Topic: 1918 Cleveland

[BenelliSEI]

Gave it a good cleaning today and freed up the sticky clutch lever. Guy on the west coast really wants it for his collection of +110 year old bikes. Mmmmmm.......

[BenelliSEI]

Clutch lever is the big stick with the alloy ball on top! Note the huge spark plug, brand is “Cross Country”.

[BenelliSEI]

Other side.... Fascinating 260cc two stroke, two speed gearbox. No Crankshaft, flywheel hangs off the front end of main shaft and rod is pinned to flywheel!

[BenelliSEI]

Well...... Sold it today.

[BenelliSEI]

Today I did the last “job” on the Cleveland. I hold down the front with a pair of nuts that I welded on a chain link. It’s a safe place for tie straps. The plated, original dome nuts go on the rest of the time. Made up a set of plates to attach to the seat mount, for a second set of straps. I want to ensure the “shipper” has no excuses for marking the paint. The “military” green has a mat clear coat and any rubbing will shine it up!

[BenelliSEI]

Last ride before it moves west.

[MauiK3]

Very unusual engine setup. Is that a worm/wheel setup to get power to the sprocket?
Congratulations on the sale.

[BenelliSEI]

Very unusual engine setup. Is that a worm/wheel setup to get power to the sprocket?
Congratulations on the sale.

Steve...... Correct! And there is no crankshaft. The flywheel hangs off the front of the long shaft and the connecting rod is pinned on a dowel on the front face of the flywheel. Two speed gearbox. High gear connects the “flywheel shaft” directly to the “output shaft”. Low gear opens them up and drive is through the drop gear set in the sump. A picture is worth 1000 words, so here’s 2000.

I hate to see it go, but really just eye candy in the shop.