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 Universal - 250 Junior
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Universal Junior motocyclette motorrad motorcycle vintage classic classique scooter roller moto scooter
Photo ou archives : F-M. Dumas
1109

Capacity : 250
Model : Junior
Production : 1953 - 1961
Category : (R) Street Bike

UNIVERSAL

250 Junior· 1959

A reputation for reliability

Founded in 1929, the Universal firm never harbored delusions of grandeur or participated in costly race programs. On the other hand, the products of this little Swiss marque enjoyed a solid reputation for reliability and excellent finish, and were widely used by the police of the various Swiss cantons.

A New Single

After the Second World War, Universal enjoyed great success with its new 580cc twin-cylinder four-stroke, marketed in sports and touring versions. That inspired the marque to extend its range downwards; consequently, in 1956 Universal launched this 250 single, which was available until 1960. It was the last new model from Universal, which, affected like so many others by the downturn in the market at the beginning of the Sixties, closed its doors in 1964.

100 Percent Swiss

The little Universal Junior could claim to be 100 percent Swiss, from its novel Oba butterfly-throttle carburetor to its locally made Firestone tires. The company's advertisements claimed: "When you buy a Universal, you are giving employment to Swiss workers!" The engine unit was huge for its displacement, but was equal to any challenge, as was the shaft drive. If its style looked somewhat Germanic, the Universal stood out by virtue of its right-hand gear selector, which followed the lead of Great Britain and France.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: 247cc (67x70mm) air-cooled singlecylinder four-stroke

Power Rating: 14 hp@ 5500 rpm

Valves: overhead

Fuel System: Oba carburetor

Transmission: 4-speed; single-plate clutch; shaft finaI drive

Suspension: telescopic forks (front); swinging forks with twin spring/dampers (rear)

Brakes: 7.9-inch drum (front & rear)

Wheels: interchangeable, 3.25x18 inch

Weight: 331 lb

Maximum Speed! 71 mph

 

The appearance of the Universal junior, with its imposing engine unit, belied its modest

displacement. Moreover, it was not excessively heavy.




Le fichier Moto Passion réalisé par François-Marie Dumas réunit près de deux mille photos accompagnées d'un historique très complet des machines présentées.
Il sera progressivement mis à jour ici et toute information complémentaire est la bienvenue sur info@moto-collection.org.

Cette documentation unique, qui constitue sans doute l'encyclopédie la plus exhaustive jamais écrite sur l'histoire de la moto, a été réalisée avec l'assistance de nombreux spécialistes dont principalement Didier Ganneau, Christophe Gaime, Mick Woollett, Jean Goyard, Bernard Salvat, Christian Rey, Yves Campion, Helmut Krackowizer, Michael Dregni, Michel Montange, etc. que je remercie ici.

Disponible sur demande :
- Les fiches originales sur papier
- Les photos et archives signées de mon nom en haute définition ou les documents originaux.
Me contacter sur info@moto-collection.org pour les conditions et droits d'utilisation.