1961 B.M. BONVICINI BOLONGA 83 SORANO

1961 B.M. BONVICINI BOLONGA 83 SORANO

Frame no.: *6262*
Engine no.: -/-
(With Italian Documents)

Engine: Single cylinder 4-stroke OHV
Starter: Kick-starter
Bore & stroke: 49 x 52 mm
Compression ratio: 9.0:1
Engine Capacity: 83cc
Maximum power: 6.6 bhp [HP] @ 7,000 rpm
Carburettor: Dell O’rto
Cooling system: Air cooled
Valve: OHV (Overhead Valves)
Valves per cylinder: 2
Lubrication: Wet sump forced circulation with mechanical gear pump
Transmission: Gear primary, chain final
Clutch: Cable operated with multiple wet disc in oil bath
Gearbox: 4-Speed foot-change
Throttle: Cable operated
Frame type: Tubular and pressed steel
Front Suspension: Telescopic
Rear Suspension: Mono shock
Front Brake: Drum
Rear Brake: Drum
Front Tyre: 2.75 x 19 Inches
Rear Tyre: 2.75 x 19 Inches
Seat: Dual seat
Fuel tank capacity: 13 liter (3.7 gal)
Top speed: 90 km/h (56 mph)
Weight: 75 kg (165 lbs)

BM Bonvicini & Moto BM appear to be the same Italian marque. There were two other brands with the name BM, see BM (France) and BM (Turin). The founder of BM Bonvicini was Mario Bonvicini (born Granarolo dell'Emilia 1903 - died Bologna 1986), who was a professional and successful motorcycle racer between 1926 and 1930. In 1926, Bonvicini won the Astico-Brenta and the Tre Valli Varesine. In the following season he participated in the Giro d'Italia, finishing second in the first stage, and was tenth in the Giro del Veneto.

After WO-II, in 1950, he started with the production of light motorcycles with German JLO two-stroke built-in engines, as well as some of his own design. 4-stroke models were also introduced in the years 1952/1953. The BM Bonvicini Lusso had a 100cc NSU Fox engine and there were also 125 and 250cc models, the last of which even had an overhead camshaft. Some of the factory output was marketed in Germany under the Tornax banner.

In 1956, the range was considerably expanded with a 50cc model, a 75cc scooter, a 150cc 4-stroke with four gears and a 75cc triporteur. In the following years, 50cc, 75cc, 83cc and 125cc models were sold, included 50cc and 175cc racing machines with frames by Verlicchi. Also a moped. The ‘Jaguarino Turismo’ and the ‘Jaguarino Cross’, both produced by BM Bonvicini, with two stroke engines of 48cc. Minarelli engines were fitted to the Pokerino scooter of 1963.

In the 1970’s BM Bonvicini built various sports mopeds, scooters and minibikes, this time using Morini Franco or Minarelli 2-stroke motors, some with 6-speeds! Moto BM was a past master at choosing fantasy model names like Pokerino, Minotauro and Jaguarino! One of the firm's promotions offered just the two words, 'Ultra Bologna.' The range of models quickly declined in the 1980s. In 1988, the Company closed their doors.