A scarce fat-bodied Franke Autoroller

After all this time searching for information about this scooter on the Internet. It turns out that not much information can be collected regarding this mysterious scooter which at a glance resembles the Maico Mobil, Kroboth Motorroller, or Bastert Einspurauto even though they were all made by the German manufacturers.

Two units of the 1951 Franke Autoroller on display at the Autosammlung Steim in Schramberg, Germany. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2TVJsft)

From the little information that we can collect, now we could be known that this fat-bodied scooter is a Franke Autoroller was built in 1951 by a company in Maschen near Hamburg and is also a seat maker for two-wheeled vehicles.

🔖As quoted of Erasmo Bella, an activist and fan of two-wheeled vehicles in Germany who is also one of our colleagues in the Facebook's Scooters of Germany Group, the scooter maker company mentioned above is owned by Walter Franke. He was one of a dozen scooter constructors in 1949 to 1952 who had a dream to be a successful manufacturer inspired by the Italian companies (Piaggio and Innocenti) succesfull stories.

And Walter Franke's company is estimated to make less than 100 units or maybe only 50 units of scooters during its production period. After that nearly all start ups went into a severe financial problem due to the post-war economic recession, made them then collapsed and left the dreams behind.⛏

The 1951 Franke Autoroller uses a 147cc ILO engine that spews power of 6.9 horsepower (7PS) and makes it run with a maximum speed of 80kph. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2TVJsft)

As previously mentioned this Franke Autoroller has a shape that is almost similar to Maico Mobil, Kroboth Motorroller, Bastert Einspurauto, and others, which all have big-sized bodies. A striking difference when this unique scooter is compared with the Maico Mobil, Kroboth Motorroller, or Bastert Einspurauto can be seen in their front fascia.

Seen the Franke Autoroller has the ballooned-front section and make its front-fender looks like merged or has no front-fender curvatures. Unlike Maico and Kroboth scooters whose the front-section looks still have the front-fender curvatures.

Franke Autoroller has the ballooned-front section and makes it has no front-fender curvatures. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2XmO548)

The fat-bodied Franke Autoroller uses a 147cc ILO engine that spews power of 6.9 horsepower (7PS), so that can make it to run with a maximum speed of 80kph. And now, this German's unique and rare scooter is on display at the Autosammlung Steim in Schramberg, Germany. In the museum, there are two Franke Autoroller scooters on display, where one in dismantled condition (only the bodywork) and others in completed conditions.

Due to a lack of information about the Franke Autoroller, and if the article above is still considered inadequate or inaccurate, or if you have additional information related to this marque, please don't hesitate to let us know via the comments column below this article.

Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of the two-wheeled monster and stay alive with true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops...... *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | WIKIPEDIA | FAHRZEUGBILDER.DE | RETRO-MOTORING | FLICKR]

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Modern reincarnation of the iconic Vespa 98

Whatever is created by humans which then turns into something special is certainly always interesting to talk about. And as the true scooter fans, you know for sure how's the Piaggio's classic scooter named Vespa 98 became something special.

This is a modern reincarnation of the iconic Piaggio Vespa 98 designed by Mightyseed Designs. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2XQVl7p)

Yes, it was the first Piaggio's classic scooter produced based on a wasp-likened scooter design made by Corradino D'Ascanio in 1946. This also marked the birth of a new trend in the means of transportation after the 2nd World War that quickly spread worldwide and continues to reverberate to this day.

1946 Vespa 98, the first Piaggio's production scooter model based on a wasp-likened scooter design made by Corradino D'Ascanio. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2BpHoWD)

Today is Mightyseed Designs, an Indian innovative design company who took a creative-innovative step by doing the reincarnation project of those iconic Vespa 98 scooter figure. This new design named Vespa 98e Concept presents a bolder and modern look, including a wide front with a straight modern handlebar, but still maintaining its iconic original design. 

