The Rumi organisation was formed at the beginning of the century and originally supplied cast components to the textile

machinery industry.  At the outbreak of the second world war Rumi became involved in the manufacture of armaments,

miniture submarines and torpedoes.  After the end of the war in 1950 Rumi decided to get involved in the

manufacture of lightweight motorcycles. It was also decided to base the powerplant on the horizontal twin two stroke unit of 125cc capacity.  In 1952 with the popularity of scooters Rumi started manufacturing the Squirrel or Scoiottolo a pressed

steel monocoque body with tubular swinging arm rear suspension and teleforks with 14 inch wheels and three gears,

subsequent models had a four speed gearbox and electric starter and was reputed to be the fastest scooter then in production.

In 1952 Rumi was producing the "sports" and "super  sport" motorcycle models, (single and twin carburettor versions

respectively).  The "super sport" was superceded by the "Competitzoine" or "Gobbetto" a pure factory racer, a 

"Competitzoine" won the Italian National Championship in 1954.

During 1955 the "Competitzione" was superceded by the "Junior Corsa" and "Junior Gentleman" .

1954 brought the production of the Formichino or Little ant scooter which was reputedly designed by Ing Salvatti 

The entire body (with exception of the front forks , crash rails and legshields) were produced in cast aluminium with the front and rear castings bolted to the engine to form a monocoque which resulted in a light and rigid construction,  the rear swinging arm, chaincase and silencer box were also constructed in cast aluminium. These models had originally 8 inch wheels but by 1958 they reverted to 10 inch which gave a better stability and ground clearance.

In 1958 Rumi also produced a sports version called the "Tipo Sport" which had a 22mm carburettor, larger exhaust pipes and   a higher compression ratio.

In 1957/58 and 1960 Rumi won the famous Bol d'or 24 hour races at Montlhery in France and subsequently Rumi produced the Bol d'or scooter named after the race.

In the UK it sported dropped handlebars, chrome plated aluminium cylinders and twin carburettors  but the French version favoured the Bol d'or with a single 22mm carburettor.

Unfortunately during the 1960s Rumi went into liquidation and Donnino Rumi the archangel of the Rumi motorcycles and

scooters went back to his prime love of being a sculptor and artist.   

This picture was sent in by Reinhardt Baldassari from Vienna. It shows a Rumi stand at the Oldtimers-messe  Tuln Austria.

Baldassarri is on the left , close to his 

Rumi scooters. In the background is a Rumi 200 owned by Mr Werner Zlamalik

This picture was taken during the Rumi Club France three day run through the Ardeche in France. All the Rumis lined up on the bridge over the River Labeaume at Labeaume.  The three days were very hot so a dip in the river during the day came as a relief for those brave enough to take the plunge. The event was attended by UK club members who had a memorable time.

A DVD of the event has been produced which will be available soon.

CLUB PRESIDENT.                            Tony Mooring.     E-Mail.      tony@tonymooring.co.uk

Club Chairman/Secretary.                     Paul Stokes.         E-Mail.      paul.stokes2@tesco.net

                                                                Contact Paul for further information about the club and how to

                                                                join. New members always wanted.

Rumi Club France Liaison officer.        Peter Caisley     Via  E-mail:   paul.stokes2@tesco.net  

DVLA marque specialist                       Roger Gedge         01473 780614

WEB MASTER.                                   Paul Stokes for any website questions or updates, For Sale items/Info etc.

                                                               E-Mail:       paul.stokes2@tesco.net                                        

Alain Sueur

(secretary)

RUMI CLUB FRANCE -SORTIES 2007

30th Anniversary of the RUMI CLUB FRANCE.

To Take place on the 17th to the 20th May 2007 in central France.

If you are interested in attending this great event please contact Peter Caisley for more information.

 Tel:  01753 652811