1952 Berini M19 Cycle Star (Cyclestar) – the Dutch Cyclemaster
In 1952 HNG produced the CycleStar, type number M19. The 32cc engine was developed from the DKW blueprints like the Cyclemaster manufactured in Britain. It uses many of the same parts as the M13 & M14. The engine fits under the bottom bracket and uses a roller drive to the rear wheel. The Cycle Star had a spring fork using rubber bands and short leading links.
Some years ago, for the Cyclemaster Museum, I started to collect variations of the Cyclemaster. I was on the lookout for a Berini Cycle Star, the Dutch version, to complete my collection. I’d never actually seen one in the flesh.
At Beaulieu Autojumble I did a double-take when I spotted this 1952 Cyclestar – and even more so because it was on the stall of my friend Fabian. He lives only 10 miles away from me, but I didn’t know he owned this machine.
Fabian had found it in Holland and restored it.
As with all his work, Fabian did an absolutely first class job on its restoration. That was in the days when credit cards still hassled us to increase our credit limits! So the Cycle Star soon moved to my collection.
This machine is as good in the metal as in the pictures. It runs well. A fortune has been spent on its restoration and it is as nice as you’re ever going to find one.
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SHORT VIDEO of THE ENGINE RUNNING
My mechanic occasionally gets a bit overwhelmed with some of the obscurities I throw at him. He doesn’t complain, but to make up for it every now and then I have to get one of my nicer machines out of storage and give it to him to play with.
He really enjoyed playing with the Cycle Star 🙂
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THE BERINI CYCLE STAR
The original Cyclemaster wheel sold in the Netherlands for the equivalent of £27. As an option, for about £38, you could buy it in a special frame with a rubber-sprung bottom-link front fork. Just like the M13 (the front-mounted Berini – see below), the first engines were 25.7cc and later 32cc; the type number was M14.
The Pluvier factory never made any engine parts or bikes; these were made by other factories, Cyclemaster Ltd for example. What is sometimes called the Dutch Cyclemaster is, in fact, the very first model. This had no hub brake, a Bantamag ignition and an Amal carburettor; the magneto cover had a “CM” logo with curved lines and no “Cyclemaster Made in England” plate. The side cover had two holes: one for the tap and one for the filter, the fuel tank had radial ribs. The bicycle was made in Germany by Rabeneick; the wheels, head lamp, rear lamp and saddle came from Holland. Cylinder capacity was 25.7cc in 1950. One year later this was changed to 32cc—still with the Bantamag and Amal carburettor but now the magneto cover had straight lines and a “Cyclemaster Made in England” plate.
I suppose that one of the original Dutch Cyclemasters mentioned above is now much rarer than this M19 Cycle Star. The Cycle Star, however, is a beautiful machine. In my opinion it’s much prettier than the British Cyclemaster company’s attempt at a mid-engined Cyclemaster, the Norman Cyclemate.
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OTHER BERINI MODELS
Berini M13
I’ve owned a few Berinis over the years, but they were all M13 models like this, with an engine over the front wheel. The Berini M13 was built in Rotterdam from 1949 to 1961. As it was developed from the Cyclemaster, engine size was initially 26cc, increased to 32cc in 1951 (the M14). In the Netherlands, it was known as “the Egg” because of the shape of the fueltank (designed by welding two headlamps together from a DKW motorcycle). The Berini was the most popular Dutch bicycle engine and could reach up to 30 km/h.
I also have a Berini M13 like this for sale. You can see it on Page 85, or
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1955 Berini Moped
The 1955 ‘Berini de Luxe’ was essentially a Cycle Star to which had been added the latest styling trend – a new forward-mounted tank flared in to the bodywork to give the appearance of a moped.
The Norman Cyclemate had been introduced in 1955 to try and prop up the Cyclemaster name. But with the onslaught of mopeds in the same year it failed miserably.
The Cycle Star was already a stylish, well-made machine that had sold well. Unlike the Cyclemate, it had a good reputation. Cyclemaster Ltd imported this new version so they’d have something to offer besides the Cyclemate. Obviously it could not offer much competition against the 2-speed NSU Quickly.
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Rene Willink – 25,000 km on a Cyclemaster
Dutch journalist Rene Willink travelled over 25,000 km on his Cyclemaster on a grand tour of Europe and North Africa.
Read more about this Cyclemaster marathon journey at the ONLINE CYCLEMASTER MUSEUM
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The cars in the background (Morris Minor and Ford Popular) are the same age as the Cycle Star.
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PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE BIDDING
OWNER: BuyVintage Online Auctions
LOCATION: Brighton, E.Sussex, United Kingdom
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DELIVERY is not included in this auction.
This means that it is not my responsibility,
BUT I can put you in touch with a delivery chap and organize collection;
you liaise with them direct re delivery and pay them separately.
Great Britain – delivery is ONLY £40 to main parts of England;
extra to extremities such as Scotland, Wales, Cornwall, etc (and may take longer to arrive)
(Please email your postcode if you want to confirm price).
THIS BARGAIN PRICE DELIVERY IS ON A PART-LOAD BASIS.
(Collection when they’re in my area; delivery when in yours).
LOCAL DELIVERY FREE
If you want it fast, please organize your own collection.
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Ireland & N. Ireland – I’ll recommend some companies, but you’ll have to organize it yourself.
Europe – delivery is probably around €400 to Germany, Austria, France, Italy, Spain, etc. I can recommend two companies.
North America, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, etc – I’ll organize all the crating and shipping for you.
PAYMENT: Paypal is okay for cheap items; otherwise deposit only on paypal please.
INTERNATIONAL PURCHASERS:
You must communicate with me before the end of the auction to discuss payment and shipping options.
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AFTER PURCHASE: Please email me your phone numbers; I prefer to speak to all purchasers personally.
I do everything I can to make your purchase a pleasurable experience.
I’ve been selling obscure vintage vehicles on ebay since 2002.
Sharing similar interests, I’ve become good friends with many of my customers.
Please feel free to email or phone with any comments or questions…
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VEHICLE CONDITION:Vintage vehicles are wonderful beasts
– but each has an individual personality and they sometimes have bad days just like you and me.
You will need basic mechanical skills (or a local mechanic) to use one on a regular basis.
Two-strokes invariably need basic servicing before starting them, if they’ve been left to stand for more than 3 weeks or so.
These are rare vehicles whose values are not necessarily based on running order.
IF YOU DO NOT AGREE WITH THE ABOVE, PLEASE DO NOT BID.
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