History of Whizzer Motorbikes
History of Whizzer Motorbikes Whizzer Bikes - Ride One, You'll Buy One

 
1939
August Breene-Taylor Engineering, a Los Angeles-based manufacturer of airplane parts, announced the availability of the Whizzer Model "D" Bicycle Motor. This kit sold for $54.95 and included an air-cooled, four-cycle engine that was capable of producing 1.375 horsepower as well as a 2/3 gallon fuel tank. Approximately 1000 Model "D" motors were made and sold. Back to the Time Line
1940
July Breene-Taylor released the new Model "E" Bicycle Motor, which was essentially the same as the Model "D" with several key improvements and additions. Most notably, the cylinder head was changed to aluminum for better cooling, the camshaft was redesigned to provide better performance, and an oil dipstick was added to check the oil level. Approximately 1500 Model "E" Motors were made and sold. Back to the Time Line
1942
  The Whizzer Motors had not been a great success, resulting in sales of only about 2500 units. As such, Breene-Taylor decided to divest itself of this unit and focus on more profitable ventures. So, Dietrich Kohlsatt, who supplied the capital, and Martin Goldman, an attorney for Breene-Taylor, bought the Whizzer Motor operation from them. Back to the Time Line
1943
  With World War II in full swing, Whizzer had to lobby the United States government for the right to continue production of their motorbike engines. Martin Goldman visited Washington and convinced the government that the Whizzer was a great way for defense workers to travel to and from work.
  Whizzer released the "New Model" engine for "defense workers only." This redesigned engine was more reliable than previous models because it used a belt drive instead of the roller drive that Whizzer Motors had used up to that point. Back to the Time Line
1945
  With the War ending, Whizzer was able to bring its production of engines back up and make them available to the general public. The Model "F" released in 1945 was the same as the "New Model" that had been released during WWII, with the same belt drive and large 5-quart gas tank. Approximately 4200 Model "F" engines were sold for $125 each. Back to the Time Line
1946
  Whizzer moved its main production facilities from southern California to Pontiac, Michigan. This enabled them to use the nearby auto-production facilities to outsource the manufacture of most of the Whizzer components.
  Henry Schuricht, a former Breene-Taylor engineer who had moved to Whizzer when it changed ownership in 1941, finished redesigning the Whizzer motor.
March Whizzer announced the availability of the new Model "H." This new engine featured a one-piece crankcase that replaced the old two-piece case, a crankshaft that used roller bearings at one end and a ball bearing at the other, more reliable seals, and a Tillotson carburetor. The Model "H" was more reliable and popular than any other Whizzer model, with sales of approximately 139,000 at prices ranging from $89.50 to $97.50. Back to the Time Line
1948
May Dietrich Kohlsaat announced that they had sold 150,000 Whizzer engines. The company had over 12 dozen warehouses nationwide that supplied 3500 dealers.
  Whizzer announced the Model "J" engine, which had a chrome-plated exhaust pipe and fittings, a new, more-reliable Carter carburetor, and motorcycle-type twist-grip controls. Whizzer sold about 51,000 Model "J" motors at a cost of $97.55.
June Whizzer introduced the "Pacemaker," which the company referred to as the "only complete motorbike." The bike came with the Model "J" engine already attached to the frame and ready to run. The "Pacemaker" retailed for $199.50 Back to the Time Line
1949
September In order to keep pace with its new competition, Whizzer released the Model "300" Motor. This new engine had 7/8 in. valves, a more efficient combustion chamber, better cooling, and a higher compression ratio. These changes resulted in a 3 hp engine that could reach speeds of 40 mph. Whizzer sold about 15,000 Model "300" motors at $109.97 each.
  Whizzer released the "Sportsman" motorbike, which was much more like a real motorcycle. The "Sportsman" abandoned pedals altogther and used a kickstarter to get the bike going. The "Sportsman" cost $224.50 for the Standard edition, which had a clutch transmission, and $239.50 for the Deluxe edition, which sported the Bi-Matic automatic transmission. Back to the Time Line
1951
  Whizzer released the "Ambassador," a motorbike similar to the "Sportsman" but with a full-size frame, larger tires, and greater overall length. The "Ambassador" was the top-of-the-line, with a gloss black finish, ivory trim, and chrome-plating. The Ambassador sold for $249.50, making it Whizzer's most expensive product. Back to the Time Line
1952
