Rokon Classic
Bikes
Rokon was founded in Vermont by
Orla Larsen in 1963 to sell the Nethercutt Trail-Breaker,
a 2-wheel-drive motorcycle invented c.1958 by
Charlie Fehn and built in Sylmar, California.
In 1964 Rokon Inc. bought the manufacturing
rights to the Trail-Breaker and marketed the
bikes from their Vermont office before moving
the business to New Hampshire where they continue
in business today.
These motorcycles use a combination
of belt, chain, and shaft drives coupled to
gear boxes to drive both the front and rear
wheel. Older machines were powered by a West
Bend (US Motor/Chrysler Marine) 820 2-stroke
engine (134cc), while newer machines have either
a Honda or Kohler engine of about 6hp. Collector
interest in these very unusual motorcycles has
risen considerably following the 1998 creation
of the web site Rokon World by Bob Gallagher.
These are a slow-speed off-road
motorcycle designed for use in the most rugged
terrain. Some are capable of 35mph or more,
but typical top speed is about 20 mph. Current
models are the Trail-Breaker, Ranger and Scout.
Bike |
Image |
Description |
1963 Rokon Trail-Breaker |
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1969 Rokon Trail Breaker Motorcycle
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1973 Rokon Trailbreaker |
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1973 Rokon |
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1976 Rokon 340 RTII |
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