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.

Inox
66HEROES pointed nut "Spike" M11x1 wheel nut Inox
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For: Universal · Puch · Sachs · Pony / Cilo (Beta 521 & 512) · Piaggio · Zündapp Belmondo

11098

66HEROES pointed nut "Spike" M11x1 wheel nut Inox

Manufacturer: 66HEROES · Material: Chrome steel (colloquially known as stainless steel) · Nut type: Pointed nut · Drive: External hexagon · Height: 38 mm · Thread type: MF11x1 (fine pitch thread) · Width across flats: 17 mm

CHF 13.90

Piston pin extractor

For: Universal · Puch · Sachs · Pony / Cilo (Beta 521 & 512) · 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 · Franco Morini

11362

Piston pin extractor

Material: Steel · Surface: chrome-plated · Thread type: MF8x1 (fine pitch thread) · Total length: 200 mm · Width: 85 mm · Area of application: Special tool · Ø Pin: 5 mm · Thread length: 95 mm

CHF 34.90

HPI CDI Box
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For: Puch · Sachs · Pony / Cilo (Beta 521 & 512) · Piaggio · Zündapp Belmondo · DKW · Hercules · Kreidler · Zündapp · KTM · Rixe

16845

HPI CDI Box

Manufacturer: HPI · Ø mounting hole: 6 mm · Material: Plastic · Color: black · Number of fixing points: 1 pcs · Area of application: High End · Area of application: Performance · Area of application: Racing · Area of application: Tuning

CHF 99.90

KMC pedal chain purple
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For: Universal · Puch · Sachs · Pony / Cilo (Beta 521 & 512) · Piaggio · Zündapp Belmondo · Solex · Alpa Chopper / Turbo · Cilo

16326

KMC pedal chain purple

Chain type: 410 · Manufacturer: KMC · Material: Steel · Surface: varnished · Number of chain links: 112 pcs · Chain pitch: 1/2" x 1/8" · Rolling circumference: 1422 mm · Chain lock type: Snap-on closure · Color: violet

CHF 18.90

swiing® revival nozzle set M5 (70 - 92) Dell'Orto SHA, PHBG

For: Universal · Pony / Cilo (Beta 521 & 512) · Piaggio

10902

swiing® revival nozzle set M5 (70 - 92) Dell'Orto SHA, PHBG

Manufacturer: swiing® revival parts · Component group Carburetor: Spraying · Material: Brass · Quantity: 10 pcs · Carburetor type: PHBG · Carburetor type: SHA · Carburetor type: SHA (Piaggio) · Total length: 8 mm · Nozzle type: Main nozzle · Drive: Slot · Nozzle thread: M5x0.8 (standard thread) · Nozzle size: 70 · Nozzle size: 72 · Nozzle size: 75 · Nozzle size: 78 · Nozzle size: 80 · Nozzle size: 82 · Nozzle size: 85 · Nozzle size: 88 · Nozzle size: 90 · Nozzle size: 92

CHF 20.90

Starter lever Magura replica
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For: Universal · Puch · Sachs · Pony / Cilo (Beta 521 & 512)

10936

Starter lever Magura replica

Manufacturer: Made in Portugal · Surface: raw · Place of use: left · Color: black · Total length: 90 mm · Thickness: 4.1 mm · Thickness: 12.5 mm

CHF 5.90

GPO fuel tap vertical M12x1 (with union nut) outgoing at the bottom
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For: Universal · Puch · Sachs · Pony / Cilo (Beta 521 & 512)

17185

GPO fuel tap vertical M12x1 (with union nut) outgoing at the bottom

Manufacturer: GPO · Possible lever positions: open / closed / reserve · Material lever: Metal · Filter type: Grille · Thread type: MF12x1 (fine pitch thread) · Ø fuel hose connection: 6 mm · Installation direction: vertical / vertical · Outlet direction: below · Spare tube shape: straight · Reserve level: 65 mm · Mounting type: Union nut

CHF 19.90

GPO wheel clamp large
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For: Puch · Sachs · Pony / Cilo (Beta 521 & 512) · Zündapp Belmondo · Bye Bike

