PONY

Pony mopeds - Swiss cultural heritage on two wheels

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The mopeds from Feuerthalen with the emblem of the lively little horse have been part of the typical Swiss street scene since the 1960s. Even if the two-wheelers have become somewhat rarer in recent years, Pony mopeds are still being built today, while Puch, Piaggio and other renowned manufacturers have long since ceased production. Let us take a closer look at this somewhat different and unusual manufacturer.

Seat
flag_swissSwitzerland, Feuerthalen
Status
Active
Foundation1961
logo_pony-mk1

Swissness at its best

Swiss knives, Swiss watches and Swiss tools are synonymous worldwide with unique quality, maximum precision and indestructible durability. The last point in particular also applies to the Swiss moped manufacturer Amsler & Co. From 1961 to the present day, mopeds have been built at the company headquarters in Feuerthalen using genuine craftsmanship. A specific calmness and impressive continuity are also reflected in the model range. The mopeds sold under the Pony Motos brand have only been available in two model variants since the start of production: the Pony Cross moped and the Pony GTX moped. These models have been built in almost unchanged form since the start of production. But for all its tranquillity, the moped manufacturer Amsler & Co has a long and rather eventful company history, which tells a lot about iron willpower, Swiss engineering skills and the little guy standing up to the big guy.

Michelin 2.50 x 17" Pilot Street Semi-Slick tires
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For: Universal · Puch · Sachs · Pony / Cilo (Beta 521 & 512) · Piaggio · Zündapp Belmondo · Bye Bike

22759

Michelin 2.50 x 17" Pilot Street Semi-Slick tires

Inventory-managed: No · Manufacturer: Michelin · Tire width: 2.5 " · Width: 2 1/2 " · Wheel size: 17 " · Old designation: 21 x 2.5 " · Speed index: P = 150 km/h · Load capacity index: 43 = 155 kg · Profile type: Pilot Street · Tire type: Semi-slick · Color: black · White wall: No · Tubeless (yes/no): Tubetype TT (requires hose)

EUR 62.80

Tun'R air filter grille domed SHA carburetor Ø 60 mm
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For: Universal · Pony / Cilo (Beta 521 & 512)

22712

Tun'R air filter grille domed SHA carburetor Ø 60 mm

Manufacturer: Tun'R · Camouflaged: No · Color: Chrome · Filter type: Grille · Total length: 50 mm · Ø Internal connection: 60 mm · Ø outside: 75 mm · Mounting type: Plug connection clamped · Area of application: Tuning

EUR 17.70

BING adjusting screw M6 carburetor pipe bend
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For: Puch · Sachs · Pony / Cilo (Beta 521 & 512) · Zündapp Belmondo · Tomos · Bye Bike · Alpa Chopper / Turbo · Cilo · DKW · ILO / JLO · Kreidler · Zündapp · Franco Morini

23105

BING adjusting screw M6 carburetor pipe bend

Thread type: M6x1 (standard thread) · Thread length: 15 mm · Manufacturer: BING

EUR 4.65

66HEROES speedometer 60 km/h Ø 48 mm "mofakult" black / gold
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For: Universal · Puch · Sachs · Pony / Cilo (Beta 521 & 512) · Piaggio

22476

66HEROES speedometer 60 km/h Ø 48 mm "mofakult" black / gold

Manufacturer: 66HEROES · Material: Metal · Material: Plastic · Color: black · Color: gold · Color: white · Maximum speed: 60 Km/h · Lighting: without · Signal type Tacho: analog · 4-edge speedometer cable: 1.8 mm · Thread type: MF10x1 (fine pitch thread) · Ø Receptacle: 48 mm · Ø outside: 52.4 mm · Depth: 50 mm · Total height: 70 mm

EUR 82.90

40 mm cylinder kit original engine | Beta 521 & 512
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For: Pony / Cilo (Beta 521 & 512)

25137

40 mm cylinder kit original engine | Beta 521 & 512

Nominal diameter: 40 mm · Manufacturer: Pony · Material: Gray cast iron · Displacement: 50 ccm · Crankshaft stroke: 39 mm · Ø piston pin (B): 12 mm · Outlet type: straight · Thread outlet: M6x1 (standard thread) · Number of fixing points: 4 pcs · Area of application: Original

EUR 219.40

Meteor piston 41 mm | Beta 521 & 512
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For: Pony / Cilo (Beta 521 & 512)

25129

Meteor piston 41 mm | Beta 521 & 512

Nominal diameter: 41 mm · Manufacturer: Meteor · Ø outside piston (A): 40.94 mm · Compression height (C): 28 mm · Curvature (D): 4 mm · Total piston height (E): 52 mm · Number of piston rings (F): 2 pcs · Piston ring mold: Rectangular ring · Piston ring impact: Internal fuse (IS) · Piston ring height: 1.5 mm · Ø piston pin (B): 12 mm · Weight piston kit: 90 g

EUR 88.90

Karcoma fuel tap M12x1 vertical | Sachs / Pony / Cilo
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For: Sachs · Pony / Cilo (Beta 521 & 512)

