Tourist 103A1
General
The Tourist 103 A1 was the first Tourist imported into the USA.
According to an article written by John Gerber for the American Scooterist, approximately 200 A1s were imported into the USA.
Distinguishing Features
Throughout the manufacturing run of the 103 A1, the model had many refinements. However, the 103 A1 had three variations that are worth mentioning. For a lack of better terminology, I will call them early, mid and late models.
Early 103 A1s were an extension of the 103 A0. While they may appear the same as an 103 A0, there were several differences. Specifically:
- Engine: The engine no longer includes an indexing mechanism within the gear box. Shifter cables connect directly to a shifting arm mounted on the engine. The 103 A1 was the first model to incorporate engine/frame buffers. These buffers reduced vibration. The engine mounts to the frame at three points: one in front and one on each side.
- Frame: The frame was modified to support the three point engine mount configuration.
- Floorboard: The floorboards were different. Now that the shifter cables connect to the engine, the moulding for the shift box was removed.
- Handlebars: The handlebars are enclosed incorporating a redesigned speedometer.
- Wheels: The 103 A1s have four lug hubs and solid rims. These rims allow for tubeless tires.
- Spare tire bracket: The spare tire tire bracket is updated to support the new wheel rims.
- Electrics: The Siba electrical system was replaced with a Bosch system.
- Taillight: The taillight was redesigned for the 103 A1.
Mid 103 A1s had the following differences:
- Kickstand: The kickstand is wider and is more stable than the previous style.
- Floorboard: The floorboards were modified. The brake pedal is no longer mounted to the floorboard.
- Frame: The frame was modified to incorporate the new kickstand as well as support the rear brake pedal.
- Seat Pan: The seat pan no longer has the rubber stop bushing.
- Body: The body no longer has the molded area which stops the seat pan bushing.
Late 103 A1s had the following differences:
- Legshield: The legshield no longer has a lip at the top. This lip was replaced with the plastic collar found on 103 A2s. The legshield is identical to the ones used on 103 A2s except that it does not have the indented area that was made for the 103 A2 turn signal wiring.
- Nose: The nose no longer has the lip at the top. Some late 103 A1s also appear to have the front bumper assemblies that appeared on 103 A2s.
Click here to see known 103 A1s in North America.
Specifications
- Motor: Air-cooled, single cylinder four-stroke engine
- Bore/stroke: 60.0 / 61.5 mm
- Valve type: Over head valve
- Capacity: 174 cm³
- Ignition: Battery ignition system "Bosch" 12 V - 90W
- Carburetor: "Pallas" 20/14P, "Bing" 1/20/46, or "Bing" 1/20/51
- Starter: E-Starter
- Transmission: Four speed manual transmission via Hand shifter. The gear ratios:
-
- 1st Gear 18.5 : 1
- 2nd Gear 10.6 : 1
- 3rd Gear 7.1 : 1
- 4th Gear 5.13 : 1
- Drive: Chain enclosed in oil bath chain guard
- Chassis: Steel tube framework, telescoping front fork, one-sided swingarm in the back
- Tires: 4.00 x 10"
- Wheel base: 1375 mm
- Length: 2085 mm
- Width: 710 mm
- Height: 1000 mm
- Dry weight: 156 kg
- Total weight: 350 kg
- Consumption / 100km: 2.81
- Maximum speed: 95 km/h
- Price: ?
- Years in production: September 1957 - June 1960
- Number produced: 50,050
The specifications are courtesy of the Heinkel Club Deutschland.
Vielen Danke Heinkel Club Deutschland!