This page lists brands for which we currently have limited information.
For a more complete listing visit the Belgian Index.
There is also a page for Obscure Belgian Marques
APGmoto
Established in 1996 in Wevelgem by the Gepts family who have some 20 years prior experience in the automotive sector. Their motorcycles and scooters are assembled using Chinese engines. In 2018 they released a 125cc cafe racer model, and a series of photos on their site boldly declares a model as the "Highslider".
Source: apgmoto.eu
Image courtesy Jean-Louis Dumont
Ajax
Manufactured in Brussels 1949-1953, the firm produced mopeds and light motorcycles using Sachs and NSU two-stroke engines.
Source: A-Z der Belgische Motoren
Alerion
Manufactured by J. Boon of Rue Ma Campagne, Etterbeek in the early post-WWI years, the firm produced large capacity singles of 522 and 539cc and v-twins for the burgeoning sidecar market.
Sources: A-Z der Belgische Motoren, nl.wisage.org
Altona
Manufactured by Altona Motors of Borgerhout, Antwerp, 1938-1946.
The company was established by De Belder, formerly of Minerva, shortly before the war. The firm built commercial delivery three-wheelers under licence from Borgward which were sold under the Goliath name, and in 1946 built a passenger model named the Condor, which did not enter production.
The name Altona is derived from the location of the Borgward plant in Germany, near Hamburg.
Sources: vvcc.be; de.wikipedia.org.
Automoteurs 1902-1906
Baindex 1952
Image courtesy Jean-Louis Dumont
Barbé
Manufactured by NV PE Barbé of Herstal, production began in 1926.
The firm built 125, 175, 250 and 350 cc models using SV and OHV JAP and Blackburne engines. In 1933 they introduced Villiers two-stroke engines in motorcycles of 100 and 150cc, and these were followed by machines powered by JAP 150 and 250cc engines. The marque had limited success in racing in the 175 and 250 classes. Production ceased in 1934.
Source: A-Z der Belgische Motoren
Bavi
Thought to have been built by Jean Louis Dumont of Vilvoorde Vlaamse-Brabant, Belgium. Powered by a small two-stroke, possibly F&S.
The image appeared on a Belgian classic motorcycle FB page, 2019.
Baudeloo
Manufactured by Ets. Leon Roels & son, Ghent, a bicycle firm which fitted VAP engines in the 1950s.
Source: A-Z der Belgische Motoren
Belgian Cushman
See Cushmann, below.
Beoziere
Built Ducati Cucciolo-powered mopeds 1952-1953.
A-Z der Belgische Motoren
Bertrand
Built by Olivier Bertrand of Herstal in 1905.
Sources: Wikipedia NL, Kelecom Paper, 1905
Bona
Manufactured by J. Bonaventure-Bouttens of Veurne, in the 1950s the company produced lightweights under the names Edith and Elgo using VAP engines.
Sources: A-Z der Belgische Motoren
Image courtesy Jean-Louis Dumont
Bovy 1914-1934
Brion
Manufactured in Antwerp in 1900, it used Zürcher & Lüthi engines built under licence and is believed to be the first motorcycle built in Belgium.
Source: Wikipedia NL
Bristol
Huysmans brothers of Markt 9, Mol, Flanders.
Gebr. Huysmans manufactured Bristol motorcycles and also built bicycles and sewing machines. These 60cc JLO-engined mopeds were produced in the 1950s. They also built the Bristolette.
Bull-Dog
I have some information concerning 'Bulldog' mopeds, also from Belgium. Available with Sachs or HMW engines.
Dirk van Haren Noman
België
According to a comment on a Belgian FB page, the Bull-Dog is related to L'Avenir
Bury
Manufactured 1932-1933 by E. Koob & A. Bury of Saint Hubert.
Their machines were powered by Sachs two-strokes and appeared very similar to the Gillet.
