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PREFACE
The 1934
Nimbus model C has always evoked special interest in motorcycle
circles. The reason is, amongst others, that 1934 was the first year
the “Humlebi” (Bumble-bee) Nimbus was produced. Along with it came
an entirely new construction which, at the same time, was considered
to be a kind of prototype. Many
design details however appeared to
be unsuitable or too weak for daily use. Therefore many
modifications were made during the first year of production. In
fact, the majority of the parts used in 1934 were modified to a
certain extent when the 1935 model
was launched.
The many changes of the 1934 model have
not all been documented in the spare parts catalogue or technical
descriptions and hence have lead to lengthy discussions amongst
Nimbus fans.
What is original? Why was a certain part
modified, etc.?
From here on I will try to describe
what, in my opinion, an original 1934 Nimbus motorcycle should look
like. After collecting parts for about five years, I finally
succeeded in assembling an almost 100% original motorcycle. I
started with no more than a frame, an engine, wheels and mudguards;
the rest came bit by bit by buying, selling and exchanging parts,
with the help of good friends and searching for parts at many motor
jumbles throughout the country. Some people had parts which I had
been unable to find until then. I was allowed to measure those and
have them reproduced.
It requires some patience and
perseverance to collect missing parts this way and it forces one to
be fully committed to find out what each and every little part must
have looked like.
At the same time I was lucky enough to
‘infect’ Fritz Pedersen from Skagen with my interest for the 1934
Nimbus. He succeeded in acquiring two really fine and original 1934
motorcycles in an unbelievable short period of time. One of Fritz’
motorcycles, which is considered to be a bike that has never been
converted or modified, could therefore show us a lot of details on
what a genuine 1934 motorcycle should look like and which changes
were made during 1934.
I will neither claim that I have found
the stone of wisdom nor that I’ve found the final answer to all
questions, but I think that more parts have gone through the hands
of Frits Pedersen and myself than most others and I believe we have
presented new information in this book.
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