1948 Marmon-Schwinn
Country: USA
Engine: Air-cooled, opposed twin-cylinder 4-stroke
Ignition: Flywheel magneto
Power Rating: 3-1/4hp @ 3,600rpm
Bore x Stroke: 68mm x 59mm
Displacement: 285cc
Fuel System: Single Tillotson carburetor
Transmission: Single speed with a clutch. Primary and secondary drive by belts
Suspension: Front spring fork, rigid rear
Brakes: Front and rear drum
Top Speed: 35mph
Fuel Consumption: 90mpg
Marmon Products Co. of Los Angeles, California, was established in 1948 by Herbert “Zeppo” Marx, youngest brother of the famous Marx brothers comedy team. Zeppo was a very clever engineer who patented quite a few inventions, the most famous being the “Marmon clamp” that supported the first atomic bombs. With hostilities finally over, Marmon purchased war surplus motors that were used to power World War II pilotless drones. A clutch was added and the motor installed in a state of the art Schwinn bicycle. With over 3 horsepower, the ride must have been exciting.