Description
Sarolea 1925 500 cc S.V. “23 H Touriste” frame & engine # 12009
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 early years of the new century the company started to develop motorized bicycles and soon Saroléa was a force to reckon with: around 1907 the firm employed some 200 labourers and had 4000 m2 of production facilities.
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 hubs, countershaft gearboxes and AMAC carburettors.
In the 20s the firm got successfully involved with long distance runs, reliability trials and hill climbs. The 1925 range consisted of the 350 cc sv Model 25E, the 500 cc sv Model 23G, the 350 ohv Model 25F Supersport and the top of the range 500 cc ohv Model 23K Supersport.
This unrestored vintage touring machine is in fabulous authentic and unspoilt condition.
Bore and stroke dimensions are 80,5 x 97 mm and this impressive piece of history comes complete with Lucas acetylene lighting system and passenger seat.
The brass dealer plate on the front mudguard reads:
“ Francois Kumps, 13 Rue de Namur, Wavre“.