Mustang (motorcycle)

The Mustang was a miniature motorcycle built in Glendale, California by John Gladden from 1945 to 1963. Most models featured a proprietary single-cylinder side-valve engine of 320cc and 12-inch (300 mm) wheels.

Mustang's Trail Machine (1962) was constructed of heavy duty 7/8" tubular steel and powered by a Series 141300-143458 Industrial Briggs & Stratton ball bearing drive 5-3/4 horsepower engine.

This upright Briggs was coupled to a 3-speed British "Burman" motorcycle transmission with heavy chain drive then continued by chain to the 5.00x12 tractor tread rear tire, wheel and the cheater size drive sprocket. The front disc wheel had a diamond tread 4.00x12 tire.

Shifting the 3-speed transmission was accomplished with a hand operated muliplate disc clutch housed on the left side of the engine. Starting was by a manual choked carburetor and folding kickstart. Shuting down was with a kill-button. This was a foolproof and rugged combination.

Ground clearance of Mustang's Trail Machine was 9", width of the frame 10", wheelbase 48" , overall length was 68" (nearly 6 feet) and it all weighed 169 pounds dry.

The telescoping spring fork made this machine comfortable and very controlable at speeds into the 30's. The handle bars folded down from an overall height of 40" to 32".

The entire frame and the steel full disc 12-inch (300 mm) wheels left the Glendale, CA factory painted a bright yellow. This machine would climb a vertical wall.

These are a highly sought after collectable today.

External links

• The Mustang Motorcycle Club of America