The Vespa 98e Concept presents a bolder and modern look, including a wide front with a straight modern handlebar. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2XQVl7p)

And on the single-seater scooter concept is also pinned with several advanced features, such as the rear-mounted Lidar device (as the rearview mirror replacement) is functioned to provide notification to the rider. However, the original design touch of the Vespa 98 is still nicely attached, this can be seen from the LED headlight that stills mounted on the front fender.

On the single-seater scooter is also pinned the rear-mounted Lidar device (as the rearview mirror replacement) is functioned to provide notification to the rider. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2XQVl7p)

What makes this retro-classic Vespa 98 scooter concept even more interesting? Besides it was appearing in a sleek and modern look, it's also equipped with an eco-friendly electric drive. And the scooter's power source coming from a 30Ah lithium-ion battery pack located in its belly.

The Vespa 98 scooter concept also equipped with an eco-friendly electric drive with a 30 Ah lithium-ion battery pack located in the belly. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2XQVl7p)

Its hub motor wheel has a more sporty appearance than the original version. Then sloping tail lamp strips of the rear indicator unit give a unique look to the Vespa 98 Concept. There is a huge storage area available inside the belly, making it the most suitable rides for pleasant holiday trips. 

Sloping tail lamp strips of the rear indicator unit give a unique look to the Vespa 98 Concept. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2XQVl7p)

Even though it is only an imaginary concept, but it does not rule out the possibility to be realized immediately. Now we all have to do is wait for Piaggio or other parties who are interested in making this beautiful retro-classic scooter figure come true. So be it.

In the end, here's a video about the 1946 Piaggio Vespa 98 shown on display at the Museo della Piaggio in Pontedera, Italy. Or perhaps You wanna see other unique scooter concept based of the iconic Vespa 98 called Vespampère.

Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of the two-wheeled monster and stay alive with true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops...... *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MIGHTYSEED.CO | RUSHLANE]

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Another scarce Austrian-made scooters

If we observe the scooter existence from the beginning until now, it turns out to be one of timeless the modes of transportation and continues to exist following the times. So it is not surprising that in its heyday around the 1950s to 1960s many manufacturers produced it.

1953 Kauba Lux 98 used a 98cc 2-stroke Rotax-Sachs engine which is capable of producing power of 2hp @ 3,500 rpm. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2BlIJhj)

Then, after a while ago we discussed several Austrian scooter brands, such as the Colibri made by Josef Walter & Co. or KTM-made scooters ranging from the Mirabel, Mecky up to the Pony. So this time we will discuss again the unique figure of the scooters that also comes from the Austrian manufacturers as well.

1953 Kauba Lux 98 used a 98cc 2-stroke Rotax-Sachs engine which is capable of producing power of 2hp @ 3,500 rpm. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/33OHIdF)

This is a unique scooter that was built by a manufacturer founded by an aircraft designer named Otto Kauba, who had involved less three Austrian scooter brands, such as Lohner, Kosty, and his-owned brand, Kauba.

First, when he is worked at Lohner-Werke, an Austrian vehicle engineering company and started to design a new range of motor scooters and mopeds for the company since 1949, that's included popular models such as the L98 and many other.

1950 Lohner L 98 scooter designed by Otto Kauba for Lohner-Werke and used a 98cc 2-stroke engine. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2XJJHeK)

After resigned from the Lohner, he is known to work for a Vienna-based manufacturer owned by Hans H. Kosteletzky in a short time period (from 1952 to 1953). At that time, the company launched a scooter called Kosty 100 which is later known the forerunner to the birth of other Otto Kauba's scooters.

This scooter is built based on Otto Kauba's design and used a 98cc 2-stroke Rotax engine which is capable of producing power of 2hp @ 3,500 rpm. However, the Kosty 100 scooter did not make any success on the market due to the price was fairly high and managed to produce only 30 units.

