19?? Clinton Engine All Terrain Bike

This is a 19somthing Clinton All Terrain Bike.
To my knowledge this is one of the last of its kind.
It is driven by a Clinton 2 stroke cycle single cylinder engine. What makes it truly unique is that has a track drive system instead of a rear wheel.

Steering:
It has a pneumatic front tire for year round use, but it also came with a front ski system. The entire front steering can be removed and replaced with the front ski.

Drive system:
From the engine, which has the piston facing horizontal to the ground and the piston at the back of the bike, there is a centrifugal clutch which drives the torque converter. On the same shaft as the torque converter are the friction break and a drive sprocket. That drive sprocket is connected with a chain that goes from there to the sprocket driving the track.

This was bought new when my uncle was a young kid. It was from some dealer in the Rochester New York area and there were only 2 or 3 in the store. He used it and handed it down to his kids they outgrew it and he handed it over to me.
I have used this bike for 10 or more years and have always kept it running. It has a fair amount of cosmetic damage, but nothing sever.

I have done countless internet searches and have come up empty handed. I have tried to contact some different organizations and never got much out of them.
I have been informed by the Jackson County Iowa Historical Society that this was manufactured in the mid-to-late 50's.

If you have any information on this ATB or the Clinton engine company I would really appreciate it.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• two stroke
• single cylinder
• all terrain bike
• 1950's 1960's
• snow bike
• fun bike

[jeromej73]

VERY FEW MANUFACTURED, 203-215-3826. IN BETHANY CONNECTICUT .. there is one on cragslist right now for sale for $2000 and the thing is beat to hell...so they are quite valuable now .... the only two colors i have seen so far are yellow and the green you have ,, i think they are more in the 70's era not 50's but i will keep reseaching them ... there is another bike with two skis in the front called a "Skee-Whee". It was sold by FS Industries in Evanston, Illinois in the early 70's.

[Corsonb461]

@jeromej73 Where have you found information on it. Since the posting of my video I have found 2 other people with the green ATB. This is gerat, I am glad some one knows somthing about them, history wise. I know enough to get it running and keep it that way. I have been tinkering with this thing since I was a younger kid, probally around 13ish. I am now 22 and still ride it from time to time. Do you have one yourself ?

[1944johndeerel]

wow you are very lucky to have that! its in great shape!

[Corsonb461]

I just wish i could find out more about it.

[markin2se]

I have one in nearly pristine shape, but the engine blew up before I got it so I don't know if I'll be able to keep it all original. My son wants to ride it. We might sell it or we might put a 4 stroke on it. It was in a barn years with a blown engine and doesn't have rust.

[cfaisty]

i have one and am willing to sell for the right price i will email pixs its in really good shape! let me know thanks

[MrMrtiki]

Did you get Jb`s link he posted a photobucket with it there of this bike .

[MrMrtiki]

i just sent this to a buddy he might have the book referance for this or some idea

[MoparBrion]

I saw one of these (green) in a shed yesterday when delivering to a house! I thought it was unusual and had to look it up on the 'net... too cool! I'm going to try to catch the people at home, and see if they're interested in selling it. It's just sitting under an open shed, and it has the wheel on the front. I didn't notice a ski, but I didn't know to look for one so it could be there. I'll keep you posted!

[charliesd250]

Nice find!

[1944johndeerel]

consiter your self lucky to have that who knows how many are left in existence, especially that well cared for!

i wish i knew more about clinton as well. they sure knew how to make one hell of a good engine.

unfortunatly they werent known for documenting much it seems.