The acquisition

I've entitled this blog, "Quick 50 Restoration" , but in truth I'm not sure whether this bike is a project for me or not. It may be wiser to just flip it on, but here anyway is a description of the bike, how I came to own it and what I have done to it since I acquired it. 

The history of this bike is pretty much lost. Its reg no 813YOO is no longer listed at DVLA. I know it was sold as lot n 782 from the Norman Wasteney collection sold by Cheffins auctioneers. Auction details below:

Lot 782

C1964 50CC NSU QUICK 50 REG. NO. 813 YOO (EXPIRED) ONLY PRODUCED BETWEEN 1963 AND 65 THIS 50CC

c1964 50cc NSU Quick 50 Reg. No. 813 YOO (expired) Only produced between 1963 and 65 this 50cc machine is a true motorcycle as it lacks the pedals required to meet the moped classification, the model was the last two wheeler produced by NSU. Substantially complete some engine components are currently lacking, in barn find and original order

I obtained the machine On December 7th 2019 for the price of £550. I bought it from Jim Cammack (acting on behalf of the owner) near Colchester. I don't think it had been touched since 2015 and was in surprisingly poor condition for the mileage shown which was a surprisingly low 7360. It was listed on Facebook marketplace with photos attached below:

"NSU Quick 50

Unusual and rare. As seen... some bits missing No documents"

Inspection showed that the bikes piston was seized in the bore, the head was loose (no nuts) but big end seemed fine as far as could be judged. The bike is missing the Exhaust down pipe to muffler, Right hand side cover for magneto, inlet manifold and both motor covers.

There is a lot of rust on all exposed metal parts. The gear lever and clutch were free and the bike shifted gear correctly. Holes in bench seat fabric, tyres both badly perished and flat. Brakes free and functional suspension tatty but also seems functional. Nacelle present and undamaged but may have suffered from excess uv.

Front suspn rusty but functional. Nacelle present but looks brittle. Nice to see all the badges present if tatty

Exhaust downpipe to silencer missing but silencer present. RHS cover for magneto missing

Some tears to seat. Rear light looks good

Chain case present but motor covers missing

Plug and head nuts missing but at least the head is still here!

Carb present but inlet manifold missing

Not sure whether I will restore this myself or sell it on. There's little added value in it unless it runs so I do want to see if I can free the piston at least. I have ordered a Chinese moped inlet manifold which should substitute for the missing original as this seems completely unobtainable. I can't check spark yet as I can't turn the motor over, but as it appears to have seized in use I'm hoping that the ignition coil is still OK.