1972 Ruttman Minibike

• Wild Goose Potent Purple paint

• Entry Level Motorized 2-wheeler for Young Riders

• 3.5hp Tecumseh Engine

The Ruttman represents one of the most simple and easy motorbikes for young kids to enter the hobby. Ruttmans were sold at sporting goods stores, offering off-road ability at a young enthusiast level. Many of us who grew up learning to ride in the early 1970s were introduced to the world of motorcycles with a Ruttman.

Ruttman began producing minibikes in the early 1960’s in Dearborn, Michigan. Ruttman bikes were available either as kits to assemble or as ready-to-ride machines that only required fuel and oil in the engine and air in the tires. These minibikes were equipped with a 3.5 horsepower lawnmower engine and marketed many of the same highlights as full-sized dirt bikes.  Starting the bike was achieved using a recoil rope pull starter and with the twist of the hand throttle, a centrifugal clutch propelled the bike forward.  A handlebar lever controlled the rear band brake that acted upon the engine output, not the rear wheel, to slow the bike.  This model bike lacked any form of suspension beyond the foam in the seat and air in the tires which limited speeds in offroad conditions.  Parents could further control the vehicle speed by installing a “governor” on the throttle control.

Chrome fenders, steel wheels, knobby tires, and ‘GT Grips’ were all part of the sales pitch, on a micro-scale of course and any number of accessories could be added such as windscreens, lighting, and a squeeze horn.  Advertisements for the minibikes were found in popular boys’ magazines throughout the 60’s and 70’s.

Specifications

Engine: 3.5 HP 148cc Tecumseh 4-cycle single cylinder, centrifugal clutch, recoil hand pull start, chain final drive, single speed

Performance: Top speed 25 mph

Weight: 86 lbs