SIMSON SR2E Restoration
This is Simson SR2E 1964 fefore restoration in Artern Germany.
An old Simson granny is never too far gone. See how i brought this one back from the junk pile. My friend Gerald Juch called one night and informed me that he had found a Sismson SR2E. He wanted nothing for the whole pile.
Production of 50cc two-stroke mopeds began 1956 in Suhl East Germany. The name was subsequently changed to Simson and the production switched to lightweight two-strokes. In the late 1960's Simson started producing successful small-capacity off road competition models. (a 1967 Simson ISDT machine; it was produced 49cc and 74cc versions)
My SR2E 50cc two-stroke was elegantly simple. The way to approach any project like this is simple take it apart. Disassembly was easy until I got the engine. The SR2E had sat outside in the weather with the head off. The piston was rusted to the cylinder and the crank would not turn.
ABOVE Explode view of Simson SR2E and frame parts. Right Chrome restoration to the highest standard by Rauno Kalliokorpi.
View of each crankcase half for the Rheinmetall engine. Right primary drive, clutch and gearchange attachment.
Above restored 50ccRheinmetall two-stroke engine has to make do with two gear ratios.
SR2E after restoration
1
2
3
4
5
6
1. Good quality and Germanic style, the cheap Simsons are built for hard
use.
2. Compared to most Mopeds of the sixties, Simson SR2E stands out like a work of
art.
3. Spine type frame and "egg" type tank are typical Simson features.
4. Simple but effective instrumentation and switch.
5. Elaborate tank badge and classy paintwork go some way to imparting a sense of
style to the rheimetall powered lightweight.
6. Obviously functional with easy access for adjustment and repair, the SR2E
maintains a smooth style.
Lightweights and mopeds often get ignored in the restoration stakes, but i have gone some way to redressing the balance. I find that small can be beautiful. This moped is simply FUN.
E-Mail: nasser@luukku.com
