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Mosquitoes in Oz

Wal Jobson

As I write this in the middle of our wet season, the real mosquito is definitely very active which is more than I can say about my Garelli (Italy).  However, my problem is a different one of my own making.

A couple of years ago I ran an ad In the Brisbane Trading Post, "Wanting: Cycle motors".  This led to the purchase of the Mosquito which was already on a small framed cycle, complete and going (paid A$240[£115]) and really performed well.  The previous owner was worried about his 13-year-old son's life expectancy on the busy roads of his area in Brisbane and a quick deal was done.

I changed the motor over to a nice Monark (Dutch I think) cycle in very good condition which suited my 13 stone much better and set off on a couple of short trips and was amazed at how well this tiny looking motor performed.

Now the motor was very greasy and dirty, so I decided a good clean up was in order with kerosene and hose off.  This was a fatal error - though it looked great it would not go.  A spell in a warm oven surely would undo my well-intentioned error but, NO, that bloody motor would not fire despite all my efforts and still sits dead in the frame.

Since then I came across another motor (Garelli/Holland) but this has a cracked head, no fuel tank, and no spark.

As I thought about sending the coil off for a rewind, I was fortunate to locate two complete (Garelli/Italy) motors in Melbourne (another wanted ad).  The owners had bought 2 motors.  One for wife and one for hubby - both bought in England in the '50s and after mounting them on suitable steeds set forth from Paris to Switzerland and back, then bought the lot to Melbourne, Australia - used them for a short time and stored them.

Wife wanted to throw the lot out during a house move but husband insisted on removing them, complete with controls, thank goodness.  One had a stand, swing back (moped style) attached to the motor.

I'm about to have another go using the 2 newer motors this time as I have finished a couple of other projects and will let you know when I am mobile!  Haven't looked for the dreaded fatigue cracks yet so fingers crossed.  Engine numbers and casting as follows

I have been surprised at how many cyclemotors actually came to Oz: Berini, Cyclemaster and Ducati Cucciolo seem to be the most popular - also Mini-Motor.

First published, June 1998

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