| Les Amis... | Newsletter | Web links |
The first Les Amis... newsletters were produced by Bob Cordon Champ. Bob published ten editions from 1989 to 1991. From December 1993, the newsletter was written by David Beare and incorporated into the NACC's magazine Buzzing. Bryan Hollishead took the reins in October 1999. Many back issues of the newsletter are available in the Moped Archive.
Ignition faults are annoying particularly so if they occur some distance from home and you are not carrying the necessary spares and tools with you at the time. It happened to me one evening last month when the 3800 that I had chosen for that particular ride developed a missfire that gradually became worse until the bike finally came to a halt. Fortunately I was only some three kilometres from home and Solexes have pedals, so it was no real inconvenience.
The trouble was soon rectified as it was because of a faulty condenser and this brings me to my point. The condenser in question was one of several which I bought some two years ago and this is the second which has failed after very little use. Also, in the course of my correspondence with other Solexistes several have experienced the same problems with similar condensers. The items in question contain no clue as to the maker's name nor place of origin but evidently their quality is in question. If anyone knows of a source of branded condensers I'd be grateful for the information to pass on to others.
Clipping from La Vie de la Moto
A rare Solex has come to light: a 45cc of the early 1950s, manufactured in England. There can't be too many of these about so it could be considered an important find. I've been fortunate to have seen a photograph of the bike which appears to be complete but in need of some TLC, which the present owner promises that it will receive during the coming months. The question is, as always, whether to go for a full restoration or conservation, which is a difficult choice to make.
I have restored the motorless 3800 that Jean-Pierre gave me three months ago, fitting it with a motor built up from bits and pieces and now it is performing quite well. I did intend to make it a winter project but became impatient so I just got on with it. Since then I have been offered another 3800, again without a motor, but I turned it down, partly because of lack of space. However, I've had second thoughts as for some time I've been toying with the idea of building a Super Luxe model.
I already have many of the more difficult parts to find, notably the stainless steel mudguards and the white tank and sufficient bits to build another motor. Probably the most difficult item to find would be the chromium plated exhaust.
A recent edition of La Vie de la Moto (No 492 - 4 October 2007) contained an interesting article comparing the new e-Solex with the S3800. The e-Solex weighs 35kg compared with the S3800's 28.5 kgs. Also the eSolex delivers only 400 watts of power as against the 590 watts of the conventional model. On the plus side the e-Solex has the choice of two speeds, 25kph or 35kph, but the use of the higher speed has to be set against the lessening of time between battery charges. The e-Solex scores on comfort and braking with telescopic forks and disc brakes. The choice of which to buy would depend on the type of use that you visualise for it.
On your next visit to France, when you are buying your wine to take home, why not choose your favourite wine in a pack of six bottles contained in a nice wooden box with the label of the vineyard printed on the side? Drink the wine and give the box several coats ofvamish before mounting it on the carrier of your Solex. I've done just that on my 330 and it gives the outfit an authentic touch reminding one of the days when much of the family shopping was carried home on a Solex.
The Club Solex de Belgique held a rally at Chimay to celebrate the fifteenth anniversary of the club. Some hundred and sixty Solexistes turned up including a group from Holland, some of whom were mounted on Solexes manufactured by Ven Der Heem. Judging by the photographs which accompanied the text in La Vie de la Moto, the rally must have been a success.
Solexes in the courtyard at Chimay (Photo: LVM)
A welcome change from a rather indifferent summer has been two weeks of fine weather without rain und with very little wind. This has given me a chance to give the bikes an airing. Most have performed well with the possible exception of the red 3800 Luxe, which has had very little attention and much use for the past four or five years. Clearly an engine overhaul is required, which it will receive before next summer.
And so another season has drawn to a close. It is to be hoped that it has been an enjoyable one which has provided you with many miles/kms on your favourite machines. As you prepare to undertake another restoration, repair or general service I wish you well.
Bon courage
| Les Amis... | Newsletter | Web links |