1964 Trans-Sport 810 Mini Bike Trail Test - 1-Page Vintage Motorcycle Article

Description

1964 Trans-Sport 810 Mini Bike Trail Test - 1-Page Vintage Motorcycle Article
Original, vintage magazine article
Page Size: Approx 8" x 11" (21 cm x 28 cm)
Condition: Good
A TREND TOWARDS SOPHISTICATION is
becoming increasingly evident in the
trail scooter world these days, a conclus-
ion arrived at after a spin on the Ellison
Trans-Sport. Several features not ordinari-
ly found on trail scooters are evident; an
extended cruising speed range up to 30
mph; light but rigid construction; two-
wheel suspension with springs; all controls
hand operated, and a use of modern
molded plastic in some components.
Though the suspension is rather meager,
it seems to do the job quite well, though
we were able to force it to “bottom” quite
easily. We confess it took some pretty
smashing drop-offs to do it though. We
long ago ceased arguing the problems of
two-wheelers using little wheels; the ad-
vantages of a trail scooter for the hunter,
fisherman or trail rider include its por-
table size, ease of handling with obstacles
that cannot be ridden over, low speed tor-
que and power, etc. We recognize them
as motorcycles of a special type, designed
for a particular purpose, at which they
excel.
We recognize also that the experienced
motorcycle rider will more than likely pre-
fer his motorcycle, but serious thought
should be given to the distinctive ad-
vantages offered. Ellison Engineering in
Glendale, California, claims the Trans-
Sport will climb a 100% grade; we
couldn't find anything that steep, but what
we did attempt we managed success fully.
One universal reaction we obtained was
to its unusual length, not so much in
wheelbase but overall, from the front
wheel to the tip of the shock absorber
perch over the rear wheel, a grand 66
inches. Its wheelbase is 46.5 inches, not
far from the average lightweight motor-
cycle.
Steel tubing, in square and round sec-
tions. make up the frame, and an elegant-
ly simple bit of workmanship it is. Total
weight is 135 pounds, a reasonable aver-
age for trail scooters. It does make it
easier to lift over fallen trees, large rocks,
deep gulleys. etc. If paint and overall
finish deserves praise over other features,
the Trans-Sport is exemplary. Painted a
metallic green, it is well color-keyed to
the world in which it should be at home.
Briggs & Stratton made the engine, dis-
placing 10 cubic inches and delivering 4
horsepower. Its drive chain includes a
Salsbury variable ratio torque converter,
popular on this type vehicle, and for
several very good reasons. An automatic
clutch obviates the shifting of gears, keep-
ing the ehgine rpm up even when the
going is excessively rough. Variation in the
drive ratio allows the rpm of the engine
to settle down to the demands of the
moment, hence the 30 mph cruising speed.
Wheels are 8-inch. pressed steel, mount-
ing 4.00 x 8 and 5.00 x 8 implement
tires; a kill buton for the four-stroke en-
gine’s ignition is included, as is a fender
over the rear wheel and drive chain, floor
stand, and a full-cover over the clutch
and drive system. Thoughtful.
In the end we made a friend of the
Trans-Sport. We get that way towards
objects that serve a function, particularly
one they were created for. In the end.
too. we practice what we try to preach;
each to his own as his experience, taste,
and individual demands and desires dic-
tate. Serious trail scooter shoppers should
give the Ellison scooter careful scrutiny. •
11554-6401-08