Since I am old my first machine was a late 40's Whizzer motorbike in 1954. Sold it after four years and got a new 1958 Simplex. Wish that I still had them.
2 and a half horsepower mini-bike. Frame, motor. No shocks what so ever. Brake was a painted 5 inch or so piece of medal that pressed against the rear tire. If it was wet, there was no brake.
In college during the 60's a friend and I went in on a BSA 500 Gold Star. We never could get it to kick start without drama but once running it was loud and fast....tore up the streets of Missoula with it.