1952 Kosty 100 scooter designed by Otto Kauba for a Vienna-based manufacturer owned by Hans H. Kosteletzky. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3dleIMt)

And finally, in 1953, he founded a company of his own and produced a small number of scooters under the Kauba marque. The first scooter called Kauba Lux 98, which was manufactured from its workshop located on Vienna 13, Amaliengasse 4. The Kauba Lux scooter production is still maintaining its-owned design and also using the third parties engines (a 98cc 2-stroke Rotax-Sachs engines) until the end.

1952 Kosty 100 scooter designed by Otto Kauba used a 98cc 2-stroke Rotax engine. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3dleIMt)

The next scooter production is known as the Kauba Lux 2 (only made 7 units) which comes with an almost similar design of the previous model but with a slight difference, such as a slightly higher shield, fully enclosed bodywork, and using a 125cc Rotax-Sachs 2-stroke engine, which is capable of producing power of 5hp @ 5,500 rpm.

1955 Kauba Lux 2 125 used a 125cc 2-stroke Rotax engine which is capable of producing power of 5hp @ 5,500 rpm. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2BlIJhj)

The unusual Kauba Lux 98 scooters were built from 1953 to 1956 with nearly 400 units in total. And at that time these scooters also did not make any success and slowly disappeared without any traces from the market. That's some kind of sad ending.😢

At present, the Kauba scooters are rare items and maybe only can be seen in the museums. We're sorry, due to the video below is not the Kauba scooter, instead of the 1956 Lohner L125.

If the article above is still felt to be inadequate or inaccurate, and or you have any additional information related to this marque, please do not hesitate to let us know through the comments column below this article.

Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of the two-wheeled monster and stay alive with true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops...... *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | VOS.CO.AT | STABILCAR | CYBERMOTOSRCYCLE]

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The Guiller-made rare scooter

If just looking at the shape, a lot of people guessed that the scooter below was an Italian-made or maybe the German-made. Did you know that the scooter is made by a French company named Guiller back in the 1950s?

The 1953 Guiller Rivera scooter made by a French manufacturer named Giuller that has a production base in Fontenay-le-Comte (Vendée). (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2MeOHSZ)

Besides its name was so unfamiliar to the world's scooter enthusiasts today, it turns out that the French-made scooter made also has a fairly cute and unique shape.

The 1953 Guiller Rivera scooter look similar to the Italian scooter named SIM Moretti Gran Lusso which launched in the same era. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3esyndE)

Looking from its history, Guiller is a French two-wheeled vehicle manufacturer, founded by the two Guiller brothers (René and Pierre) in 1911 and has a production base in Fontenay-le-Comte (Vendée), France.

The 1953 Guiller Rivera scooter on display at the Chatellerault Motor Museum in Châtellerault, Poitou-Charentes, France. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3ddDOwX)

The Fontenay-le-Comte -based company is known to produce bicycles, mopeds, motorbikes. The first Guiller motorcycle, released by using the 'Origan' marque and first appeared in late 1927.

The 1953 Guiller Rivera scooter used an AMC 4 stroke 125cc engine coupled with a manual 3-speed gearbox system. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2zJDmaY)

Then the Guiller's name was first used for a motorcycle brand called Guiller Frères which left the Fontenaysien-based company for the first time in 1947.

The 1953 Guiller Rivera 125cc scooter engine able to spew the power of 6 horsepower at 6,500 rpm.. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2MeOHSZ)

The Guiller Rivera scooter on the ad- 
leaflet. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2XIGTya)

In 1951, the company began production under license from an Italian company, SIM (Sociéta Italiana Motoscooters) for its scooter named Moretti Gran Lusso, where Guiller imported the frame and shell from 1952 to 1955.

And under the Guiller Frères motorcycle marque that known to have a scooter model known as Guiller Rivera 125cc that first launched at the Salon du Cycle et de la Moto de Paris 1952.

