Rumi S.p.A., based in Bergamo, Italy, began in the early 1900s, as a foundry manufacturer of cast components and knitting machinery for the textile industry.
During WWII, Rumi was enlisted in the Italian war effort, producing submarine propellers, periscopes and torpedoes. In 1950, during the post-war reconstruction period, Rumi began manufacturing cameras and knitting machines.
By this point Rumi S.p.A. was run by Donnino Rumi (1906 to 1980), son of the company's founder. Donnino's first love was art and sculpting, but he would spend the next decade running the family's manufacturing business.
1950 Rumi Turismo Velocita
Rumi, as well as many other post-war military manufacturers like Ducati and MV Agusta, elected to build scooters and small-displacement motorcycles.
The Rumi 'Gobbetto' Competizione
Rumi produced their first production motor-scooter in 1952, calling it the Rumi 'Scoiottolo' - Italian for "Squirrel." The Scoiottolo used a 125cc horizontal-twin 2-stroke engine, producing around 8 hp at 6,500 rpm. Rumi built a 'Turismo' touring version called the 'Velocita,' a single-carburetor 'Sport' verision, and 'Super Sport' model with twin 18mm Dell'orto carburetors.
1952 Rumi Gobbetto Competizione
Rumi also built a factory racer called the "Gobbetto Competizione," which won the 'Italian National Championship' Grand Prix in 1954, at the Autodromo Nazionale di Monza.
1960 Rumi 125 Junior
While the Rumi Turismo and Rumi Sport had very rounded lines, the Gobbetto had a distinctive angular body style, and large, boxy gas tank. Other Rumi versions were the 'Junior Gentleman,' Bicarburatore SS and Esportazione, a 160cc 2-stroke single, and a 4-stroke OHV V-twin.
In 1954, Rumi produced a scooter called the 'Formichino,' or "Little Ant," which had a cast aluminium and stamped steel monocoque chassis.
The 'Tipo Sport' produced in 1958 was one of Rumi's last models. By the early 1960s, Rumi ceased operations, ending its short career in the motorcycle business. Founder Donnino Rumi went back to his true passion of painting and sculpting.
Rumi Motorcycle Links
The Rumi scooter
Rumi 125 Sport - Article
Donnino Rumi - Biografia
Rumi S.p.A.
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