Photo ou archives : F-M. Dumas
909
SAROLÉA
500 Atlantic - 1954
The last of Belgium bikes
In the immediate postwar period, the English, followed by the Germans, were kings of the European market. Belgium's leading marque, Saroléa, tried to attack the British on their home ground with its first all-new postwar models, launched in 1950: the Oiseau Bleu ("Bluebird") 125cc two-stroke and the Atlantic, a 500 twin (which would not start to reach the customers until the following year).
Outdated Layout
Like Triumph, Norton and other British twins, the Atlantic was a parallel twin with a separate gearbox. Saroléa made a big mistake by following this already outdated layout, whose secrets were already known to the English. Certainly the Atlantic never enjoyed the success of its British rivals, despite its lavish level of equipment. Though it was relatively heavy and overpriced when it was launched, the Atlantic quickly came into line with the competition. The 1954 version was priced between the Triumph T100 and the BMW R51/3.
The End of the Line
The Atlantic, which was built in 500cc and (as the Atlantic Major) 600cc forms, remained in production until 1960. Meantime Saroléa tried to break into the scooter market by building the Italian Rumi twin under the conjunction with Gillet, went exclusively over to cyclemotors before ceasing production altogether in 1967.
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine: Air-cooled 498cc (63x80mm) 360-degree vertical twin four-stroke
Power Rating: 26 hp @ 5800 rpm
Valves: overhead
Fuel System: Single carburetor
Transmission: 4 speeds
Suspension: hydraulic telescopic fork (front); swinging fork (rear)
Brakes: drum (front & rear)
Wheels: 19in wire
Weight: 397 lb
Maximum Speed: 84 mph
This Saroléa dates from 1954, when the Belgian firm replaced plunger rear forks with a swinging fork.