The Italian's SIM Moretti Gran 
Lusso scooter on the ad-leaflet.  
(Picture from: https://bit.ly/2TPArEE)

Therefore it is not surprising then that the Guiller's scooter looked very similar to its transalpine counterpart.

This French scooter model includes a model that uses a French-made four-stroke engine, AMC which has a capacity of 125cc and 175cc respectively, then there is another model that uses an Aubier Dune-made two-stroke engine with a capacity of 125cc and 175cc.

After June 1954, the brand was split in two and changed its name to René Guiller and the other was Guiller S.A. run by two Piere's sons. The two branches of the family company then went on to produce motorcycles independently, but unfortunately, both businesses ceased producing around 1958.
Just for info, since its beginning, this marque has no connection with René Gillet (another French motorcycle manufacturer) besides René Guiller ever work there. Before we ended this article, if the article above is still felt to be inadequate or inaccurate, and or you have any additional information related to this marque, please do not hesitate to let us know through the comments column below this article. 

Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of the two-wheeled monster and stay alive with true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops...... *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | DENIS ALLARD | LES-TONTON-SCOOTEURS.COM | T4T35.FR | CYBERMOTORCYCLE.COM]

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The scarce Viceroy scooter of 1960s

As we all know, that in the 1950s to 1960s can be said as of the scooter heyday. It can be seen with the many emerging scooter brands in the world (especially in Europe).

In addition to Italy, which has been known as the country where the beginning of the emergence of this scooter trend occurred, it turns out in Britain there are also many emerging brands that also create an unusual form of scooters. And one of them is a scooter made by Velocette.

1960 Velocette Viceroy used a unique front-mounted 250cc two-stroke engine. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2ZyOaDh)

Velocette is a line of motorcycles made by Veloce Ltd, in Hall Green, Birmingham, England. One of several motorcycle manufacturers in Birmingham, Velocette was a small, family-owned firm, selling almost as many hand-built motorcycles during its lifetime, as the mass-produced machines of the giant BSA and Norton concerns.

In 1960, Velocette introduced the Velocette Viceroy, an unusual-shaped scooter that carried a 250 cc twin-stroke engine. What is unique to Viceroy is its twin-cylinder engine is mounted in front, and the fuel tank is mounted under the front legshield. The engine itself is very compact, and is connected to the clutch and transmission mounted behind by the drive shaft of the flywheel mounted on the engine.

1960 Velocette Viceroy's engine is capable of spewing power of more than 15 hp (11 kW) and made a comfortable cruising speed reported 65 mph (105 kph). (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2WX9Qau)

This scooter has also applied an electric starter to start the engine, by using a 12 volt electrical system, has a very low center of gravity, and this scooter engine is capable of spewing power of more than 15 hp (11 kW) and made a comfortable cruising speed reported 65 mph (105 kph). No wonder if the Viceroy scooter model performance, handling and features could be said to be the first class.

But unfortunately this scooter came at the wrong time where the market power and the rider preferences had been changed very drastic, it causing the scooter to be unsuccessful in sales. It was noted later that the company had never made a scooter anymore until closed in February 1971.😭

Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of the two-wheeled monster and stay alive with true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops......  *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | RETRORAMBLING | WIKIPEDIA]

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The most gorgeous French scooter of the 1950s

The Italian 'scooter invasion' of the late 1940s to early 1950s was a challenge to every European vehicle manufacturer. Of all the French manufacturers' responses, the Terrot scooter was one of the most inspired. Previously, there's Bernardet another French company had already responded in 1950 to the Italian challenge; but their machines were large and not as chic as a Lambretta or Vespa.

1952 Terrot VMS1 98cc with frame number 068 is one of 100 machines that included in the early batch. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3geKTzh)

A number of other manufacturers also fielded scooters that were old-fashioned in their styling, painfully obvious seen when Lambretta bodywork was totally restyled in the early fifties. Even though the early Terrot scooters were only used a 98cc engine and so not very successful at a practical level. And the consumers in the time saw the Terrot was a design success, and supported by its most dynamic marketing campaign that the French had ever seen so far.