Source: A-Z der Belgische Motoren
Image courtesy Jean-Louis Dumont
BVM 1970s MX
Carlier (Frères Carlier)
Manufactured by the Frères Carlier of Hollain-lez-Tournai from the mid-1920s, they built 110cc four-stroke motorcycles marketed as the Motocette. There was another Belgian brand with the name Carlier, see Carlier (Kortrijk), below.
Source: A-Z der Belgische Motoren
Carlier (Kortrijk)
Manufactured by A. Carlier of Kortrijk in the 1930s and, briefly, the 1950s, the firm built mopeds, triporteurs and utility motorcycles powered by Gilett engines of 100cc to 500cc marketed as La Couronne. They had an association with Van Hauwaert who marketed models identical to the La Couronne.
There was also a Courone made in France around 1903.
Source: A-Z der Belgische Motoren
Castadot
Manufactured by J. Castadot of Liège, 1900-1901, using 1½ hp Zédèl engines. Very few were built.
Source: Tragatsch p101.
Image courtesy Jean-Louis Dumont
Choisy
Lightweights manufactured by Vve. A. André et Fils, rue ferrer 37 à Seraing (near Liege), 1952-1953 or '54. Models included an Ambassador 98cc Sachs moped, of which some 150 to 200 were constructed.
Sources: Wikipedia NL, Jean-Louis Dumont, et al.
CITA
See Gonthier
C. Devos
Established as a bicycle manufacturer in the 1920s, from 1935 to 1955 Camille Devos of 59-68 Rue des Tanneurs, Brussels, built motorcycles using 98cc Sachs two-stroke engines. His son and daughter attempted the introduction of the Marjac marque some time later, without success.
Source: A-Z der Belgische Motoren
CMB
The CMB was exhibited at the 1923 Brussels Motor Show, a conventional two-stroke with external flywheel. The display was both grand premiere and chant du cygne.
Source: A-Z der Belgische Motoren
Colibri
Manufactured by Valère Ransy of Charleroi 1951-1952, the company produced mopeds and motorized tandems, 98cc and 150cc motorcycles under the brands "La Belgique" and "Francia".
N.B. Several other firms used variations of the Colibri brand.
Collot
Manufactured in Liege in 1905, they built pacers with large V-twin engines.
Source: A-Z der Belgische Motoren
Comfort-Sachs
Manufactured by François van den Eynde in the early 1950s. Also known as Confort-Sachs, in addition to Sachs-powered mopeds they built frames for other manufacturers.
Source: A-Z der Belgische Motoren
Crahay
Manufactured in Liège, 1905, according to a paper written by Paul Kelecom.
Sources: A-Z der Belgische Motoren, Kelecom Paper, 1905
D'Ieteren
Anciens Etablissements D’Ieteren Frères was a well established coachbuilder with a history dating back to 1805. They had produced bodywork for Bugatti, Delage, Packard, Studebaker, Rolls Royce and Hispano-Suiza.
In the 1950s they took up the rights to build the Piatti, and were also associated with Aldimi scooters.
In the mid-70s Roland D'Ieteren became head of the company and it expanded dramatically as main agents for NSU/Audi, becoming the largest automotive network in Belgium.
Dasse
Manufactured by Gérard Dasse of Dison
Dasse and his two sons built their first tricar in 1894 and this
was driven from Verviers to Pepinster, some 6km each way and a notable feat in the day. Their first production machine was similar to that of Léon Bollée, and was sold in 1898. The firm went on to produce commercial vehicles and automobiles until the financial crash of the early 1930s.
Sources: A-Z der Belgische Motoren, tinkerman-blog.tumblr.com
De Cosmo 1890s
De la Hault
A petrol-driven tricycle was built by Frédéric de la Hault (1860-1903) and d'Heyne de Nydpruck in 1886.
The De la Hault is considered to be the first Belgian motor vehicle. Frédéric's father was heavily involved with the establishment of tramways in Europe and his brother Eugène was an aviation pioneer who built an ornithopter somewhat similar to that of Da Vinci.
Sources:A-Z der Belgische Motoren, Wikipedia FR.
De Voghel
De Voghel built an electric three-wheel utility vehicle with a 500 kg payload in 1946.
