1954 Simplex Automatic Servi-Cycle

In the late 1920’s Paul Treen was the successful owner of a Harley-Davidson motorcycle dealership in New Orleans, LA, with his shops sales accounting for two percent of the manufacturers sale thanks largely to his contracts with the Louisiana State Police.  Treen saw a market for a lighter weight, smaller motorcycle and made a pitch to Harley Davidson executives to produce such a model.  When that idea was rejected, Treen believed enough in his idea that he gathered a group of investors to form Simplex Manufacturing Company and began designing what would become the Simplex Servi-Cycle.

Debuting in 1935, the first Servi-Cycle was an uncomplicated vehicle.  Power came from a single-cylinder two-stroke engine with a belt directly driven off the engine to the rear wheel.  That required riders to shut off the engine at every stop and re-start by pushing it.  Later advancements included adding a clutch and a kick-start mechanism.  The Simplex Automatic was introduced in 1953, utilizing a centrifugal clutch to allow a variable speed through the belt as engine RPM’s increased.

Treen had a rather unique philosophy, as he preferred to continually modify and refine his original design as opposed to other manufacturers who released new models annually, or at least every few years.  By the time production closed in 1960, the Servi-Cycle had changed very little cosmetically in the 25 years it was made.  As the only motorcycle manufacturer in the Deep South at that time, understood that working conditions in the hot, humid environment would be very uncomfortable so Treen installed air conditioning in the factory.  This not only improved working conditions, it served to keep employees long term and cut down on turnover.

By the late 1950’s, the Simplex design was very dated in terms of technology and design.  As imported motorcycles began to show an increased presence in the US market, Simplex ended manufacturing of the Serve-Cycle in 1960.  The company continued to manufacture mini-bikes and go-carts for more than a decade.  Treen sold the company in 1972 and it closed permanently in 1975.

While sales were mostly domestic for the Servi-Cycle, the company also sent models to Canada and England as well as supplying units for the US military.  Simplex also sold motorcycles through Western Auto stores under their brand name “Wizard”.

This 1954 Simplex Automatic Servi-Cycle was acquired by the current owner in September 2009 and has been on static display in a humidity-controlled environment since that time.  This is a mostly complete example of a survivor motorcycle.  The engine seems to turn over and the Simplex appears to be largely original.  It is missing the throttle assembly as well as the front brake lever and cable.

Evergreen Digital Showroom offers this 1954 Simplex Automatic Servi-Cycle on a bill of sale for $13,900 USD.  Pre-purchase inspection is welcomed and encouraged.  We will gladly assist with transportation at buyer’s expense or will work with the shipper of buyer’s choosing.  For additional information or to make an offer on this 1954 Simplex Automatic Servi-Cycle call sales manager Steve Russell at 417-532-8000.