20705

Karcoma fuel tap M12x1 vertical | Sachs / Pony / Cilo

Manufacturer: Karcoma · Possible lever positions: open / closed / reserve · Material lever: Aluminum · Filter type: Plastic net · Ø fuel hose connection: 6 mm · Installation direction: vertical / vertical · Outlet direction: any · Spare tube shape: straight · Thread type: MF12x1 (fine pitch thread) · Reserve level: 50 mm · Mounting type: Union nut

EUR 29.50

Snap ring high control bearing set
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For: Universal · Puch · Sachs · Pony / Cilo (Beta 521 & 512) · Piaggio · Zündapp Belmondo · Tomos

25006

Snap ring high control bearing set

Nominal diameter: 20 mm · Nominal diameter: 25 mm · Thickness: 0.3 mm · Height: 13.6 mm · Manufacturer: Made in Italy · Material: Steel · Surface: galvanized (blue)

EUR 5.60

Nos
Magura Throttle Grip 273 with Solder Nipple, NOS
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For: Universal · Puch · Sachs · Pony / Cilo (Beta 521 & 512) · Zündapp Belmondo

25193

Magura Throttle Grip 273 with Solder Nipple, NOS

Manufacturer: Magura · Material: Rubber · Housing material: Aluminum · Material lever: Aluminum · Surface: powder-coated · Color: black · Color: silver · Ø inside: 22 mm · Total length: 170 mm · Brake light switch: Yes · Brake light switch thread: 1/4" - 32G (5/32") · Number of components: 4 pcs

EUR 183.80

For: Universal · Puch · Sachs · Pony / Cilo (Beta 521 & 512) · Piaggio · Zündapp Belmondo · Solex · Tomos · Bye Bike · Alpa Chopper / Turbo · Cilo · DKW · Fantic · Garelli · Honda · Hercules · ILO / JLO · Kreidler · Malaguti · MBK / Motobécane · Miele · --- PLEASE USE --- · Monark · Peugeot · Victoria · Yamaha · Zündapp

24989

66HEROES License plate holder incl. mounting pin on the left side (DE version) Inox

Manufacturer: 66HEROES · Material: Chrome steel (colloquially known as stainless steel) · Surface: stainless · Mounting type: Nuts & bolts · Number of fixing points: 1 pcs

EUR 35.50

For: Universal · Puch · Sachs · Pony / Cilo (Beta 521 & 512) · Piaggio · Zündapp Belmondo · Solex · Tomos · Bye Bike · Alpa Chopper / Turbo · Cilo · DKW · Fantic · Garelli · Honda · Hercules · ILO / JLO · Kreidler · Malaguti · MBK / Motobécane · Miele · --- PLEASE USE --- · Monark · Peugeot · Victoria · Yamaha · Zündapp

24990

66HEROES license plate holder set incl. frame & mounting pin on the left side (CH version)

Manufacturer: 66HEROES · Material: Aluminum · Material: Chrome steel (colloquially known as stainless steel) · Surface: anodized · Mounting type: Nuts & bolts · Number of fixing points: 3 pcs

EUR 81.80

Reinforcing / mudguard arch black fork EBR (horizontal mounting)
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For: Puch · Sachs · Pony / Cilo (Beta 521 & 512) · Tomos

25003

Reinforcing / mudguard arch black fork EBR (horizontal mounting)

Manufacturer: Made in USA · Material: Steel · Surface: varnished · Color: black · Total length: 145 mm · Outer width: 135 mm · Mounting type: Nuts & bolts · Number of fixing points: 6 pcs · Hole spacing: 25 mm · Hole spacing: 40 mm · Ø mounting hole: 6.45 mm

EUR 94.80

NGK BR7EIX Spark plug long thread interference-suppressed Iridium
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For: Universal · Sachs · Pony / Cilo (Beta 521 & 512)

25020

NGK BR7EIX Spark plug long thread interference-suppressed Iridium

Manufacturer: NGK · Candle designation: BR7EIX · Candle thread type: long · Thread type: MF14x1.25 (fine pitch thread) · Width across flats: 21 mm · Spark plug socket: M4 · Spark plug socket: SAE · Electrode material: Iridium · Suppressed: Yes · Area of application: High End · Area of application: MX · Area of application: Racing · Area of application: Tuning

EUR 31.90

EBR reinforcement arch hydraulic/Staco chrome
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For: Puch · Sachs · Pony / Cilo (Beta 521 & 512)

25029

EBR reinforcement arch hydraulic/Staco chrome

Manufacturer: EWC · Material: Steel · Surface: chrome-plated · Color: Chrome · Total length: 144 mm · Mounting type: Nuts & bolts · Number of fixing points: 4 pcs · Hole spacing: 19 mm · Ø mounting hole: 7.2 mm · Wide intake: 89 mm

EUR 73.50

Reinforcing arch, double black fork EBR (horizontal)
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For: Puch · Sachs · Pony / Cilo (Beta 521 & 512) · Tomos

24985

Reinforcing arch, double black fork EBR (horizontal)