Source: vvcc.be
Decomotor-Foxinette
Manufactured mopeds in Brussels 1952-1953 using 40cc Fuchs engines by HMW of Austria. The fuel tank was integral with the frame.
Source: A-Z der Belgische Motoren
Decoster
Manufactured by J. and H. Decoster of Tielt, Belgium. In 1898, tricycles and quadricycles with De Dion-Bouton engines were produced. They were also wholesalers and retailers of Iris bicycles, tandems and tricycles.
Sources:Wikipedia NL, vvcc.be.
Defco 1950-1958
Derouaux Mopeds 1950s
De Waele
Possibly named for a racing cyclist who died in 1952, Maurice De Waele. Sticker on the tank of the 50s style moped reads "WAELE SACHS".
Source: Pascal - see Obscure Belgian Marques
Diamond
Manufactured by bicycle maker Th. Brasseur of Liège in 1931, these were lightweights with 98cc Sachs engines.
Source: A-Z der Belgische Motoren
Diamant
Manufactured in Bekkevoort, the small company built Sachs-powered mopeds in the 1950s.
Wikipedia NL
Dobbeleen
Manufactured in Denderwindeke, the firm built 350cc and 500cc motorcycles in 1930 powered by JAP engines with Burman gearboxes. The marque made a very brief appearance.
Sources: A-Z der Belgische Motoren, Wikipedia NL
Dusart
Manufactured motorcycles in Liege in 1905.
See Paul Kelecom Paper, 1905
Duval
Manufactured by Ets. J. Duval, Anvers (Antwerp) 1950-1955.
Duval was an importer of Motoconfort, Royal Enfield and Kaptein who built lightweights with 123cc Royal Enfield two-stroke engines which were possibly rebadged RE models. They also sold the Kaptein-Mobylette under it's own name, and rebadged as Mobylette Duval.
Source: A-Z der Belgische Motoren
Dymax
Manufactured by Anciens Ateliers Gasquy SA, Herstal, 1951-1954.
The company constructed powered bicycles and mopeds with Le Poulain and Husqvarna engines, marketing them as Gasquy, Dymax-Gasquy and Dymax. Le Poulain engines were built under licence and sold to other manufacturers under the Gasquy label, apparently, for instance Novy.
Sources: A-Z der Belgische Motoren, et al.
Eclipse
Manufactured 1901-1902 by Mercury, these had clip-on engines and belt drive.
There was a Belgian automobile named Eclipse built in Keumiee 1922-1923, unrelated.
A-Z der Belgische Motoren, Wikipedia NL, vvcc.be.
Elite
Manufactured by bicycle manufacturer P. Counotte & Co of Bruges in 1931 using 98cc Sachs 2-speed engines.
Sources: A-Z der Belgische Motoren, Wikipedia NL
N.B. There were other Elite marques made in Germany and Switzerland - see Disambiguation.
Elvé Mopeds 1958-1962
Emva 1949~1956
Erade
Manufactured in Bressoux, 1905
Sources: Wikipedia NL, Paul Kelecom Paper, 1905
Escol 1925-1939
Eulette
Manufactured by Velobel in Rue Du Noir Boeuf ca. 1950-1956.
A 1950 light motorcycle had a 98cc Sachs engine, and a 1956 moped had a 50cc sachs engine.
Sources: A-Z der Belgische Motoren, Wikipedia NL, hd-classic.be
FLD-JLO
Manufactured in Waret-l'Évêque by the brothers Lambotte, who added mopeds and lightweight motorcycles to their existing range of bicycle frames. Built in the early 1950s, these were powered by JLO engines.
Wikipedia NL, A-Z der Belgische Motoren
Forta
Manufactured 1931-1932
A. Mathieu of Rue Sandérus, 26, Anvers (Antwerp) ran a small bicycle factory which built powered bicycles advertised as "Velo-Moteur Forta". These were powered by Sachs 98cc engines.
Wikipedia NL, period advertising.
