1947 Cushman - $1,900 (Sisters OR)

[Twisted Shifter]

 

Sorry, but this brings back so many memories

 

https://bend.craigslist.org/cto/d/sisters-1947-cushman/7735362885.html

 

Rat rodded Cushman. New 212cc 4 cycle engine, pull start, not street legal at this time, but can be made street legal with a few alterations. Original style airplane tires.

 

Call or text - Jay - (206) 550-8997

 

 

 

 

[Twisted Shifter]

My life-long and recently deceased buddy, Ron, at fifteen, owned a very similar Cushman in the late '50's'. It ran, but barely. Smoke, noise and a rusted body never stopped him, though. Together, we logged many a mile that we could never have covered on our bikes. One time we tried to "visit" a radar installation on an unpopulated hill top. Despite the lack of compression, the old scooter made it up the first few grades without any complaints. But the next switch back proved to be more than it could handle with the two of us aboard. No problem. That hard metal "back seat" was always uncomfortable, so walking was not unwelcome. No problem in the speed department either as I could keep up quite well as the Cushman and Ron ground along at a snail's pace beside me.

However, that didn't last long. Beyond the next turn was a significant incline. The old scooter refused to carry any weight but it's own. Ron walked, too, coaxing it along like a stubborn mule. Another switchback and we both had to push and try to keep the engine running at the same time to make any headway. Finally the engine quit and we were exhausted. Making lemonade from our lemon of an adventure, without even seeing the rotating radar antenna up close, we made a U-turn, hopped back on, and zipped down the hill at what felt like exceeding the land speed record for motor scooters.

 

Another time as we were putting down a city thoroughfare, we heard and felt loud rumblings thundering up behind us. Not a bus or a truck, but about thirty Hell's Angels in full regalia riding the biggest, loudest Harley choppers imaginable. At first, they all lined up behind us as we led the parade down the street. In the next block, two cycles moved up, one on each side of us and the rest three abreast behind us for a block or two. Their last move was to zoom ahead and form a single line ahead with the Cushman at the very end of the line, all the time maintaining the scooter's reluctant but brave pace. A block later, in an ear-splitting roar, they were off like the proverbial ghost riders in the sky, to be seen no more. 

Once we arrived at home, I believe clean underwear was in order.

 

Forgive the personal nostalgia, but seeing this craigslist ad after all these years, I just needed to share these memories and reminiscences of an old timer.

[wayne sheldon]

Great story! I enjoyed reading it.