- Name:
- Sven Nowak
- Websites & Profile:
- http://petrol-punks.weebly.com/ (Under construction, as of:12/2016)
- Residence:
- Dresden
Brand Simson
How did you become aware of the Simson brand?
My family pushed me to Simson for a long time. Especially my father and my uncle always said: "Don't always buy those China choppers, buy something proper for a change. Simson for example." I was very put off by the sound at the time, liking the rumbling 4-strokes better. However, it came after the third China car (which were optically top, but technically for the ton), that I bought a Simson. It was in autumn, so there was enough time to restore the good one.
What do you like most about Simson?
At that time I liked the 60km/h, which you are allowed to ride officially, and the better acceleration in the low engine range. Little by little more things were added. I myself started with little experience and now I'm actually quite far, for the fact that you teach yourself a lot.
Your Simson
Which Simson model(s)/model variant(s) do you own?
I myself have had my S51N since the beginning. However, it didn't stay as it was for long. The breaker ignition became an electronic one. The footpegs became running boards. The "N" became a Simson with turn signals, battery and horn.
Does your Simson have a name?
But of course. My little Alberta is my pride and joy. The name also fits quite well, as she can be very bitchy sometimes. The name was chosen quite unspectacularly. I wanted something with "A", because it is the first Simson and something that sounds a bit older according to the appearance.
How did you get your Simson moped?
As I mentioned before, I bought Alberta in the fall after the third China Chopper went to the "trash". I searched the online exchanges for a month for it until I found one nearby whose price/performance seemed to fit. Called directly (it was evening), time-wise it just suited the seller, and so I spontaneously drove off with my uncle for the inspection. Short test drive, looked through what you can see in the dark, and agreed. Top: The seller delivered it to me directly two days later. I gave him the money and already I had my first Simson in the shed.
What condition was Alberta in when you bought it?
It started, it rode, but it had been in the seller's garage for a couple of years and was only dug out for "field fun" at the most. The engine just about lasted the season, but locked up anything over 63 mph. The chain broke right on the first 2k lap. The frame was a bit rusty and the electrics needed some work. But that's why I bought it in autumn.
What did you change and why?
I changed almost everything. A drip tank, solo saddle with pillion pad, crash bars, Schwalbe kick plates, steel grey and copper paint, handlebars from a Zündapp, a rare version of the tit lamp. And lots of little decorative items to add to the Wehrmacht steampunk look. On the one hand the whole thing is for looks, on the other hand for convenience. The tank, however, was actually just a leftover from the last chopper and was only stopped for fun in the beginning. Oh yeah, I also have a gearshift.
My uncle helped me with the whole thing. He had a lot of knowledge about Simson from his youth and through his motorcycle career he had a lot of ideas and tips for conversions.
Did you follow a certain concept?
I like chopper bikes and the military look. After the tank fit so well, it was clear: it should look military. At first olive green was planned. My uncle showed me the bird and said: "This is a German moped! Wehrmacht-grey, it became in the end. When she was so far reassembled and electrically fancy, she looked too naked to me. Something was still missing (tread plates etc. were not yet on it). I was just starting to get interested in steampunk and one thing led to another. A few gears here, some copper paint there ... here something else, there something else ... As you know, you never finish a project like this. So even after two years I'm still working on the optics and the technology.
Regarding the costs ... i don't really want to know and I don't really know. But in any case it was cheaper than my last car, in which I spent more than 3.000€ (with new price).
What difficulties did you encounter during the rebuild/repair? Where there is a will, there is a way. Can't be done, doesn't exist. For the more difficult repairs, especially on the engine and ignition, I have good friends who support me. During the rebuilds my uncle was always there. There were no really big difficulties. So far the only problem is the electronic ignition. For some unknown reason it always shatters my control parts after three months at the latest. Why? Nobody knows yet.
What do you use your Simson moped for?
For everything - shopping, the way to university and to work, to switch off after a stressful day, to go to friends or also to get other thoughts. I have fun riding and always come back happy from a tour. I have also ridden from Dresden to the Briesensee. When I arrived there, the exhaust was leaking, but someone always has a Bunsen burner at hand ;) And of course to Bautzen and to other meetings, like the one in Merseburg.
What was your greatest or most extraordinary experience with your Simson?
Other
Are you a member of a Simson club / association?
I am a member of the Treff-Dresden.de. A group of Simson riders who meet almost every Monday and go for a little ride. I am also in the process of setting up a group that will mainly be about rebuilt vehicles.
Do you take part in Simson events?
As often as I can. Bautzen twice a year is a must. Helmsdorf, Merseburg... . Everything, what time and purse so give. But also smaller events, like the parade in Niedersedlitz, where my Alberta was in the middle row, are visited.
Do you have wishes, ideas, plans for the future concerning Simson?
A second model is planned. This time a bit more "normal" though. A Simson Scrambler with extremely high range and good road-terrain comfort ratio. So far, however, the money is missing, because the conversion will cost about 3,000 €. Everything is already planned from front to back. Now the financial means are missing. Would anyone support such a project via crowdfunding? Or maybe even bigger companies would step in to sponsor such a project? I don't know.
Anything else you'd like to share with us?
I love what you guys are doing. Especially the meetings at the beginning and end of the season. And that you always order good weather, I find the best ;)
