A Roadmaster...Biting off more than I can chew!?

[bentwoody66]

I thought these were 38 Catalog scans?

 

[bentwoody66]

Correction, my mistake 39 Supreme 4 gill

 

[bentwoody66]

Says headbadge came standard on all Supreme models. Wasn't that headbadge available in 38?

 

[Freqman1]

This is a case where I don't trust the ad. It is my understanding that the reflector badge was optional on any model. While the ad shows the tank and non-tank supremes with this badge if you look at the picture of the fork it shows an apple core badge? The reflector badge may have been available in '38 but I've never seen a '38 catalog to verify. I really think this was a time of transition for the apple core--these are mostly seen on '37/'38s. A measurement of the head tube would verify whether this is a four gill frame as the four gill head tube is the same as the girls head tube (longer than regular boys). Here is my '40 Model A aka Supreme/four gill. V/r Shawn

 

[bentwoody66]

Cool, trying to shed some light on these transitional bikes.

 

[sludgeguy]

I measured the head tube on mine, 6 1/2".
I also looked the frame over very carefully.
There is no indication of a tank having been on this bike. I will check for the serial number later, outta time now.
Was there a Men's Supreme made with out a tank? Is there any way to know if that is what I have?

THANKS,
Sludgeguy

 

[RustyHornet]

Wow these bikes are really cool. The way the tank flows into the rear triangle and the straight bottom bar. Very neat.

 

[Freqman1]

That measurement sounds about right for a four gill. I'm currently in Cali on business or I'd measure mine for ya. Yes there was a tankless Supreme see above Model 3226 for tankless and Model 3326 for tank model. If this is a four gill it was a Supreme. I'm probably thinking a "D" or "E" serial #. V/r Shawn

 

[bentwoody66]

Agree, D for 39 and E for 40

 

[Freqman1]

I'm inclined to go with '39 due to no shock master and no provision for the ball headlight of a '40/'41. There is a ton of variety on the '39-41 model Supremes to include lighting and decals. I have the '37 cat, the '39 is online, and have a '40 but have never seen either a '38 or '41 which could answer some questions concerning Supremes of these years. V/r Shawn