1924 Nimbus 750 "Stovepipe"
Inspired by the Belgian FN, the Danish
Nimbus followed the same layout, with a four-cylinder power unit set
longitudinally in the frame, with a shaft driving the rear wheels. Particularly
advanced for its day - with trailing link front suspension and rear springing
in an ear of rigid frames - the "Stovepipe". Nimbus was produced in relatively
large numbers. Up to 19278, a total of 12521 "Stovepipes" were built - a record
in an age when most production was small-scale.
Top Tube Fuel
Tank
The "Stovepipe" took its nickname from its large-diameter top tube,
which doubled as the fuel tank, a bright idea which was later copied by other
makers like the Swiss Fritz Egli. Attached to the tube was a double cradle
frame in pressed steel to which the engine was bolted, making the bike
terrifically rigid.
Modern and Original
Modern and original in
concept, the Nimbus was also strongly built and an excellent performer,
achieving a degree of success in endurance trails even though it had not been
designed as a sports bike. In 1921, a Nimbus won the 800-mile Paris-Copenhagen
race. In 1922, a sister Nimbus arrived four hours ahead of the second-place
bike in the Odense-Berlin-Odense competition, maxing out at nearly 70mph and
achieving remarkable gas mileage (60 mpg!).