Sarolea Classic
Motorcycles
The firm was established
in 1850 at Herstal( Liege) as an arms factory
by Joseph Saroléa. In 1892 the production
of bicycles was started.
Joseph died in 1894 and
under the management of his sons the company
grew bigger and bigger. In the 20s the firm
got successfully involved with long distance
runs, reliability trials and hill climbs.
From 1927 on the company made its own gearboxes
and early in 1929 the factory was extended
to some 6000 m2. Nearly all components of
the bikes were made in-house now and the
production capacity grew to 50 machines
per day. Later in 1929 a brand new state-of
the-art production facility was commissioned
which brought the production capacity to
75 machines per day.
In the early years of the
century Saroléas were sold in Britain
under the Kerry brand. Both singles and
V twins were made and the firm supplied
engines to a number of firms in several
countries. In turn, Saroléa used
a number of British components such as Sturmey
Archer gearboxes and AMAC carburettors.
In the 20s the firm got successfully involved
with long distance runs, reliability trials
and hill climbs. From 1927 on the company
made its own gearboxes and early in 1929
the factory was extended to some 6000 m2.
Saroléa was ready
for the new decade… but the new decade
also brought an economic crisis. This forced
the company to expand the range of machines
with cheaper models. The first of the light
two strokes was brought out in 1932.
It had a 147 cc unit construction
engine of Sarolea's own design. The front
forks are of pressed steel construction
and the ignition is taken care of by battery
and coil. Bosch electrics are employed.
| Bike |
Image |
Description |
1925 Sarolea OHV Supersport, 500cc |
 |
This type 23 is equipped with the single
port 500cc OHV engine, known for its high
power and rehability. |
1932 Sarolea U, 147cc |
 |
|
1935 Sarolea UD, 147cc |
 |
|
1949 Sarolea BL |
 |
|
1950 Sarolea 50 TL6 |
 |
|
| 1950 Sarolea SV |
 |
400cc. A rare Belgium Army sloper |
1951 Sarolea 51 A4 |
 |
|
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