Discovered without ignition among a batch of bicycles for sale, this white 51V immediately caught my client's attention.
In very good original condition, this utility vehicle remains quite rare in very good shape, it has often been used as a "workhorse" and they are now found on their last legs.
Equipped with a reed-valve engine, the 51 appeared in 1978. It is "chunky" with its plastic covers surrounding the tank, a large luggage rack, a spacious toolbox, and especially a very comfortable "Pouf" seat.
As soon as it was launched, sales of the 51 exploded; "all-weather riders" found the successor to the indestructible blue model, but with the new AV10 engine, it also offered more power and "modernity."
Originally appearing in apple green, it would later be available in several colors: blue, orange, and white, like the one we restored. It would also come in various versions: S, VS, VL, VLC, depending on its level of finish, suspensions, turn signals, etc.
To return to our model, the client's specifications were clear:
get it running again,
check the mechanical parts and the safety of the cycle part,
slightly improve it so that it could go on "road trips" and thus pull a small trailer and have large saddlebags.
The first point was quickly resolved by grafting a classic breaker-point ignition plate equipped with the ATV electronic capacitor. We agreed with the client: reassembly of a classic, well-adjusted ignition, 100 times safer on long rides than a re-manufactured electronic one, easy to repair anywhere and with few tools. The addition of the electronic capacitor is a plus that will avoid 80% of potential ignition failures.
Overhauling and checking the engine took a little longer, but the overall condition being very good, it was more a simple verification than actual repairs. Only the "consumable" parts were replaced with new ones: cables, brake shoes, belt, and of course the inevitable engine top and bottom Silentblocs! The carburetor was carefully disassembled, ultrasonically cleaned, and its gaskets changed before being put back in place. All electrical parts were checked to ensure everything was functioning: headlight, taillight, horn….
For the improvement, we first fitted larger section tires. This will allow the ride to be more "loaded" while maintaining comfort and balance. Secondly, we also grafted a speedometer onto this "entry-level" model, allowing for better management of road trip stages, but also ensuring that machine "service" periods were not missed. Finally, a "Decathlon trailer" type tow hitch was installed to effortlessly pull a small trailer.
The result is very satisfying, and the first long outings (presumably this summer?) will allow us to see if everything is okay and, undoubtedly, to fine-tune certain points depending on the use.
And one more on the road!
#1moreontheroad!
The video of this restart is here:
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