1952 Terrot VMS1 98cc with engine number 700168 could be said as the oldest Terrot scooter currently known. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3geKTzh)

The most interesting aspect of its advertising is that it was promoted as a 'two-wheeled car.' See how the ad below ("like a luxury car") pictures it large in the foreground with a car in the background to emphasis its apparent has a larger size. Nothing could be further from the truth – it's only a small scooter!

By using a 98cc two-stroke engine that is considered underpowered in the time, but doesn't diminish the beauty of 1952 Terrot VMS1 until now. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3geKTzh)

But we're known for sure its dynamic 'modern' styling had appealed to the youth of the day. And, like all scooters, with the enclosed bodywork hiding any hint whatsoever of its mechanical innards, advertising was pitched directly to the female motorists. Of course, cars also hide their oily bits, and We're sure this was the psychological connection intended by the advertising campaigns.

1953 Terrot VMS2 used a 125cc two-stroke engine and coupled with a 3-speed gearbox. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2AO6nCH)

The company's first scooter was displayed at the Paris Salon in late 1951 but did not go into full production until March 1952. And the first Terrot scooter model named VMS1 and only made in limited numbers, ie 100 units only. 

1956 Terrot VMS3 (Scooterrot) used a 125cc two-stroke engine. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/36jVUdH)

Then in 1953-1954, the company made the VMS2 models with a 125cc engine and 3-speed gearbox. Compared to the VMS1 there are few external variations that were added.

Later, the VMS3 scooter models were introduced in May 1955, was renamed the 'Scooterrot.' And after all these years of success and then the company's scooter production should be ceased in 1957 due to unknown reasons. While the remaining VMS3 models were known to be exported to England by Phealon and Moore in 1958.
Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of the two-wheeled monster and stay alive with true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops...... *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | MILANUNCIOS]

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Did you know the Colibri scooter?

If you talk about two-wheeled vehicles from Austria, of course maybe you will immediately mention the KTM brand (Kronreif & Trunkenpolz, Mattighofen). Yes, indeed this brand is one of the leading motorcycle brands from Austria that produces various types of motorized vehicles to date. Then there are other two-wheeled vehicle brands such as Puch which is quite well known in the 1950s to 1960s.

Then more specifically talking about scooters made by Austrian manufacturers, the Puch scooter brand is quite well-known compared to other country brands such as KTM, and maybe only a few know if KTM has also made scooters in the past.

1952 Colibri Standard used a 125cc DKW motor that can be speeding up to its top speed of 80kph with only 198 units ever produced. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3ctSk30)

But does anyone know apart from the two Austrian brands mentioned above who also made scooters? Apparently, there is an unknown small company that made the scooter products under the trademark 'Colibri.' As quoted from Cybermotorcycle, that the company was founded by Josef Walter and is domiciled in Frömmel Gasse 28, Vienna 21.

This Vienna-based small company made its first scooter prototype in 1947 and then produced it starting in 1952. All of the scooters at that time used machines made by the German manufacturer DKW.

The first model called Colibri Standard used a 125cc DKW motor with a top speed of 80kph with only 198 units ever produced. Another model called Colibri 175 used a 175cc DKW motor with a top speed of 90kph and only 3 units produced. 

1952 Colibri Standard under red-white on display at the Villacher Fahrzeugmuseum in Austria. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3bqRyCJ)

Indeed, the machines were of considerable quality but the price was rather too high for the market to bear, and as a result, the scooter sales numbers were poor, with a total output of 201 scooters by the time the small factory ceased manufacture in 1954.😭

1952 Colibri Standard under red-white on display at the Villacher Fahrzeugmuseum in Austria. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3bqRyCJ)

Not much is known about this Colibri brand, because of the rarity of the scooter product and it is unknown how many units remain to this day. So if you want to see this scooter outside the museum, of course, it's very difficult.

