1970's Muskin El Tigre
These bikes were marketed as a “Midi-Cycle”. With the El Tigre and El Gato, Muskin wanted to separate itself from minibikes by completely making up a new category of motorcycles.
Utilizing an 80cc Fuji two-stroke (predecessor to all the Hodaka units that would soon make their way to US shores), these bikes had an advertised 6.6 horsepower, four-speed transmission, and weight of 125 pounds, which was indeed much larger than competing minibikes.
With a low seat height and wide bars, it was small enough for kids, but big enough for adults, helping it’s claim of being an “All Family” bike.
This one was a non running barn find I bought a few years ago as a winter project.
Trying to make some space now for other projects.
It starts easily, runs/shifts/stops.
Repainted frame/swing arm/forks/bars/fenders/stand....
Disassembled wheels/painted rims and spokes; re-spoked/trued with new rim bands, tubes, tires.
Rebuilt carb, disassembled, inspected/cleaned/painted engine.
Rewired in new kill switch.
New clutch and front brake levers.
New cables.
New throttle.
New chain.
Replaced nuts/bolts with stainless steel wherever possible.