12372

GPO wheel clamp large

Manufacturer: GPO · Thread length: 31.5 mm · Material: Steel · Surface: galvanized (blue) · Thread type: M6x1 (standard thread) · Total length: 76 mm · Ø outside: 30 mm · Ø inside: 12.8 mm

CHF 2.40

Continental Go 2.75 x 17" tires Semi-Slick
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For: Universal · Puch · Sachs · Pony / Cilo (Beta 521 & 512) · Piaggio · Bye Bike

15044

Continental Go 2.75 x 17" tires Semi-Slick

Inventory-managed: No · Manufacturer: Continental · Tire width: 2.75 " · Tire width [mm]: 69.85 · Width: 2 3/4 " · Old designation: 21 x 2.75 " · Speed index: J = 100 km/h · Load capacity index: 47 = 175 kg · Profile type: ContiGo! · Tire type: Semi-slick · White wall: No · Wheel size: 17 " · Tubeless (yes/no): Tubetype TT (requires hose)

CHF 77.90

KMC pedal chain blue
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For: Universal · Puch · Sachs · Pony / Cilo (Beta 521 & 512) · Piaggio · Zündapp Belmondo · Solex · Alpa Chopper / Turbo · Cilo

11743

KMC pedal chain blue

Chain pitch: 1/2" x 1/8" · Chain type: 410 · Manufacturer: KMC · Material: Steel · Surface: varnished · Color: blue · Number of chain links: 112 pcs · Rolling circumference: 1422 mm · Chain lock type: Snap-on closure

CHF 18.90

CYC drive chain red 415H (reinforced) 128L
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For: Universal · Puch · Sachs · Pony / Cilo (Beta 521 & 512) · Zündapp Belmondo · Tomos · Bye Bike

17316

CYC drive chain red 415H (reinforced) 128L

Material: Steel · Surface: varnished · Chain pitch: 1/2" x 3/16" · Chain type: 415H · Manufacturer: CYC · Number of chain links: 128 pcs · Chain lock type: Spring lock · Rolling circumference: 1626 mm · Color: red

CHF 29.90

CYC drive chain metallic orange 415H (reinforced) 128L
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For: Universal · Puch · Sachs · Pony / Cilo (Beta 521 & 512) · Zündapp Belmondo · Tomos · Bye Bike

17324

CYC drive chain metallic orange 415H (reinforced) 128L

Manufacturer: CYC · Material: Steel · Surface: varnished · Chain pitch: 1/2" x 3/16" · Chain type: 415H · Number of chain links: 128 pcs · Chain lock type: Spring lock · Rolling circumference: 1626 mm · Color: orange

CHF 31.90

Malossi needle bearing 12/15/17.5
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For: Universal · Puch · Sachs · Pony / Cilo (Beta 521 & 512) · Tomos

23478

Malossi needle bearing 12/15/17.5

Bearing cage: Sheet steel cage · Dimension needle bearing: 12/15 x 17.5 · Manufacturer: Malossi · Bearing type: Needle roller and cage assembly · Width: 17.5 mm · Ø outside: 15 mm · Ø inside: 12 mm

CHF 18.90

External ignition coil Ducati Pony / Cilo Beta 521 (A8132)
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For: Pony / Cilo (Beta 521 & 512)

24202

External ignition coil Ducati Pony / Cilo Beta 521 (A8132)

Manufacturer: Pony · Ø cable holder: 7 mm · Color: black · Mounting type: Screws · Number of fixing points: 2 pcs · Place of use: External (outside the ignition) · Area of application: Original · Ø mounting hole: 6.4 mm

CHF 112.90

Protection plug connector | Pony / Cilo Beta 521 (P8130)
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For: Pony / Cilo (Beta 521 & 512)

24200

Protection plug connector | Pony / Cilo Beta 521 (P8130)

Manufacturer: Pony · Material: Plastic · Color: black · Subcategory: Spark plug connector

CHF 12.90

Screw plastic plate luggage carrier | Pony / Cilo Cross Beta 521 (P8028)
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For: Pony / Cilo (Beta 521 & 512)

24205

Screw plastic plate luggage carrier | Pony / Cilo Cross Beta 521 (P8028)

Manufacturer: Pony · Material: Plastic · Thread type: M6x1 (standard thread) · Drive: Slot · Thread length: 8 mm

CHF 1.90

Page 1 of 71

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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