A unique and rare Italian Little-Ant scooter

Unique ONES You may often see the appearance of this unique Italian classic scooter made by Moto Rumi of Fonderie Officine Rumi or the Rumi Foundries was formed at the beginning of the twentieth century (established by Gabrielle Rumi in Bergamo, Italy in 1906) and originally supplied cast components to the textile machinery industry. 

1959 Rumi Formichino made by the Italian factory Rumi, the 1959 Bol d’Or with a 125cc two-stroke engine was the most sought after of the Formichino models and was the fastest scooter of its day, producing 8.5 bhp at 7,200 rpm. (Picture from: MotorcycleNews)

One of Gabrielle’s son, Donnino, began working at the foundry at the age of 12. His work was casting metal, but his passion was painting, drawing, and sculpture, at which he was gifted and classically trained. Donnino assumed management of the foundry in the 1920s, with art taking a back seat. During WWII, Donnino refused to work with the Germans, and fought (and was subsequently jailed) as a Partisan. Meanwhile his foundry churned out bronze propellers, anchors, torpedoes, and periscopes for submarines.

1954 Rumi Scoiattolo 125. (Picture from: Ruotedasogno)

After the war, Donnino returned to help rebuild the factory, concentrating on textile machinery and later starting made light motorcycles and scooters powered by the horizontal twin two stroke engine of 125 cc capacity. In 1952, with the popularity of scooters through its compatriot made scooters such Vespa and Lambretta, Moto Rumi decided to start manufacturing its owne scooter known as the Rumi Scoiattolo or (a squirrel in Italian). 

Right side view of 1955 Rumi Formichino. (Picture from: LaneMotorMuseum)

The Scoiattolo has a cast aluminum monocoque body with tubular swinging arm rear suspension and teleforks with 14 inch wheels and three gears. Its subsequent models had a four speed gearbox and electric starter, at the time it was also reputed as the fastest scooters then in production.

Speedometer and odometer view of 1955 Rumi Formichino. (Picture from: LaneMotorMuseum)

Moto Rumi, a division of the Rumi Foundries that produced motorcycles and scooters, was only active from 1950-1960. While wildly popular on Italy’s strade, during this short span the factory also enjoyed numerous endurance and sprint racing victories, most notably the 24-Hour Bal d’Or at Montlhéry, France. All the Rumi bikes, both motorcycles and scooters, were based on their 125cc horizontal twin and some excellent engineering.

Rear side view of 1955 Rumi Formichino. (Picture from: LaneMotorMuseum)

The Rumi Formichino (a little ant in Italian) seen here is made up of only a few aluminum castings (as pointed to the company real expertise with metal). The engine is actually a structural member, part of the frameless monocoque, with the castings attached front and rear. 

The 1954 Rumi Regolanta 125cc. (Picture from: ClayPaky)

This lightweight approach gave a decided performance advantage over the conventional steel-framed Vespas and Lambrettas on the Italian roads, and added to their appeal as well. It’s also a beautiful sculptural piece, both functional and fast. No wonder if they triumphed three-times at the Italian Speed Championships in 1957, 1958, and 1960.

The 1953 Rumi Huchback 125cc. (Picture from: ClayPaky)

After Piaggio Vespa upped their game, so Moto Rumi was unable to compete anymore. And then they ceased the bike production in 1960, and closed the foundry in 1962. While Donnino returned to his first love of painting and sculpture, until his death in 1980. 

The 1951 Rumi Regolanta 125cc. (Picture from: ClayPaky)

Is history repeating itself? After some time away from the world of racing motorbikes, one of Donnino's grandsons named Stefano established the Rumi Sport Race Engineering in 2009, and developed (both of 125 cc and 250 cc) and lastly competed under Team Rumi in collaboration with Clay Paky at the Moto3 of 2014 racing seasons. 

This Moto3 racing bike powered by a 250cc four stroke engine was unveiled in 2013 after one year of toil by Rumi-Sport Engineering. (Picture from: ClayPaky)

Thus a brief history of Moto Rumi that once dominated various racing circuits in the 1950s to 1960s.

Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of two-wheeled monster and stay alive with the true safety riding. May God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops...... *** [EKA [13112018] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | LANE MOTOR MUSEUM | MOTORCYCLE NEWS | WIKIPEDIA | RUOTEDASOGNO | CLAY PAKY ]

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Here's the first Yamaha motorcycle

Unique ONES Peanuts can be a symbol of resistance. This is done by Yamaha Motor Co. Ltd. when it finally decided to make their first motorcycle. The decision was embodied in the motorcycle figure with a common model in that time and was named Yamaha YA-1.

This is the first Yamaha motorcycle ever produced in 1955, named Yamaha YA-1 and popular with a nickname 'Aka-Tombo' or Red Dragonfly. (Picture from: NaikMotor)

Why peanuts? At that time, most motorcycle manufacturers make the motorcycles in the black color. However, Yamaha against the current. And chestnut, the fruit of the four-seasons countries be an option, thanks to its distinctive reddish brown color. Hence, it soon became a popular motorcycle product, as to have a special nickname, Aka-Tombo or red dragonfly.

This is the first Yamaha motorcycle named Yamaha YA-1 is powered by an air-cooled single cylinder, two-stroke engine. (Picture from: BondowosoJatimNetwork)

Its popularity was supported when the Yamaha YA-1 'Aka-Tombo' was carve many successfully achievements, as won in the Mount Fuji Ascent Race III in July 1955, and continued with the victory in the Asama Highlands Race I or All Japan Motorcycle Endurance Race.

This motorcycle that has a length of nearly 2 meters and weighs less than 100 kg was carry an air-cooled single cylinder, two-stroke engine that has a capacity of 125 cc. This engine can only spew the power of 5.6 PS at 5,000 rpm, but can make this motorcycle ran fast enough in that time.

2011 Yamaha Y125 Moegi Concept was the modern version of Yamaha YA-1 'Aka-Tombo' or Red Dragonfly. (Picture from: NaikMotor)

How about the price? It was pretty expensive. Twelve times the salary of a college graduate in that time. If the fresh graduate in that time have a payment of ¥10,780, and this motorcycle sold at a price of ¥138,000.
Well today, if you want to see this antique motorbike coupled with many other Yamaha products, then you can visit the Museum of Yamaha at the Yamaha Communication Plaza in Shizuoka, Japan. Uniquely, the company that made the motorbike with the red tuning fork logo in 2011 also launched a reincarnation model of the YA-1 motorbike called the Yamaha Y125 Moegi Concept in 2011.

Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of two-wheeled monster and stay alive with the true safety riding. God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops....... *** [EKA [12042016] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | GLOBAL.YAMAHA-MOTOR | ]

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Two generations of a classic Honda Juno scooter

Unique Ones Talking about scooters, which had become a mode of transportation after the 2nd World War, because they were considered in accordance with the economic conditions of the people at that time, which were suffering due to the war. And of course you already know that this trend was originally pioneered by the Italian duo scooter maker companies, Piaggio and Innocenti, who were successful with their respective scooters.

Here is she a metallic green the 1956 Honda Juno JB (on the left) posed along a white-colored the 1963 Honda Juno M85 (in the middle). (Picture from: OOCities.org)

It turns out that the scooter trend is not only spreading in Europe, but also across the ocean to be precise in the land of the rising sun aka Japan. So it was not surprising that at that time pioneer scooters made by Japanese manufacturers began to appear, starting from the Fuji Rabit and the Mitsubishi Silver Pigeon after the war. As we could say that the scooters made by those Japanese manufacturers above were one of the first to appear after the Italian-made scooters becoming a trend in the era.

Here is she a a white-colored the 1963 Honda Juno M85 (in the front) posed along with with its predecessor, the 1956 Honda Juno JB (in the background). (Picture from: GridOto)

Then what about other Japanese manufacturers such as Honda Motor Co.Ltd. which was later also listed as one of the Japanese manufacturers who were also exposed to this trend and unmitigated the company was made scooter production up to 2 generations, even if they don't make any profit from the sales. The story began when, in the 1950s, Soichiro Honda, the company founder of Honda, interested in producing scooters after seeing that the promising motorcycle market in that country was being dominated by the two scooter brands above, Fuji Rabit and Mitsubishi Silver Pigeon.

