Mustang Thoroughbred

MUSTANG THOROUGHBRED

Road Impression

WRITING IMPRESSIONS, or offering opinions on motorcycles are things that come quite easily to CYCLE WORLD’S test staff; this is especially true at times like our meeting the Mustang Thoroughbred. To call this bike a controversial machine is apt, but only scratches the surface of the collection of extremely diverse opinions gathered in and around CYCLE WORLD’S staff and circle of acquaintances.

Since our staff is comprised of Westerners, it is difficult for us to speculate on the average Eastern cyclist’s general familiarity with the Mustang, but in the West hardly a rider of any machine around cannot claim to at least having ridden, if not owned, a Mustang within the last fifteen years, the total years of its existence.

Even stranger, the Mustang we knew as boys still exists. Called the Pony, the rigid frame and huge disc wheel bike is still as good a buy as it ever was and warmed the hearts of all the old timers around our offices. Mustang’s Thoroughbred is a horse of another color, if we may jest. It now sports a British Burman four-speed gearbox, swinging arm rear suspension with shock absorbers, Italianmade alloy hubs and brakes with handsome wire wheels and several other accoutrements not known in the early Mustang days.

The controversy arises when opinions are requested after a spin; they range from genuine enthusiasm to cool aloofness regarding its “near-bike” qualities.

As an average, the Thoroughbred was well received and stirred up a lot of conversation. Its performance cannot be belittled, nor can the excellent ride and above-average handling qualities be ignored, despite its small wheels and low center of gravity, though the latter can hardly be considered a drawback.

Focusing attention on the engine, we find an entirely American made power plant, a fact that should please at least some people. The truth is, almost all of the bike (except the earlier mentioned pieces plus the Italian Dellorto carburetor, English made throttle, Italian built speedometer and possibly a few other small bits we didn’t notice) is American made. Almost unchanged since its original design, the flat-head (or side valve), singlecylinder engine is a true thumper with an iron cylinder and an alloy head; the exposed flywheel/magneto of old is also still used. Of decidedly traditional dimensions, the long-stroke engine has been the heart of Mustang’s efforts since the first machine rolled out of the Glendale, California, factory. This is not meant to shortchange the engine, for although its design is somewhat out of the stream of modern design it nonetheless does a commendable job and is quite satisfying to even the most demanding “big-bore” enthusiasts. A pleasing thump and a satisfying surge are the rewards for grabbing a big handful of throttle, all of which never failed to surprise the rider who truthfully expected far less in a rash fit of pessimism.

The Thoroughbred’s frame is a complex design of large diameter tubing that can be criticized only for its excess. Truly it need not be so complex when its total job is realized. Though 220 pounds is not a great deal, we feel certain a noticeable degree of weight could be saved with a few less pieces in the frame. The sheet metal panel behind the engine creates one of the largest tool boxes we’ve ever seen; access to it is via removal of one seat bolt.

Though its 19.4 cubic inch displacement places it inbetween the 250cc and 350cc competition classes, Mustang’s history is laced with records of victories, though none are evident in recent years. Since it must »run in the 350cc class its competition is formidable, accounting possibly for the lack of apparent popularity of late. We were assured by Mustang’s management that competition had not been a part of official consideration for many years, thus accounting for their absence.

The hydraulically dampened telescopic forks are of Mustang design and manufacture and are worthy of special attention. Handlebars are welded to the forks, an economy move that prohibits the substituting of different bars, though the stock bars are quite comfortable for most uses.

Readers may gather the Mustang is a beginner’s machine, which it is. But it is also a motorcycle for the more advanced and experienced riders as well. Although it is smaller than most, it is nonetheless a motorcycle. The Mustang Pony engine is rated at 9Vi horsepower but no figures are given for the Thoroughbred. We would estimate a similar rating for the Thoroughbred, yet its performance seems to belie such a small rating for an engine of its size.

Younger riders will be interested in knowing that the Mustang machines are all available with a 5 horsepower engine for use in states where special laws allow the younger enthusiasts a special permit for machines of this rating.

We recommend the Thoroughbred as a bike to reckon with; its performance is satisfying, it rides and handles like larger machines, it could hardly be simpler to operate, its appearance and finish are first rate, and it is priced right. Though not every man’s cup of tea, it fills a need handsomely. •

MUSTANG

THOROUGHBRED

SPECIFICATIONS

$539.00