Mission Statement

The purpose of the Tiddlerosis website is to offer and disseminate information on the many small motorcycles that were sold in the U.S. during the cycle sales boom of the 1955-75 era. Tiddlerosis is designed specifically not to fit a simple pattern. The intent instead is to open up the parameters of the definition of a tiddler to include many specific brands and models that are rare and obscure. Yes, this is mostly about Japanese brands, and yes, Honda is covered more extensively than any other. If a Japanese brand exported a very few models to the U.S. in the very early Sixties, that brand particularly needs, and deserves, to have as much info as available included. If a European brand sent its tiddlers to America in the time before the Honda Cub and Super Hawk kicked everybody else's butts back over The Atlantic, then its models are included, too. The primitive tiddlers built in the U.S. prior to and in the first few years after the arrival of Honda are also included.

Although I have personally been a practicing fan of off-road riding since 1960, the emphasis on this site should be toward street models. I feel this way because I think these are the models more likely to be fondly remembered, sought after, and restored. Of course the tiddler I currently own is a 1971 Yamaha AT1-CMX, and I know somebody out there is capturing and restoring Yamaha Enduros and Honda Mini-snores. These classic models will of course be included, as will BSA 441 Victors, Bultaco Alpinas, H-D Scats, and Hodaka Super Rats, to name just a few of the names that may bring a poignant tear to your eye. In contrast to the off-road machines are the special road-sports classics that are especially sought after for their styling, handling, power, or charisma. A few prime examples of these are the Bultaco Metralla, Ducati Diana, and the Suzuki X-6 Hustler. Many more such classics do indeed exist. Honda alone has built many special, instant classics, from the CL-160 to the CB-400Four.

I can hear the yells of angst already, so let's just get this definition of what is or is not a tiddler out of the way. Of course most fans of these machines see the Honda 50 Cub as the official origin of the tiddlers. You may also cease use of the tiddler name to describe any motorcycle over 175cc or 250cc or some other arbitrary displacement. You may eliminate any twin or anything over two-hundred or three-hundred pounds. You might disavow scooters or mopeds, too. We all agree that the heart of the definition of a tiddler began with the Cub and probably continues today with 110cc Chinese models that are copycats of the original Cub's engine and chassis design. However, Tiddlerosis is as much about nostalgia as it is about engine displacement or other technical factors.

There were numerous European and American brands sold in the U. S. between World War II and 1959, and we all know what happened in 1959. Honda followed a general pattern of development that we might divide into three timeframes: 1959-68, 1969-75, and 1976 to the present day. All pre-'69 Hondas are included within the parameters of this website. We all know the introduction of the 750 Four in '69 changed everything. All '69-'75 Hondas, except those in the 500cc class and above, are also included, but none after 1975 are included. The only exceptions are those few models that continued production after 1975, but their heyday was celebrated in earlier model years. This means that all motorcycles, mopeds, and scooters between 50cc and 450cc are considered tiddlers (in a loosely defined sense just for this website). It should be obvious how I arrived at this special definition of the word. For example, when I am selecting Honda CL's to include, where do I draw the line? The 125 twins, the 175 twins, the 250, and the 350 all culminate in the CL-450. How could I not include it? Do you get the picture now? Back in the good old days before the Giant Hog Madness took over the country, the 500cc class were the middleweights and the 750's and up were considered the heavyweights. I picked the point just above the classic Honda CB/CL twin line and slammed the door. Honda was rapidly becoming a lot more interested in Accords and Civics in the 1975-6 period, and if you look closely you can see how the motorcycle models were going nowhere fast.

Certainly there are many brands and models that simply have not yet crossed my mind. I shall add more information as I get it. This is my hobby, so you're going to see a lot of models that particularly obsess me. I can tell you that I am fascinated with the Honda CL's more than any other general group, and the early Yamahas are my second favorite. How could I forget the Allstates in the ubiquitous Sears Roebuck catalog, or the first motorcyle I rode, the H-D Super 10? For some reason that even I don't fully understand, I cannot stop staring at photos of the Pointer Super Lassie. If you visited the old Tiddlerosis at e-tabitha.com, you may now understand why the Super Lassie had such prominent placement. After staring at the Super Lassie for decades, I realized that I was obsessed and the malady needed a name. Enjoy the ride....