Photo ou archives :
2509
SAROLÉA
600 GT - 1954
The last big single
Starting in 1930, the Saroléa company had identified its models by two numbers followed by a letter – and ultimately with three numbers. The first numbers defined the year of production, the letter gave the type and the final number differentiated the 600 from the 500. And then, in the 1950s, Saroléa unexpectedly changed the system and the 50A became the "Continental" and the 50B the "Vedette."
The last big single
The overhead valve 600 took the name "Grand Tourisme," but there were few corresponding changes in the specifications – a dual seat and full-hub brakes acting in steel drums were the most of it. Why change the design when the 600 single was performing so well?
End of the Line
In any case, Saroléa – Belgium's oldest marque – had another overhead valve 600 in its catalogue in the shape of the Atlantic twin. It represented a substantial investment in production facilities, which was not matched by the sales. SaroléaÂ’s management gave the big single a mild facelift and finally took it out of production at the end of 1954. After that, Saroléa concentrated on small- and medium-capacity motorcycles, and even turned part of its facilities over to bicycle production. Eventually, it even stopped designing its own machines and assembled Saroléa badged machines from proprietary components, including Ilo, Mi-Valva and Sachs two-stroke engines before ceasing production in 1960.
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine: 600cc (80.5x90mm) air-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke; dry-sump lubrication
Power Rating: 13 hp @ 4800 rpm
Valves: overhead-camshafts
Fuel System: carburetor
Transmission: Sarolea 4-speed gearbox, chain final drive
Suspension: telescopic forks (front); plunger (rear)
Brakes: 7 inch drum (front & rear)
Wheels: 3.50x19 inch (front & rear)
Weight: 375 lb
Maximum Speed: 81 mph
The Saroléa 600GT was an attractive touring bike that had plenty of torque for sidecar use.