STIMUIA

2 3/4 HP - 1905

A spring in its step

Stimula was one of the manufacturers that ventured into motorcycles at the beginning of the century. France was still the dominant nation in automobile manufacturing and had 250 two-wheeler manufacturers, though most were doomed to a brief, inglorious existence. Stimula is one of the few names which survives (though today it makes cars), and is still run by the De la Chapelle family, who founded the company in 1902.

Two Frame Sizes

The company's first product was a 2 hp single with an automatic intake valve, followed soon after by a "ladies' model" with an open frame and a 3 hp model with the option of automatic or mechanically-operated intake valve. The factory made its own frames in two heights (19.7 or 21.7 inches), as well as its own engines, carburetors and spark plugs. It also developed a back-pedaling brake that tightened a brake shoe against the rim of the driving belt pulley.

Revolutionary Suspension

One of Stimula's technical advances was its "double suspension" system, a very advanced concept at a time when rigid frames were commonplace. The front forks were designed on the Truffault system, with leading links controlled by a single helical spring in front of the steering head, while a primitive type of swing arm was fitted at the rear. Motorcycle production ceased around the outbreak of WWI; car production, based near Lyon, ceased soon after, but was revived 60 years later by Xavier de la Chapelle, also responsible for the Venturi sports car.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: air-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke; splash lubrication; trembler coil ignition

Power Rating: 2.75 hp @ 1500 rpm

Valves: automatic intake, mechanical exhaust

Fuel System: carburetor

Transmission: direct belt drive

Suspension: leading-link forks (front); swing arm (rear)

Brakes: rim (front & rear)

Wheels: wire clincher (front & rear)

Weight: 110 lb

Maximum Speed: 37 mph

One of the earliest French motorcycle makers, the Stimula company is still in existence in the 90's, though it makes MPVs and replicas of classic Bugatti automobiles.