Here is the first Honda-production scooter, 1954 Honda Juno KA is powered by a single-cylinder 4-stroke engine with a capacity of 189 cc with 7.5 hp. (Picture from: GridOto)

In short, Honda produced its first generation scooter in 1954 under the name Honda Juno. At that time, the single red-wing logoed company was produced the Juno in two variants, namely the KA, and JB types. By design, the Honda Juno scooter looks similar to the Vespa, but has a difference, namely that the body is made large coupled with the deck was not flat.

The Honda Juno first generation headset coupled with instrument panels (unknown model or year) might be that's 1956 JB type. (Picture from: OOCities.org)

At that time, Honda described its scooter as a "future" scooter figure. Why is that? Because the Honda's scooter has been provided with some pretty good details, name it the electric-starter, height windscreen capable to protect the rider from the wind exposure, and its turn signals positioned near to the windscreen..

The first generation of Honda Juno (in pictured the JB type) has large-sized body coupled with the deck was not flat, and came in two variants, namely the KA, and JB types. (Picture from: GridOto)

Well, if you examined, the 1st generation of Honda Juno scooter could be said a tourer scooter. As for the propulsion, the Honda Juno KA is equipped with a fairly large engine, namely a single-cylinder 4-stroke engine with a capacity of 189 cc with 7.5 hp. Meanwhile, the JB types are equipped with a 220 cc single-cylinder 4-stroke engine capable of producing 9 hp.

The first generation of Honda Juno (in pictured the JB type) already provided with several features a head its time, such the electric-starter, height windscreen, and its turn signals positioned near to the windscreen. (Picture from: Moto-Collection.org)

Unfortunately, even though it's equipped with a fairly large engine and a large body as well, it does not necessarily make this first generation Honda Juno last long on the market. This is because the body which is made of FRP (Fibre-Reinforced Plastic) actually makes it heavier, and in addition, the engine considered quickly overheat and the price was too expensive. So it's no wonder that the production of the first generation Honda Juno was ceased in 1955, after successfully selling about 5,856 units. 

The second generation of Honda Juno had many changes that made it look different from its predecessor, such as by removing the windshield and the design lines which looked more like the Honda Cub series. (Picture from: EnoAnderson)

But the failure of the first generation of Honda Juno above did not dampen Soichiro Honda's interest in making scooters again. Thus, the second generation of the Honda Juno was launched, and began its production in 1961. It came in two variants, namely the M80 and M85 types. The second generation of Honda Juno had many changes that made it look different from its predecessor, such as by removing the windshield and the design lines which looked more like the Honda Cub series which was successful on the market at that time.

The second generation of Honda Juno came in two variants, namely the M80 and M85 types. (Picture from: GridOto)

Then for the engine, the Honda Juno M80 is powered by a 125 cc two-cylinder 4-stroke boxer engine with 11 hp, while the M85 type uses a 170 cc two-cylinder 4-stroke boxer engine with 12 hp power. It was like experiencing deja vu, this second generation of Honda Juno met the same fate as its predecessor which was also unable to reap success in the market, and during its production period from 1961 to 1963 only 5,880 units were sold.

The second generation of Honda Juno is powered by by a 125 cc two-cylinder 4-stroke boxer engine with 11 hp for the M80 type, while for the M85 type used a 170 cc two-cylinder 4-stroke boxer engine with 12 hp power. (Picture from: GridOto)

By looking at the failure of those 2 generations of Honda Juno mentioned above, the Executive Vice President of Honda then, Kihachiro Kawashima, called it an extraordinary failure for the company. However, that is part of the journey that has been passed by a successful company that is now transformed into one of the Japanese industrial giants that not only produces motorcycles and cars, but has also ventured into many other advanced things such making private jets, robots, etc. 

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

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The first hydrogen-powered motorbike was approved back in 2010

GREEN Era During this time, the hydrogen technology is widely known uses on the car. Already many manufacturers are releasing it. Starting from the early this year, the world's automotive fans could be see the figure of hydrogen-powered motorcycle. It will coming from one of renowned Japanese motorcycle manufacturers, Suzuki.

