Just got a new "ride" and I'm pretty excited about it. It's a 1959 Cushman Highlander motorscooter, like the ones I had when I was growing up. My son, the "car guy" will help restore it over the winter. We're planning to completely disassemble it, powder coat the frame, install an 8 hp rebuilt engine (this one came with a big 5hp), a front disk brake, a speedometer (none on the original. Also no battery, turn signals, front brake),
new clutch, paint and so on. We'll take it to car shows when Ben shows one of his restored cars and use it when he has a DJ job using our old 56 Airstream. We'll have it ready the first of March. I bet lots of you folks have never even seen one. We got it started yesterday, and putted through a cloud of smoke for a few hundred yards.

Ah, the memories...


"Scooterman" Russ

Scooterman......you mean this Highlander?

Maybe it will look more like this 62'

Or maybe this 61'


Have you had enuff?

[This message has been edited by Fran Carango (edited 09-12-2005).]

Capt Russ. VERY Cool !

Scott

Fran, the one I just got is option # 2. It has the plastic cover over the gas tank, which is parallel to the frame. I really wanted the one with the frame and the perpendicular aluminum gas tank (#1), because that is what I had in the late 50's-early 60's. I also had an Eagle (1960). The first Cushman I owned was a 55, I think. I was a called a 50, but this one I found is what they tell me is a 59. I'm told both Highlanders were available somewhere between 58 and 62. There's really no telling what year it is without finding the vin # and locating a list (I saw it on the web last week). Right now, I'm disassembling it, ordering parts and getting ready to haul it to the powder coat guy. Not much to these things...a centrifical clutch, chain, simple suspension, single cylender 5 hp motor, gear reduction kick start. Really easy to restore, I'm told. I'll keep you posted and get some photos when we're done, if anyone is interested.

"Scooterman" Russ

P.S. Fran, are any of these yours?

How Nerdy....WHAT FUN!


Are these yours?

Russ , none are mine...I remember running around on a Cushman golf cart when I was early teens.

When I grew up[yeah, like I grew up], I was into dirt bikes, and raced Motocross...
I didn't care for street bikes[a couple for a year or two]...too dangerous...other drivers do not respect people on bikes..

I have personally known people that have lost their lives[2], lost a leg[1], lost an arm[1], and lost a thumb[he doesn't hitch hike anymore]..

You have to be super careful on a bike and don't rely on other drivers to do the right thing..

Have fun, but be carefull...

My youngest son rides and I hope he gives it up soon....it is not worth the risk..especially when your family is depending that you stay alive[kids]..

A lot of my friends had Cushman Eagles. A few had Mustangs, which were really hot. Also a few Vespas, or All-States if you bought them from Sears.
My mom wouldn't let me have one, so the very first thing I did when I got out of the house was buy a small Harley 2-cycle. Later got a Norton 500 single. Talk about torque!
DonM

I just got a Vespa scooter a few weeks ago. It's my first (non-musical) toy I've given myself since I can remember. Much fun... and with the price of gas, at 65 mpg, it'll pay for itself one of these days!

Glenn

Hi DonM,

What model was the Norton single you had?

My first bike was an ex-WD Norton 16H - 500cc side-valve. Yeah, it was all torque and not much go. My dad had a Model 18 and a Model 19, both 500 singles but I can't remember if they were side-valve or overhead.