PAGE 4. Rabeneick History & 1952 ‘Cyclemaster Taxi’

The Cyclemaster is the best-known model of cyclemotor in the UK. But did you know it was actually a German invention?

The photo above is my 1952 German Rabeneick ‘Cyclemaster Taxi.’
Compare it with my English Cyclemaster, an early 1951 26cc model on a Jagrose bicycle (below).

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RABENEICK CYCLEMASTER TAXI

In Germany Rabeneick made their own version of the Cyclemaster, starting in 1952. It used the same bike as in Dutch machines but with German headlamp, rear lamp and saddle. The capacity was 32cc and the magneto cover had straight lines and a “Cyclemaster” name plate (but saying “Made in Germany” instead of “Made in England”). A Rabeneick logo was carried on the cover instead of the CM logo.

Ignition was by Bosch. Some Rabeneick Cyclemasters had Wipac ignition; these ones have a magneto cover with a CM logo. The side cover had just one hole for the tap; the carburettor was a float-less Meco with its filter on the inside. The cover was held in place by four screws. The option of a conventional Amal carburettor was available. The silencer had a detachable side cover held in place by two screws. This was to make cleaning easier. Like HNG, Rabeneick used the model number M14. This version of the Cyclemaster was also marketed under the name “Taxi”.

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The Rabeneick frame has some delightful touches…

The basic engine is the same, but the badges are different…

This Rabeneick had stood in a small museum for 10 years; The seller and I got on very well. Now it has arrived I can start work on it. It will be mechanically restored so I can use it on the road, but the cosmetic patina will be left untouched.

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OTHER RABENEICK MODELS

In 1954 Rabeneick made their own version of the Cyclemate; this was called the M53. Unlike the Norman Cyclemate, this had belt drive instead of chain. The engine used Bosch ignition and, therefore, a magneto cover with the Rabeneick logo. The float-less Meco carburettor was used on this machine too.

In the Netherlands there were other variants of the original Berini/Cyclemaster engine. Type number M15 was the BoatMaster, an outboard motor suitable for small boats. Type M16 was the LandMaster, a stationary engine. Very little is known about the LandMaster and it is extremely rare.

In 1952 HNG produced the CycleStar, type number M19. The 32cc engine was also developed from the DKW blueprints and 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 CycleStar had a spring fork using rubber bands and short leading links.
Another rare Dutch model is the Cyclemaster de Luxe. It was made in 1956 for one year only and consists of a normal Cyclemaster wheel mounted in the CycleStar spring-fork frame.
Another version of the Cyclemaster, based on the Rabeneick Taxi was made in Switzerland by Motosacoche and there was a pirate version produced by Flying Pigeon in the People’s Republic of China.

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RABENEICK DATABASE PAGE

This is the database page for Rabeneick. I’ll add to it as further articles and photos come to light. Please feel free to email any information you find.

Rabeneick Binetta Moped with Sachs engine

The photos below are of an unrestored Rabeneick Binetta I saw on German ebay earlier this year.