ILO 1952 F60H 60cc 1 cyl ts cycle motor on carrier bicycle 3505

ILO ca1952 F60H 60cc two stroke cycle motor fitted to contemporary carrier bicycle engine # 43857

In 1911, Heinrich Christiansen starts a machine factory near Hamburg, in the north of Germany. Initially, the company is mainly active in the field of machines and tools for the railways. Christiansen chooses as brand name ILO (also spelled JLO, Esperanto for ”Good Tool”). From the 1920s the focus is mainly on building affordable and reliable two-stroke engines for a wide range of applications. Mopeds, motorcycles, stationary engines and even small cars are fitted with ILO engines. From 1930 a 60cc cycle motor is marketed: the ILO F60. The F60 comes available in two versions. The F60H, with the H from Hinterrad (to be mounted over the rear wheel), and the F60R, with the R from Rahmendreieck (to be mounted inside the frame triangle). Via a primary gear transmission with a single-disc clutch a chain drives the rear wheel. To receive the correct sprocket and accessories, the make of the rear brake hub, the number of spokes and wheel diameter, 26” or 28”, have to be specified when ordering. In its original form, the F60 comes with a fully built-in Bosch ignition, with cup-shaped flywheel and external ignition coil. Later on in the thirties, at additional costs, the engine can be supplied with Norris ignition with lighting coil, recognizable by the round aluminium flywheel cover.
The F60 is constantly being developed and stays part of the ILO range until well after the Second World War. In principle the F60 cycle motor could by mounted on every bicycle, but because of their robustness they were much used for delivery services by bakers, butchers, grocery stories and ice cream sellers.
Despite its barn find look this 1950s motorized cycle is in running condition and an easy starter. The whole is in original condition and the combination of the sturdy bicycle and engine unit enhances the pleasing patina.