The world's first hydrogen-powered scooter of Suzuki. (Picture from: BusinessWire)

Well, Suzuki became the world's first manufacturer to develop a hydrogen-powered motorcycle. As quoted of Hydrogen Fuel News, some time ago, the Japanese Ministry of Transport will give permission to Suzuki to conduct a serial of tests on the public roads. Those permission will be granted if the motorcycle maker company has met the specified standards and regulations related to safety and the impact on the environment.

Cross section view of Suzuki's hydrogen-powered scooter. (Picture from: BusinessWire)

The hydrogen-powered motorcycle was none other than its fats Suzuki Burgman scooter modified on the engine section so that only uses hydrogen gas alone. Its hydrogen gas tank placed by Suzuki in the bottom of the motorcycle, close to the footrest. Now, with the application of a hydrogen-fuelled drive, this scooter can run as far as 220 miles.

Suzuki, a renowned Japanese motorcycle manufacturer was the first manufacturer in the world to develop a hydrogen-powered motorcycle. (Picture from: BusinessWire)

Motorcycles was developed several years ago together with Intelligent Energy. The fuel cell from Intelligent Energy so far has been used on the Burgman scooter along with the American Boeing-made aircraft. Suzuki Burgman itself was first introduced in the world at the Tokyo Motor Show 2009. 

But many are predicting the hydrogen motorcycle is difficult received in the market. But many said it would be gave a lot of hope, at same time this bike is facing obstacles and what is certain to get to the end of the dream, still requires struggle.

Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of two-wheeled monster and stay alive with the true safety riding. God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops....... *** [EKA [21032016] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | BUSINESSWIRE | HYDROGENFUEL NEWS ]

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A new urban electric trike of the Netherlands

NEW Trike On the previous occasion we have discussed the forerunner of an Italian three-wheeled motorcycle called the Piaggio MP3. And, recently there's a rival candidate has been launched, which is made by MOVE, a Dutch startup company, and given a name of MOVE Vigorous V28. This three-wheeled motorcycle has a design that is no less unique the Italian rival mentioned above due to it's supported by several excellent features that make it worthy of being reckoned with in the global market.

The MOVE Vigorous V28 electric-powered trike coupled with a reverse gear feature to ease the rider to park and is also priced at an affordable price. (Picture from: id.e-Scooter.co)

Besides both having three wheels, the Netherlands company-made motorcycle is powered by an electric motor drive coupled with a reverse gear feature to ease the rider to park and is also priced at an affordable price. So it's no wonder that this electric motorcycle from the Netherlands deserves to be called a potential rival to the Vespa Elettrica too.

The MOVE Vigorous V28 electric-powered trike uses an electric motor drive that is capable of producing 33 Nm of torque. (Picture from: id.e-Scooter.co)

The MOVE Vigorous V28 three-wheeled motorcycle uses an electric motor drive that is capable of producing 33 Nm of torque. So do not be surprised if the acceleration is fast and can be driven up to a speed of 45 kph. The electric motor's power source comes from its 2 kW battery system that takes 4 to 6 hours to fully recharged. After the battery is full, you can ride this unique shaped trike around the block for 90 km.

The MOVE Vigorous V28 electric-powered trike was made by carrying the structure of a three-wheeled vehicle so that it could provide extra stability and ease of use for less experienced riders. (Picture from: id.e-Scooter.co)

The makers further said that because the MOVE Vigorious V28 was made by carrying the structure of a three-wheeled vehicle so that it could provide extra stability and ease of use for less experienced riders. Well, to support driving comfort, this three-wheeled electric motorcycle is equipped with an innovative high end front suspension system that is claimed to provide a smooth driving experience even on rough terrain.

The MOVE Vigorous V28 electric-powered trike has a shorter braking distance than ordinary electric motors. (Picture from: id.e-Scooter.co)

Besides that, the advantages in terms of safety are that it has a shorter braking distance than ordinary electric motors. Not only that, the MOVE Vigorous V28 also provides a comfortable and spacious seating space for two passengers when riding around.

