Motorcycle News - Day-Glo dirt machine: A Hercules GS250 with an 80s vibe
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This neon-flavored Hercules GS250 scrambler is an enigma though. It’s tidy enough to do duty as décor in a trendy moto-cafe, but it’s actually heading into a riding season full of abuse.
“This year the bike is to be ridden again off-road and on various tracks,” he says. “And therefore, unfortunately, it will be a little bit destroyed again.”
Enrico found the donor bike almost by accident. He was inspecting an entirely different bike, owned by an older gentleman who had a number of vintage machines in his collection. The sale didn’t work out and Enrico was about to leave—then the old timer told him about a 250 cc motocross bike that had been standing in his basement for the past 25 years.
Hercules was a German manufacturer that was bought by ZF Sachs in 1963, and eventually shuttered in 1996. Hercules had been using Sachs motors before the buyout, and this 1970s GS250 was powered by a Sachs single-cylinder two-stroke.
As for things like rings, seals, gaskets and bearings, those were all sourced from online suppliers.
Despite the period incorrect paint, this Hercules is actually more of a restoration than a mod. Enrico refurbished the original Bing carb and the exhaust system, only shortening the silencer a touch for aesthetic purposes. Everything looks factory fresh, and there’s also a newer 12V electronic ignition wired in.
The wheels were re-laced with black-chromed spokes, and shod with Metzeler’s all-terrain Unicross tires.
There’s a new plastic fender up front, and a classic KTM rear fender that Enrico managed to match up to the Hercules’ rear frame. Since the scrambler’s destined for off-road use only, it’s wearing nothing more than a scrappy number plate up front.
Enrico sent the frame, rims and a few other key parts off for white powder coating. Every other part’s been cleaned up, restored or refurbished, right down to the Hercules’ original sump guard.
We applaud Enrico for breathing life back into this neglected classic, and with such a meticulous approach too. The fact that he’s willing to get his white bike dirty is just the cherry on the cake. Loose Screw | Facebook | Instagram | Images by August Auer Motorcycles via Bike EXIF https://ift.tt/2Mf9b0c January 17, 2020 at 11:29AM Leave a Reply. |
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1/17/2020
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