1956 Moto Rumi 125cc Junior

Flamboyant sculptor, Donnino Rumi originally supplied cast components to the textile machinery industry from the start of the 20th Century, moving in to armaments, miniature submarines and torpedoe during the Second World War. As with many post-war manufacturers, Rumi turned to getting Italy moving again with a series of lightweight motorcycles. It was also decided to base the power plant on the highly unusual architecture of a horizontal twin two-stroke unit of 125cc capacity. The racing debut was in the 1951 on the ISDT (International Six Days Trials). In 1952 with the popularity of scooters increasing Rumi started manufacturing the Squirrel or Scoiattolo a pressed steel monocoque body with tubular swinging arm rear suspension, electric starter and were reputed to be the fastest scooter then in production. Motorcycles were Sports and Super Sport models with single and twin carburetor, respectively designed Pietro Vassena, and then revised in 1951 by Giuseppe Salmaggi, who designed the iconic Gilera Saturno. These were succeeded by the Competitzoine or Gobbetto, a pure factory racer, winning the Italian National Championship in 1954.

In 1955 the “Junior Corsa” and “Junior Gentleman” succeeded the “Competitzione”, which in 1957, ’58 and ’60 won the famous Bol d’Or 24-hour races at Montlhery, France.

Production ceased in the 1960s and Donnino Rumi went back to being a sculptor and artist.

The motorbike offered

This beautifully presented 1956 Moto Rumi 125cc Junior with its Earles front suspension and “trombone” exhaust system, was restored by former Rumi racer, Pascuale Guaginti for the head of the US Rumi Owners Club. In 2014, the bike passed to Robb Talbott for pride of place in the MotoTalbott Museum in Camel, California. Under Robb’s custodianship, the bike was invited to Florida’s Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance.

This rare and supremely collectible machine has been re-commissioned to ready it for sale, but further fettling may be necessary before returning it to Giro d’Italia weapon status.