Nimbus. Ever too expensive. Wanted now

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Purchasing classics there

When the Nimbus first appeared in 1919, the competition laughed at its weird and strange appearance.

But behind that look was just a really good - and quite expensive - motorcycle and Nimbus became quite popular. Creator Pedar A Fisker promoted his product, because of its long cylindrical tank called 'the stovepipe', by driving one himself. He did that during tests and competitions and that was all beyond contempt.

The design underwent an improved 'B' version before production ceased around 1928, when 1252 motorcycles were produced.

Necked by the crisis

Because such a Nimbus was of very high quality, they became too expensive to sell in sufficient quantity due to the Great Recession of 1929-1930. Now we are a long row of recessions and the Nimbussen are beloved classics.

But in the early 1934s, Fisker thought he could continue playing after injury time. The new 'Model C' was built in a completely new factory from XNUMX.

The flat steel strip frame was the same design as the previous model, but the New Nimbus was really new. Also the block: the top half of the crankcase was cast in one piece with the ribbed air-cooled cylinder block.

In the cast iron cylinder head was an overhead camshaft driven by bevel wheels.

Take it easy, then the line won't break

Such a Nimbus was a real touring bike; it delivered approx. 18 hp at 4.000 rpm. It is a pleasant and stubborn design with good driving characteristics and a surprisingly good parts supply.

(Almost) everything for the government

Most Model C's were bought by the Danish army, the police and the post office. So they largely stayed in their country of origin until international trade discovered them. This also brought them within reach of non-local enthusiasts.

Look for the differences

To the uninhibited viewer, all Nimbus machines are quite similar, but by the end of the XNUMXs there were actually four models: the standard model which was finished in black without piping with manual transmission and the Luxus, Sport and Special models. models equipped with a foot switch.

The Sport and Special had more powerful 22HP engines and differed in their finish: the former was finished in blue and had a high-lying exhaust and the latter was finished in lavender or ivory.

Here in the Netherlands, there are three providers who regularly track down Nimbuses to have them adopted by new owners: D-Classics, Dutch Lion and Yesterdays. The engines they offer usually cross the border again.

Nice to hear, nice to drive

In the meantime, a running Nimbus four-cylinder block with its bottlenose dolphins working in the open air is a joy to see and hear. And although the frame made of steel strips does not look very encouraging, it was used without any problems to hang various types of sidecars on it. The frame and the brakes have their limitations, but when strolling around quietly and with sufficient traffic anticipation, that still does not pose any problems.

Read more articles about classic engines.

Also interesting to read:
- Imme (1949-1952)
- Nimbus. And Nilfisk. Motors and vacuum cleaners
- Matchless for the army: NOT!

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