c1952 Rumi 125cc Motorcycle

Description

Hailing from Bergamo and already well known for manufacturing armaments following its foundation prior to the First World War, Rumi began building motorcycles in 1949. Two models, the Turismo and Sport, were initially catalogued, powered by a horizontal twin-cylinder two-stroke designed by Pietro Vassena, a specification virtually unheard of at the time, with a bore and stroke of 42 by 45 mm and a 180-degree crankshaft. Initially changing gears through a three-speed box, Rumi later moved to a four-speed unit and the basic specification remained largely unchanged for the next decade, the line-up expanding to include the Super Sports in 1952 employing a high compression head and twin carburettors for additional power. Rumi also developed a racing version of the original 125, winning the Italian National Championship in 1954, followed by a number of race replicas. The firm even tried their hand at building scooters - known as the Scoiottolo (or Squirrel) they used a pressed steel monocoque frame and swing-arm rear suspension, developing a reputation for being one of the quickest mopeds on the market. Rumi later experimented with four-stroke motors, culminating in a 259cc DOHC parallel-twin shaft drive Grand Prix bike machine that sadly never reached production. Although Rumi continued to invest money and resources in developing new models, a major arms contract granted in 1957 saw the company shift direction and motorcycle production ceased altogether in 1962. Few Rumi motorcycles found their way to Australia, making them a rare sight on our roads.