Manufacturer: Made in USA · Material: Steel · Surface: varnished · Color: black · Total length: 150 mm · Mounting type: Nuts & bolts · Outer width: 135 mm · Number of fixing points: 4 pcs · Depth: 105 mm · Ø mounting hole: 6.45 mm · Hole spacing: 40 mm

EUR 94.80

MLM lamp holders Ø 28 mm plain black
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For: Universal · Puch · Sachs · Pony / Cilo (Beta 521 & 512) · Piaggio · Zündapp Belmondo · Tomos

24981

MLM lamp holders Ø 28 mm plain black

Manufacturer: MLM · Surface: varnished · Color: black · Ø mounting hole: 6.3 mm · Total length: 120 mm · Ø spars: 28 mm

EUR 71.10

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Wayward company foundation

The former company founder Carl Theodor Amsler was born in 1825 as the son of a doctor in the Swiss town of Schinznach. After finishing school, the young Carl Theodor emigrated to America and founded his first company there, which manufactured optical and mathematical instruments. His company is successful and expands, and it seems as if Carl Theodor Amsler is experiencing the proverbial American Dream. But fate had a different plan in store for him and struck mercilessly. His factory in Philadelphia is completely destroyed in a devastating fire, Carl Theodor Amsler loses almost his entire fortune trying to rebuild it and returns to his old home almost penniless. But even though his first factory was destroyed in the flames, his entrepreneurial spirit and proverbial Swiss tenacity remained unbroken.

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New start and entry into the bicycle business

In 1865, he embarked on a new endeavour and founded a factory for fire extinguishers on the site of today's moped forge in Feuerthalen. Business was good again. Amsler & Co therefore begins to look for new business areas and expands its product range. As a result, Amsler was already travelling on two wheels by 1890, when the company entered the bicycle component business. Around 1900, the first contact was made with a German entrepreneur whose name is certainly recognised by every moped enthusiast: Ernst Sachs. The connection between Sachs and Amsler & Co, which began here, lasted for many years. It was not for nothing that the Pony-Cross mopeds and Pony-GTX mopeds were fitted with Sachs 503 engines at the factory in the 1960s. But more on that later. The company negotiated skilfully in 1903 and secured exclusive distribution for the ‘Torpedo freewheel hub’, a Sachs patent, for Switzerland. This rear wheel hub was a real bestseller and a veritable goldmine for the company from Feuerthalen. As a result of this first co-operation with Sachs, Amsler focused exclusively on the production and sale of bicycle components. However, business success did not always favour the company in the difficult 1930s and 1940s. In the period up to the end of the Second World War, Swiss bicycle manufacturers also had to overcome hard times. However, it is clear from the company's history that consistency, perseverance and tenacity were part of the DNA of the later moped manufacturer. This is how the company survived even these economically difficult decades.

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Mopeds are finally being built

From the 1950s onwards, the manufacturer returned to calmer waters and prospered. When the moped was about to start its triumphal march on Swiss roads, the future moped manufacturer reacted with lightning speed. In 1961, as soon as the motorbike class was officially approved in Swiss road traffic law, Feuerthalen was also at the starting line with pony mopeds. This early launch of the Pony mopeds proved to be a decisive advantage over the tough and actually overpowering competition from foreign moped manufacturers such as Piaggio, Puch and Tomos. The Swiss market was highly competitive during the onset of the moped boom in the 1960s, but as the Pony mopeds were there right from the start, a regular clientele quickly formed. The Pony-Cross and Pony-GTX mopeds, which were somewhat more simply equipped than the competitor models, also won over customers with their robustness and favourable price.

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What's under the Pony saddle?

The technical specifications of the two models have only changed marginally over the years; even the first Pony mopeds were powered by a fan-cooled single-cylinder two-stroke engine with 49 cm3 and an output of 1.2 hp or 0.88 kW. Initially, Sachs engines were used for Pony mopeds. Since the end of small engine production in Schweinfurt, the mopeds have been fitted as standard with an engine from the Italian company Betamotor. Then, as now, a Dell'Orto SHA 13.11 carburettor provided the ignitable mixture. Both models have identical engines and differ technically only in a few minor details such as the chain sprocket or tyres. Although the small but powerful steeds are no longer quite as affordable as they were when they were launched in 1961, they are still just as robust, frugal and endearing.

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The Ponys are still there!

Although a small moped manufacturer like Amsler could not and cannot completely do without suppliers from abroad when building its mopeds, Amsler mopeds still stand for the proverbial Swiss quality. To this day, no cheap parts from the Far East are used. As already mentioned, the 503 engine of the mopeds came from Sachs in Schweinfurt and numerous add-on parts and speedometers came from the Austrian vehicle manufacturer KTM. For a while, the Cross and GTX motorbikes were even completely assembled in the KTM factories in Austria. However, the assembly of the two-wheelers now takes place entirely in Feuerthalen again and many of the former co-operation partners are long gone or have given up the moped division. Only in Feuerthalen are mopeds still assembled. The supposedly small Swiss moped manufacturer obviously has the staying power and is keeping a wonderful piece of Swiss history alive.

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Popular PONY themes

#MOFAKULT #LIVINGICON

Freedom has never felt greater, joy never stronger — than at 30 km/h with the breeze as your companion.

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