PURSUITS
Pedal Pusher To motor or not to motor? That is the question with the trim, agile Motoped Cruzer, which is ready for both. By Timothy Kelley
P
ound those pedals to build your calves—or vroom away with a gas-powered 49-cc engine that will take you roughly 100 miles on a gallon. With the Motoped Cruzer, you can do either—or switch back and forth to match your moods. It’s the perfect commuting vehicle for a green, vigor-conscious age that prizes muscle cars less than actual muscles. They say everything’s up to date in Kansas City; that’s where the Cruzer’s put together. Indeed, perhaps only the latest know-how could do justice to such an authentic throwback. This motorbike honors the ones used in board-track “motordome” races in the 1910s and 1920s. Alas, the steeply banked wooden tracks of that era are gone. But wood isn’t forgotten; the Cruzer features inlaid fenders of ebony, pine, maple and African blood wood with matching tank trim. And the Brooks saddle is lush aged leather. The Cruzer has been getting noticed— reportedly comedian Conan O’Brien is a thrilled owner. It has a mountain-bike frame, and its made-in-U.S.A. 1.38-gallon fuel tank is brushed, 16-gauge, 304-grade stainless steel. (The engine comes from China,
but we won’t tell if you don’t.) There are 24-inch wheels, a DNM adjustable front and rear suspension and Hayes 9-inch hydraulic front and rear disc brakes. With a two-speed automatic transmission and a top engine speed of 24 mph (with a little momentum you’ll hit 30) the Cruzer won’t break speed records, but it sets the bar high for classy transportation. And if you wish, it can be customized and equipped to suit your needs, with an added surfboard rack, saddlebags or a cooler for beverages. What could be cooler? The Cruzer fills up at any gas station, and of course you’ll never be stranded as long as you’ve got legs. Licensing can be simpler than it is for a full-sized motorcycle because many states deem anything under 50 cc a “motorized bicycle,” and the Cruzer gets in just under the wire. (Check your state’s laws.) We’re not promising instant success with the opposite sex when you show up at the beach with this baby. But you’re free to imagine the possibilities!
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Motoped’s lightweight Cruzer (128 lbs.) boasts a single-tube frame with 2.8-inch walls of 4130 chromoly—that is, a steel alloy with chromium and molybdenum that boasts a favorable strength-to-weight ratio.
Peddle away or take an easy ride, guided when it’s dark by the LED head lamp. When the motor’s on, you can still pedal to give it an assist.
A “hog” this isn’t: Both front and rear tires are 24 inches by a svelte 3 inches.
The Cruzer has a standard seat height of 32 inches—or choose an optional 30 inches instead.
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3/23/17 10:35 AM