NIMBUS

750 "Stovepipe" - 1924

No melancholy Dane

Inspired by the Belgian FN, the Danish Nimbus followed the same layout, with a four-cylinder power unit set longitudinally in the frame, with a shaft driving the rear wheels. Particularly advanced for its day – with trailing link front suspension and rear springing in an era of rigid frames – the "Stovepipe" Nimbus was produced in relatively large numbers. Up to 1928, a total of 1252 "Stovepipes" were built – a record in an age when most production was small-scale.

Top Tube Fuel Tank

The "Stovepipe" took its nickname from its large-diameter top tube, which doubled as the fuel tank, a bright idea which was later copied by other makers like the Swiss Fritz Egli. Attached to the tube was a double cradle frame in pressed steel to which the engine was bolted, making the bike terrifically rigid.

Modern and Original

Modern and original in concept, the Nimbus was also strongly built and an excellent performer, achieving a degree of success in endurance trials even though it had not been designed as a sports bike. In 1921, a Nimbus won the 800-mile Paris-Copenhagen race. In 1922, a sister Nimbus arrived four hours ahead of the second-place bike in the Odense-Berlin-Odense competition, maxing out at nearly 70mph and achieving remarkable gas mileage (60 mpg!).

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: air-cooled 746cc (60x66 mm) 4-cylinder four-stroke

Power Rating: 7 hp

Valves: automatic inlet, side exhaust

Fuel System: Nimbus carburetor

Transmission: 3-speed tank-change gearbox

Suspension: (front) trailing link; (rear) swinging arm

Brakes: (front) none; (rear) single drum

Wheels: wire 3.00x21 in

Weight: 220 lb

Maximum Speed: 68 mph

Founded in 1919 by P.A. Fisker, Nimbus built motorbikes up to 1960; nowadays, under the name "Nilfisk, " the company makes electrical household appliances.