3300 Bolt-together frame. 1964–66
- 4600 US model with Magura levers. 1974–79
- Tenor (8000) Four different engines. 1973–77
- Pli-Solex Folding 5000. 1973–74
// Made from real bikes
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