RUMI - Lot 37

RUMI Motorcycle Junior 125 cc 2-stroke horizontal twin 2 carburetors 1952 N° 155SS173 Frame no. 155SS120 Engine no. 2XX12290 French collector's registration This junior was bought restored in Italy over 20 years ago, and needs to be put back on the road. It has the option of adjustable front and rear gas shocks, as well as a magnesium front hub with double aluminum chainring. It is in its road-approved version, which enabled it to be used for 24-hour races. Just under 300 Juniors were produced. Rumi was founded in Bergamo, Italy, at the beginning of the 20th century. The company originally supplied components to the textile industry and, during the Second World War, produced miniature submarines and torpedoes. Headed by Donnino RUMI, the company turned to motorcycle manufacturing at the end of the war, introducing its first Turismo model in 1950. This little gem was powered by what was to become Rumi's trademark engine, a 125 cm3 parallel twin with horizontally inclined cylinders. This wonderfully versatile engine was used to power standard, Sport and Competizione models, as well as a range of highly advanced scooters. It is the latter that Rumi is best remembered for today, notably the Formichino (Little Ant) and its derivatives, which were among the fastest scooters of their day. Sadly, despite its technical innovation and engineering prowess, Rumi disappeared in 1962. The Junior model was designed by Bruno GUIDOROSSI, whose Corsa (racing) version replaced the Competizione in 1955. Weighing just 85 kg (187 lb), with nine horsepower available giving a top speed of 115 km/h (71 mph), the Junior continued to use chromed alloy cylinders and was fitted as standard with two 18 mm Dellorto carburetors due to the requirements of the new Italian formula limiting the diameter of these to 18 and 10.5:1 compression pistons. With the factory race kit, including larger carburetors, 11.5:1 pistons and exhaust pipes, speeds rose to around 130 km/h. Earles front forks were standard, but telescopic forks were an option. The Sturcher shock absorbers were air-assisted, with adjustable damping also optional at the front. This powerful, reliable motorcycle, which was great fun to ride, was a customer's competition bike, winning the Bol d'Or and the 24h de Montjuic, outperforming 250s. Almost 300 Juniors were produced. The Junior was the bike to beat in sports production races in Italy and France in the late '50s. In 1959, it was in turn replaced by the Junior Gentleman.