Raleigh RM1 Moped Autocycle

Time for a change and reduction of my collection!1958 Raleigh RM1The RM1 was Raleigh's answer to the demand for low cost transport in the 50s. It was introduced to compete with bikes like the Mobylette and NSU Quickly and was not a great success. The RM1 & 2 were fitted with the Sturmey Archer 49cc engine designed by Vincenti Piatti who had designed the Trojan mini motor. It is the only moped made by Raleigh as an all British bikeThe RM1 was not fitted with a clutch making it a bit difficult to ride. Raleigh quickly introduced the RM1c with a clutch and a lot of the original bikes were retro fitted with the clutch including this one.  The RM2 followed being virtually the same with a larger tank and in late 1959 Raleigh started to build the Mobylette under licence from Motobecane and this was the very successful Raleigh Runabout. I have owned this bike for 2 years and used it regularly including on NACC runsOn one occasion it played up all the way but completed the 35 miles and this turned out to be dirty petrol. Other than that it has run fualtlessly. Since stripping and cleaning the Carburetor and Tank and fitting a fuel filter it has been a pleasure to ride with reasonable performance and keeping up amongst the pack of other bikes. Very little pedaling has been required. It starts easily and ticks over well. The brakes are very small drums and are gentle!Tyres are good quality Continentals and in very good condition. The registration document shows the bike as being registered in !989 but manufactured 1958. I can only assume it was restored in 1989 and given its current registration which is not transferable. The dating on the hubs etc is 11 58 It is Tax and MOT exempt. I would think that is when the bike was resprayed. The paint is fine and has a good aged and patinated look but is not of brilliant quality. The chrome is quite good for its age with the wheel rims being the worst but still quite shiny. Since I have had the bike I have kept it clean by running over it with an oily rag which protects most areas. There is an Lucas electric horn fitted and a period speedo. I have not fitted a speedo cable but they are easily obtainable. Brooks saddle in good condition and quite comfortableThe expensive original rear lens is in good conditionThe bike is in very good running order and well maintained ready for those runs to the pub show or NACC runsIncluded in the sale is a complete spare engine that I obtained with good compressionThere is a V5c in my nameThe last MOT was 2012 and is now exemptAlso includedRiding and maintenance instruction bookService ManualOctober 1958 Cycling Magazine with full road reportOriginal Brochure The following two links will take you to more info and a short youtube video of the bikehttp://www. users. globalnet. co. uk/~pattle/nacc/arc0238. htmhttps://www. youtube. com/watch?v=ef7zLzUO3y0The bike is not advertised elsewhere and I will not sell on a buy it nowIt is auction only with collection only from Torquay. If you would like to discuss the bike please contact me on 07971 666091Regards Nik

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