Walk around video:
Short start up video:
Founded by Bert Greeves, the Greeves motorcycle company started when Bert was mowing his lawn and thought of mounting a lawnmower engine to the wheelchair of his disabled cousin to help with mobility. That led to a government contract, and Bert was inspired by his success to start building motorcycles as well. The company was quite successful with exports – at one point Greeves was sending more bikes to the US than it was keeping in its home country. The Greeves Ranger is considered by some to be the first ever ‘trail bike’, a road-legal dual-sport.
The Ranger was specifically designed for export to the States, utilizing a 250cc engine sourced from Villiers. Greeves swapped out the stock iron barrel from the Villiers motor for their own alloy design and claimed 23 horsepower at 6,500 rpm. Production numbers aren’t known for sure, though some estimates peg the number around 3,000.
This bike was known for several innovative features, like the I-beam casting, front downtube, chain oiler, and the leading-link front suspension. Greeves was well-known a decade before Honda and the rest of the Japanese competition took over the market.
Motorcycle journalists adored this bike though they noted that it was on the pricey side at $800. Cycle World summed it up in their review by saying, “the Ranger carries a unique brand of character. No other trail bike offers its quaint combination of stoic indifference to the nimble speed possessed by rival machines, low speed torque that might have graced a 500 four-stroke of the 1930s, and a riding setup that, even on the trail, allows a pillion passenger to relax without chewing his fingernails to the wrist.”
This example is VIN: 24CS221. The seller acquired it 8 years ago from the Tom Reese collection through a Mecum auction.
During his ownership, the seller has not ridden the bike. The odometer shows 1,734 miles.
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection. Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: Ok
Engine Oil Level: Low
Engine Oil Quality: Dark (Age Unknown)
2T Oil Level: N/A
Coolant Level: N/A
Coolant Quality: N/A
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Final Drive Condition: Dirty
Headlight High Beam: N/A
Headlight Low Beam: N/A
Passing Light: N/A
Parking Light: N/A
Turn Signals: N/A
Tail Light: N/A
Brake Light (Front Switch): N/A
Brake Light (Rear Switch): N/A
Plate Light: N/A
Horn: N/A
Kill Switch: Fail
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: 80%
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: 80%
Forks: Ok
Shock/s: RH leaking
Tire Date Code Front: Pre-2000
Tire Date Code Rear: Pre-2000
Tire % Remaining Front: 90+% Cracking
Tire % Remaining Rear: 90+% Cracking
Tire Press. Front: 32 PSI
Tire Press. Rear: 32 PSI
Battery Standing Voltage: N/A
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: N/A
Running Condition: Runs Poorly on Bench
Test Ride Completed: None Taken
Test Ride Distance: N/A
Notes:
-Chain oiler missing cap
-Speedo is mounted crooked
-Rh Grip is cracking and disintegrating
-Leaks fuel
Recommendation:
-Poor Running Diag
-Carburetor Rebuild
-Front and Rear Tire
-Air filter Replacement
-Chain Service
-Repair Kill Switch Assembly
-Oil Change
-Etc.
Modifications:
NJB shocks front and rear.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Dunlop Trials Universal tires that have aged out.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Panorama City, California, (please make an appointment for an inspection) this Greeves is offered on a Bill of Sale only. Iconic’s White Glove Service can assist with getting a Tennessee state title for roughly $650. Have any Ranger stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
