The prototype Turismo was built in 1949 and was the first design to leave the factory's assembly line. It was presented at the trade fair in Milan in April 1950, and then at the Bergamo moto and bicycle exhibition.
Specifications
The Sport was without a doubt the most representative model and the most successful production Rumi, surpassed only by the prestigious Junior. Production began at the end of 1950 and the machine was presented to the public at the 1951 trade fair in Milan. The unusual lines, elegant livery and delicious sound charmed a whole generation.
Bruno Guidorossi, the engineer who in 1953 replaced Luigi Salmaggi overseeing the technical management of Rumi, designed the Junior.
"Moto Rumi's Formichino scooter is perhaps the one motorscooter respected by motorcyclists - probably because it can melt the paint off many 250cc motorcycles of the era with its amazing horizontal two-cylinder two-stroke 125cc engine."
The concept was a utilitarian machine, a cross between the motorcycle and scooter, offering excellent weather protection and comfort for rider and passenger. The beautifully crafted bodywork covered all mechanical parts and protected the rider from the elements while the 14" wheels contributed to the fine handling.
In 1952 Rumi built machines specifically designed for time trials - the ISDT and other - and based the enduro-style machines on the Sport. Using the Gobbetto frame, which was considered stronger than the standard production models, the bikes had features required of long-distance off-road competition - QD wheels, telescopic forks, good low-speed engine performance and many more details. These machines were purpose built in very limited quantities, available only to factory riders. The 1953 model had a new engine, and of course many changes were made as suggested by both riders and engineers.
The Regolarita achieved both national and international success.
This model achieved quite a reputation in racing circles, and was campaigned by factory riders and privateers in the grueling Milano-Taranto and the Motogiri.
There were a number of specials and prototypes including a V4, and very late in the piece the factory revealed a series of V-twin four-stroke models which, sadly, did not enter production.
Rumi also built a motocarro from 1950 to 1956.
The Diana was also briefly listed as the Puma in 1958, with 125 and 175cc engines and Turismo and Sport versions. Ricardo Crippa in his book on the Rumi writes that it is doubtful that the Puma saw production. However, a forum post at formachino.com says that the Rumi Puma appeared in Argentina, possibly named there the Argentine Rumi 200 to avoid conflict with the well-established Puma marque in that country.
Go-kart engines were built by Stefano Rumi and supplied to Ital-Kart of Brescia from 1960 to 1966.
Rumi purchased some 2000 OCMA-Devil machines after that company's liquidation sale and sold them in Argentina rebadged as Rumi.
