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Restore Chapter 17 1951 Model 125 | ← Up → |
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1951 Model 125 |
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The 1951 Model 125 started the modern look for the Hummer-series with a telescopic front fork called the "TeleGlide", and new full-valence fenders which really look like motorcycle fenders. Note: the photo at left, and most of the factory literature for both 1951 and 1952 show prototype front fenders that are not flared at the bottom rear. Production bikes had a bell-shaped flare at the rear of the front fender. A Spring Special dated April 3, 1951 offered "Spring Green" as an optional color. The editor's personal opinion is that 1951-1952 are the most beautiful bikes of the entire Hummer-series. To me, everything looks just right. The 1951 has a prettier speedometer, but the 1952 has a more reliable jiffy stand. |
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Not used on this model.
The new Tele-Glide hydraulic front fork appeared this year. In 1951 only, the fork was lubricated with grease instead of oil. Each fork tube has a grease fitting in it, and the fork cap nuts ("Fork outer tube cap" 45935-51) do not have the oil cups used on later models.
The fork sliders (left: 45945-51, right: 45947-51) have 6 threaded holes where the fender mounts (1951-1954). 1955 and later models have plain holes.
The front fork panel has "125" embossed in it. This changed sometime in mid-year to the panel with the "Tele-Glide" debossed.
See the Fork Panels chapter for details.
Two different frames were used during 1951 - both had the same part number 47002-47. Early 1951 used the same frame as 1950. During late 1951 and 1952, three different reinforcements were added.
See the Frames chapter for details.
The jiffy stand introduced in late 1949/1950 continues to be problematic - the "tang" does not always engage, allowing the jiffy stand to swing past the stop point.
The footrests continue to be fixed. Folding footpegs did not appear until 1952.
Front and rear fenders are new, full valence fenders. On the front fender (1951-1954) the two rear braces are a single unit - they are welded together down near where they attach to the fork. In 1951 only, six 1/4-20 x 1/2" truss head screws (phillips-type) attach the fenders to the threaded (1951-1954) fork sliders. 1952-1954 used CP 1038 bolts. No nuts are used.
The new front forks were designed for a standard Stewart-Warner speedometer. The beautiful new 67000-51 speedo has a greenish-tinge and beige on the face. It is probably the most beautiful of all the Hummer-series speedos. Unfortunately, it's a one year only.
The Tele-Glide uses the same Cycle-Ray head lamp found on big twins of the era. The headlight shell should have "Cycle Ray" debossed in the rear "point" and the lens should say "Top" at the top and "Cycle-Ray" at the bottom.
The new bullet-style tail lamp cover appeared this year.
The 74510-47 voltage regulator is about 2.5 inches square. The cover is held on by bend-over tabs. This style was used from 1948 until 1954.
Standard: Persian Red, Rio Blue, Sportsman's Yellow
Optional Colors: Metallic Blue, Metallic Green
Optional Colors (April 3, 1951 - later): Spring Green
See the Paint Colors chapter for details.
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| Last updated: August 10, 2011 | ← Up → |
