Produced from 1948 through 1965, the Whizzer was a true motorbike competing with the Simplex, among others. The Whizzer phenomenon was just a little before my time. I am not even sure if I have ever seen one, recently or during those production years. I clearly remember its Simplex competitor, but that may have been because the Simplex was built not that far from me in New Orleans. The Whizzer company began producing its engine kit for bicycles in 1939 before actually building and selling complete motorbikes. Whizzer introduced the Pacemaker model in '48 and the Sportsman model a little later, followed by the Special, the WZ Series, and the Ambassador. However, the original engine kits were sold in far higher numbers than were the complete bikes, leaving a wide array of function and styling issues unique to the choice of the pedal-powered machine employed. Many of these were originally built by Schwinn, J. C. Higgins, and Cleveland Welding.
Whizzer motorbikes were resurrected in 1997 with a new operation in Carrollton TX. Current models include the $1795 NE-R Classic and the $1995 Ambassador. Both models are powered by a 138cc four-stroke. The base engine produces two horsepower and the Ambassador has an upgraded 3.25-hp version. The Ambassador also features an electric starter, larger seat and ape-hanger bars. Earlier models you might encounter on the used market include the 24-inch Blue Sportsman, the 24-inch Black Knight, and Pacemaker II built in both 24 and 26-inch versions. Most Whizzers of both the original and replica types utilized 26-inch wheels. The latest NE-R weighs 115 pounds and the Ambassador weighs 151 pounds. Both models are belt-driven with mechanical disc brakes and modern suspension systems.
The photo selected above is of an unrestored, original-type Whizzer. I do not know the model or the year. Although I have a dozen photos of newer, shinier Whizzers in my collection, I think this example best captures the nostalgia for the era.
Wikipedia states that competition from other motorbike brands caused the demise of the original Whizzer. If they mean the Simplex and others, that statement would be hard to swallow. If they are calling the 140-pound, 4.5-hp Honda 50 a motorbike, the truth has been revealed!
See also: Whizzer at Wikipedia
A History of the Whizzer Motorbike
The Resurrected Whizzer Brand