  In 1952, the company introduced its last major motorbike engine, the "700." This motor was in many respects similar to the "300," but it included a new carburetor, a sealed-beam headlight, and a taillight. Back to the Time Line
1955
  Whizzer Motorbike Company changed names to become Whizzer Industries, Inc. and began to expand into other areas of production. Whizzer Industries produced childrens' toys and wagons as well as windows and sliding doors. The company continued to sell parts for Whizzer engines and bikes until 1965, but times had changed and the Whizzer was no longer king. Back to the Time Line
1997
  What do you get when you combine an intelligent investor with a seasoned motorcycle marketing professional?  The idea of bringing the Whizzer back!  The new Whizzer bought the trademark and embarked on creating a new bike to match those of yesteryear. They found a manufacturer, perfected designs to allow the new bike to meet DOT standards, created all new tooling and began re-manufacturing the legendary Whizzer.  Back to the Time Line
1998
 December The Whizzer has returned and Motorbike fun is back again! The Classic model, a black 26" bike, was introduced and received rave reviews royal market url .  They immediately became the new "in" thing to own for motorcycle and nostalgia enthusiasts alike.  Back to the Time Line
1999
  The Classic sold throughout the year with great success.  Back to the Time Line
2000
  Whizzer introduced the Blue Sportsman, a 24" limited edition motorbike. It came  stock with additional accessories not on the original Classic. The Black Knight was also created as a modification to the Classic with 24" chrome wheels and specialty decals.   
2001                                                        Back to the Time Line
  Whizzer came out with the Pacemaker II with the centrifugal clutch and later in the year also offered them in a slip clutch version.  It was available in a 24" or 26" vintage maroon bike. The Pacemaker II was loaded with numerous chrome accessories not stock on previous models.
2002                                                        Back to the Time Line
  Whizzer continued to produce the maroon Pacemaker II slip clutch and introduced the Pacemaker II in midnight blue or candy apple red slip clutch bikes, 24" or 26".    
2003                                                        Back to the Time Line
  Whizzer came out with the Panther, a black, sleek  24" motorbike.  
2004                                                        Back to the Time Line
 October Whizzer introduced their new NE5 model in a pearlized sapphire blue or ruby red 26 inch bike.  Significant modifications and enhancements have been made to this model. This is the first major change Whizzer has undergone since the new bike came out in 1998.
2005                                                        Back to the Time Line
January Whizzer came out with the 24 inch version of the NE5 model in red or blue.  
February Whizzer introduced the 24 inch version of the NE5 model in pearlized ultra black at the Dealer Expo in Indianapolis.   
November The NE5 became available with a brand new automatic centrifugal clutch.
2006                                                        Back to the Time Line
March The 26" Black was back by popular demand!!  
September Whizzer introduced three exciting new colors: Forest Green, Vibrant Yellow and Original Vintage Maroon.
2007                                                        Back to the Time Line
January Whizzer continued the production of the NE5 model in five different colors.  
2008                                                        Back to the Time Line
March Whizzer introduced the Ambassador, a new age classic. Designed with an electric start and retro chopper styling-once again the top of the line Whizzer bike.  
July The new automatic CVT drive on the Ambassador is a big hit!  
December Whizzer introduced the Whizzer NE-R in black, a motorbike with the same styling as the NE5 classic with many upgrades such as wider wheels, disc brakes, automatic CVT drive and standard accessories like turn signals, speedometer/tachometer, dual mirrors, deluxe grips and chrome electrical cover.   
2009                                                        Back to the Time Line
January Whizzer celebrates its 70th Anniversary.
February The Whizzer NE-R was available in two new exciting colors...red and blue. 
2009-2014                                               Back to the Time Line
 March 2009-Current Whizzer is currently on a temporary hiatus from bike production.  There are still some dealers selling NOS bikes. In addition to supporting dealers, Whizzer continues to  offer replacement parts, accessories and collectibles for the new generation Whizzers. 
 

 

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