PART-1 (1917-1935)
In 1917 Sparta began fabrication of bicycles, under the leadership of the founder Mr. Schakel Sr. And starting from 1931 they fabricated bicycles with auxiliary engines. These engine blocks were not constructed to 50-cc, as they are these days. In those days, there was no a problem mounting a 100-cc engine onto a normal bicycle, however, these were built quite heavier than in present times.
In 1933, following the other Dutch companies, they started developing a lightweight motorcycle. Its introduction was in 1934 at the Utrecht Exchange building. On display were models equipped with a 98-cc Sachs engine, a 98-cc Villiers, and a 198-cc Villiers engine.
The Sachs equipped model had a two-speed gearbox with neutral, a kick-starter and electrical lighting, had the 26-inch wheels with a drum brake.
The heaviest Sparta model had 25-inch wheels with an Albion three speed gearbox with manual shift. This model had a few variations: there was a model with a Battery for F310.00 (Dutch guilders) and an optional electrical horn for F7,50. (Dutch guilders) The Sparta ranges also included transport-motorcycles and motorized cargo-motorcycles (tricycle configuration) of which the cargo trunk could be ordered separately.
The first mopeds from Apeldoorn had common stiff front forks, which were later replaced with ones with suspension. The fuel consumption of these �bicycles with auxiliary engines� was quite reasonable: one-liter fuel took you 55 kilometers! Not bad for a 74-cc Sachs. No wonder these �scoots� were quite popular in the difficult 1930�s. Sparta produced three different models in 1934. 74-cc men�s model with a Sachs engine for a meager F195.00. (Dutch guilders). There was also a ladies model with a lower center frame and sheet metal clothing protectors covering the sides of the wheel (this was also very handy for the clergymen!), the price was F210.00.
Men�s model number 2 was equipped with a 98 cc Sachs powerplant and the price was, including heavier tires, F219.00 (Dutch guilders) complete. For an additional F6.00 they could purchase a chromed model.
In 1935, production of a 148-cc model with a 3 � horsepower, dual port Villiers block was started. This model sold for F260.00 (Dutch guilders). It also had a tubular front fork construction. All Sparta fuel tanks were �tinned� on the inside to prevent corrosion. Two models were produced in 1936 were available in red with chrome finish (for an extra F10.00), while the 100-cc Sachs was equipped with a chromed saddle tank with bullet closure, a Dunlop seat, and a Bosch flywheel magnet.
The 200-cc Sparta�Villiers was in red and chrome jacket, 9-liter tank and heavy front fork, sold for F290.00 including tax.