Mattel Bronco
MATTEL BRONCO
Road Imperssion
WE'RE JUST HORSING AROUND.
PAT HALSTEAD
V-RROOM!" One seductive sound, one Wofian word — albeit trademarked — that says it all to a new generation of two-wheelers. To those of us who are older the ceaseless proliferation of new marques is sometimes confusing, but think back a bit. Mattel-Metisse, a name that stuck like peanut brittle in the dentures’ of today’s senior cyclists! And now the confirmation of fears and hopes, for the Mattel “Bronco” is here, a sophisticated street-side application of the amazing little engine that made “V-rroom” echo across America’s off-street playgrounds.
Already advertised in the country’s leading periodicals, the subject of this rqpnth’s road impression is fast establishing itself as a contender in the spiraling sales race. Here in California the Bronco can be seen in the driveways of many fashionable homes of executives and movie stars. We chose to try the fieryred mount in commuter service. It proved to be a giant-killer in traffic and an object of interest wherever we rode it, as lanky technical editor Jennings will testify.
Though a super-lightweight, the bike stands tall on its 20" wheels. Rubber dust covers on the front forks add that “big bike” touch (ala the Honda Super 90 and others). The bobbed fenders and high ground clearance are unmistakable signs of its racing heritage. “J. C. Higgins!” one staffer swore, “it’s even got three-way adjustable rear shocks.” So it does, and it also has a pivoting frame without peer in the industry.
Starting is electrically actuated — we’re right up to date here. In an engine this small it might be expected that torque would be marginal at low rpm, but a unique feature links the footpegs with the crankshaft and thus utilizes the rider himself in an effective flywheel action. Ingenuity, yet simplicity! Only three moving parts (four counting the rider). Many riders of bigger machines were surprised at the Bronco’s acceleration away from the light, and some even killed their engines at first sight of the sleek Mattel.
Our one unanimous complaint was the lack of a tachometer. With an engine which revs as freely as this, one can’t be content in playing it “by ear.” We are assured that the factory is working to incorporate a tachometer in future models. Rumors of a twin-cylinder Mattel were neither confirmed or denied. Even so, it is not too early for Japanese and European manufacturers to begin to worry.
In accord with our usual policy in conducting “Impressions” no top speed run was attempted. It can be said, however, that the top speed, for all practical purposes, is limited only by the rider’s discretion and condition. Furthermore, it is possible to achieve actual black-out acceleration if the rider is determined. Few imports can make that claim or merit the spirited “If it’s Mattel, gee it’s swell!” ■