It is very unfortunate if Colibri from Austria did not have time to grow because the company has to face the reality of the rigors of the motor vehicle industry at that time. Maybe that's the fate of this Austrian Colibri who didn't have time to feel flying far away.😭

Finally, if the information in the article above is still felt to be inadequate or inaccurate and or you have any additional information related to this brand, please do not hesitate to let us know through the comments column below this article.

Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of the two-wheeled monster and stay alive with true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops...... *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CYBERMOTORCYCLE]

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The rarest FM Molteni scooter

This time we return to Italy for a moment. Indeed, this pizza country cannot be separated from the automotive world, especially the culture of scooters. Yes, as we all know that from this country the popular culture of scooters first emerged after World War II and then spread throughout the world to date.

1950 FM Molteni T50 was on display as the Legend of the Motorcycle at the International Concours d'Elegance 2006. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3c5M9lM)

It was noted that there were several Italian manufacturers who had made scooters in the past besides Piaggio and Innocenti such as, Ducati was made a beautiful scooter known as the Ducati Brio, then there was Teodoro Carnielli & Co. made a thin scooter named the Carnielli Vittoria Type 65, then there was Rumi 'Ants' Formichino from Moto Rumi, MV Agusta 125 series, Motto Guzzi with its Galletto, etc.

1950 FM Molteni T50 used a two-stroke 125 cc with a three-speed gearbox with the control on the handlebar and a chain-driven transmission. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3c5M9lM)

Well, besides the brands mentioned above there are still more beautiful scooters made by Italian companies, like the scooter as follows named FM Molteni T50. The scooters were produced by the Milan-based company named Officine Meccaniche Fratelli Molteni (FM).

1950 FM Molteni T50 had a truss frame with a single central cast alloy, which incorporated the fuel reservoir and the light support on the saddle. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3c5M9lM)

The company was founded by the Molteni brothers whose previously bore the names, Ditta Molteni, Erba, Como, later Moto Molteni, Molteni later Officine Meccaniche Fratelli. The company's latest production base was in Milan. 

And initially, the company built motorcycles by using an aluminum alloy frame fitted with 350cc and 500cc engines sourced from MAG of Switzerland and Bradshaw (GB). The forks and guards were also of alloy, apparently. One of their logos consisted of three superimposed letters M representing Moto Molteni MAG. Postwar, the logo was a simple FM, with the right leg of the M rounded below.

An advertorial leaflet of the 1952 FM Molteni T50 scooter. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/3b3SVXQ)

After being ceased for more than 20 years due to the war, and in 1950 production was resumed at the new plant in Milan, with its first scooter production named FM Molteni T50. This is an alloy-framed scooter. 

The FM Molteni T50 scooter was designed by R. Juga in collaboration with A. Pajaga, and it had a truss frame with single central cast alloy, which incorporated the fuel reservoir and the light support on the saddle. The swingarm was built on top of the truss frame. The engine was a two-stroke 125cc with a three-speed gearbox with the control on the handlebar and a chain-driven transmission. 

1952 FM Molteni T52 comes with aesthetic changes, engine cover, and headlights on the front fenders. (Picture from: https://bit.ly/2xw6uBt)

While the second model called FM Molteni T52 featured almost similar two-stroke 125cc engined but with an increase in style and performance with the front fork was cast in one piece, including the fender that contained housing for the spring suspension.

But unfortunately, the company is not long-lived and should be ceased its production for good in 1954 due to financial problems. It is not known how many scooters were produced by this company from 1950 until it ceased production in 1954.

Finally, if the information in the article above is still felt to be inadequate or inaccurate and or you have any additional information related to this brand, please do not hesitate to let us know through the comments column below this article.

Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of the two-wheeled monster and stay alive with true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops...... *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | OTTW | WOIWEB | CYBERMOTORCYCLE]

Note: This blog can be accessed via your smart phone.