The MOVE Vigorous V28 electric-powered trike also provides a comfortable and spacious seating space for two passengers when riding around. (Picture from: id.e-Scooter.co)

Maybe following factor would be attracted your interest to immediately bring it home, what else if not the affordable price tag. Reportedly, this three-wheeled electric motorcycle from the Netherlands will be sold in a price range of around €3,218 (approx Rp. 51 million). Are you interested in having it?😎 

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

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Did you know the truly first HD electric motorcyle?

ONE-OFF The appearance of the figure of an electric motorcycle made by Harley-Davidson, an American motorcycle manufacturer named Harley-Davidson Livewire, turned out to bring up facts that may not have been widely known by the public before. The fact states that the development of electric-powered motorcycle technology has actually been carried out for a long time by those Milwaukee, Wisconsin based motorcycle maker.

The truly first electric motorcycle prototype of Harley Davidson named Transitron, built by Steve Fehr teaming up with Brooks Steven back in 1978. (Picture from: CycleWorld)

So it can be said that the development of electric motorcycles which later gave rise to the figure of Livewire is not something new for the American motorcycle maker. The fact is that the existence of electric motorcycles developed by Harley-Davidson had been known around since 1978.  At the time, the American motorcycle maker has managed to develop and build an electric motorcycle prototype called Harley-Davidson Transitron.

Steve Fehr’s original drawing about the first Harley-Davidson electric-powered motorcycle named Transitron of 1978. (Picture from: CycleWorld)

As quoted of CycleWorld, the Harley-Davidson first electric-powered motorbike is built by Steve Fehr of Transitron Electronic Corporation, a Honolulu, Hawaii based company back in 1978. In order to convince the firm of the idea, he started to build one himself. Reportedly, in the development process also involved the famous designer Brooks Steven (known also the designer of Harley-Davidson Hydra-Glide).

The instrument panel was mounted to the handlebars, featuring an electric speedometer, a tachometer, and dual ammeters for measuring amps. (Picture from: CycleWorld)

The vintage electric motorbie is built based on 1971 Harley-Davidson XLH Sportster, by replacing its original V-Twin OHV 900cc engine to 24V 95A Baldor electric motor while its power taken of 4 batteries, then linked via a primary drive belt mated with a four-speed automatic chain final drive transmission.

Variable-speed electric motor, four-speed automatic transmission, Harley-Davidson Sportster chassis with a 59-inch wheelbase, 33mm XLH fork, Sportster “boattail” seat, and Harley-Davidson drum brakes. (Picture from: CycleWorld)

This vintage electric motorbike is capable of driving up to a maximum speed of about 50 mph (80.47 kph), with an acceleration from zero to 30 mph (48.28 kph) in 6 seconds, and (in theory) could be riden about six hours on a single charged of its four deep-cycle lead-acid batteries. For its own weight carrying about 285 kg or more weight about 75 kg compared to today's Harley-Davidson Livewire.

A series of four deep-cycle lead-acid batteries were said to provide this Harley-Davidson Transitron capable ridden up to six hours. (Picture from: CycleWorld)

As quoted of CycleWorld, that the process of developing this vintage electric motorcycle at the time cost around $70,000, (appox Rp. 989 million). After completion, the antique electric motorbike found in Brooks Steven’s transportation museum in Mequon, Wisconsin, where it stayed until his death in 1995. And in 2014 at the RM Sotheby’s auction at Amelia Island, along with the introduction of the Harley-Davidson LiveWire prototype, the Fehr's electric MK2 Sportster was sold at the price of $ 11,000 or around Rp.155 million.💢

As reminder, the Transitron might not be the electric motorcycle for everyone, at least the LiveWire is fulfilling the legacy of Steve Fehr and Brooks Steven’s work so many years ago. (Picture from: Electrec)

As reminder, the Transitron might not be the electric motorcycle for everyone, at least the LiveWire is fulfilling the legacy of Steve Fehr and Brooks Steven’s work so many years ago. 🤔

Kept spur your adrenaline on the power of two-wheeled monster and stay alive with the true safety riding. God will forgive Your sins and so does the cops...... *** [EKA [04082016] | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | CYCLE WORLD | ELECTREC ]

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