1969 Other Makes

Rebuilt, Rebuildable & Reconstructed

Restored Steen’s Taco 44 mini bike Minibike WITH Trail Tamer Forks and NOS engine! After overwhelming response to our previous restored Taco mini bike auctions; we have decided to sell one last, very special, Taco 44. If you have seen and admired our other restored Taco bikes; be advised; this is your LAST chance to get a restored Taco 44 from our shop. This Taco 44 was carefully restored in 2013 by mini bike and custom culture guru; Evil Ed ! Every effort was made to restore this bike to original condition; you will be hard pressed to find a better example of this classic mini bike. The Taco 44 model with Trail Tamer Forks is the “Little Brother” to the larger Taco 100 model. The model 44 is only 83 pounds with the TT forks; it has smaller 5” wheels and has a smaller 3HP motor which is easier to pull start. All of these features make this model much easier for smaller riders to handle. The Trail Tamer forks were a custom option on the original Taco mini bikes; we re-manufactured them to be exactly like the originals using computer aided design software. They also include a set of carefully restored the original Sebac Shock absorbers. The combination of heavy duty front suspension with leading link technology and adjustable handlebar position make it an especially comfortable mini bike to ride with improved handling! The original frame, swing arm and forks were media blasted and given a special two stage power coat to match the original dark “Taco Metallic Purple” color. Stage one was a bright metallic silver and stage two was a dark purple. The result is a DEEP dark purple color with just a hint of sliver sparkle. This two stage powder coating recipe was formulated by a gentleman who assembled Taco mini bikes in the 70s. We have compared the final shade to the original Taco paint color and the two stage powder coat is just a tiny bit darker; but we feel that it is accurate considering that there has likely been some fading to the original paint over the past 30+ years. The double powder coating is so thick that it has obscured the original serial numbers on the frame; as a preventive measure; we re-stamped the serial numbers on the bottom of the motor plate before the powder coat was applied. The frame color appears very dark under artificial light; but looks amazing in the sunlight. The motor is a late model, NEW OLD STOCK (!) 3HP Briggs and Stratton engine block that has been fitted with period correct recoil, gas tank, air cleaner, exhaust and carburetor. This engine has the modern pointless ignition. The carburetor has been soda blasted and rebuilt. All engine components were stripped to bare metal; then painted with multiple coats of engine enamel primer and finish color. New reproduction period correct decals were then applied. The motor starts easily, does not leak or smoke and carries a 230lb adult at about 28 mph max speed. Handlebars: Chrome original: has a few light scratches/ rub marks Front fork assembly: reproduction Leading link “Tail Tamers” (an option on original Tacos. Front Shock; original restored Sebac; media blasted; Epoxy paint, triple chrome plated springs. Rear shocks: original restored Ceriani; blasted, triple chrome plated and powder coat. Front and Rear Tires: original new old stock Carlisle double Indian head 4.10 -3.50 X 5. Original restored aluminum cast alloy Taco “Cross” wheels: These were media blasted, then sprayed with multiple coats of clear engine enamel. Throttle assembly, exhaust, Small logo Taco clutch cover, clutch, jack shaft, chain, fork bushings, bearings, spacers, sprockets, and axles: all new reproduction. Brake lever: original new old stock Cherry. Rear brake assembly and sprocket: new reproduction; replated with black zinc (the originals were simply painted black) The Kickstand: a few Taco mini bike aficionados will notice that the kickstand on this bike is NOT stock! The addition of the Trail Tamer forks slightly raised the front of the bike; so we have installed a longer Bonanza style kickstand on the left side of the frame under the engine mounting plate to provide better standing balance; rather than use the short stock kickstand which normally would be attached with a weldment to the right side of the frame. All that is included in this auction is what is shown in the pictures, no returns, local pick up in Chatsworth, CA available. The underside of the seat has been signed by Custom Culture Guru Evil Ed.