Frabel
Manufactured in Bruxelles, early 1950s
An example was sold in 2018 described as a 1952 125cc S3 JLO 2-stroke. It had plunger rear suspension and a separate pillion saddle attached to the rear rack. Engine was single port with exhaust on right side.
Gerkinet & Ledent
Based in Herstal, the firm built motorcycles using Paillot-Bologna engines in 1900. The firm marketed and engine under its own name 1902 which showed marked similartiy to the Paillot-Bologne.
A-Z der Belgische Motoren
Gila-M
Manufactured by Gila Goegebeur-Vigoni of Brussels 1973~1975.
Eric Goegebeur built a much-modified Egli with a Kawasaki H2 engine for endurance racing. It proved successful enough that orders came in for replicas, and he subsequently offered three versions - street, road-racing and endurance. His firm also explored a partnership with Flandria to build machines powered by engines from the Japanese Zenoah firm and a prototype Flandria-Gila M 125 T was created, but the venture did not come to fruition.
A-Z der Belgische Motoren
Gilba
Manufactured by F. Gantois & Fils of Beaumont.
In the early post-war years the bicycle firm began building Gilba and Renova mopeds fitted with 50cc VAP engines. These were followed by lightweight motorcycles using frames from other suppliers fitted with Sachs 100 and 125cc engines. Construction probably continued into the 1950s.
A-Z der Belgische Motoren, Wikipedia NL
Golbi
Ravensteinstraat. 46 Brussel
Manufactured by Imme, it was re-badged and presented at the 1949 Brussels Motor Show as the Golbi. It did not reappear.
A-Z der Belgische Motoren, Wikipedia NL.
The Gold Lion
Pauwels 8, Zoon Lge. Beeldehensstraat, 131
Manufactured by C. Pauwels and Son, Antwerp, the company built mopeds and lightweight motorcycles in the early 1950s, along with bicycles.
The firm was well-established in the 1920s.
Graindorge
Also referred to as Graindorge-Cornet, these were manufactured in Engis, Meuse from 1899 to about 1910. The 1899 machine used a ¾hp Centaure engine fitted to a modified bicycle frame. Later models were fitted with engines from Antoine, Aster and Kelecom.
Sources: Wikipedia NL, mfnl.nl.
Hirondelle
Mopeds and a 125cc scooter built in the early 1950s using Sachs engines, these were probably also sold under the name Main d'Or. It is unclear whether there was a relationship with the Hirondelle company of France.
Wikipedia NL
Hoflack
An automobile manufacturer, Hoflack was the Belgian importer of Lamaudière & Labre motorcycles.
Source: vvcc.be
Houard
Joseph Houard had been building bicycles since 1888 and created his first motorcycle in 1900 by adding a French engine to one of his frames. He is credited with producing one of the first motorcycles in Belgium. He formed an association with FN who built his motorcycles in small quantities before building their own, based on Houard's design.
A-Z der Belgische Motoren, Wikipedia NL.
Hovy
Manufactured in 1954 using Villiers engines of 125cc, 150cc and 200cc.
Source: Wikipedia NL
Imperia 1903-1968
Ipswich
Manufactured c.1904 by E. Béranger at Rue Botanique 73, Brussels.
Previously recorded as Spwich, Howard Burrows corrected the error, having found an advertisement from a British magazine offering motorcycles with 2½ and 3½ hp single-cylinder engines.
Wikipedia NL
Jewel
Manufactured at Chaussée de Tilff, Angleur, Leige 1925.
A small firm which built motorcycles using JAP engines.
A Belgian firm named Juwel which produced automobiles in the 1920s is unrelated.
A-Z der Belgische Motoren, Wikipedia NL
JRD
The Joël Robert Dalesman was built to order for the world champion motorcross racer by the Dalesman firm, beginning in 1969, or possibly late 1968. These 125cc machines had Puch engines and initially did well in competition, but were unable to keep pace with the technological advancements made by the larger companies.
A-Z der Belgische Motoren, Wikipedia NL
Julin
Manufactured by Ateliers Karl Julin, Rue du Ruisseau, Liège in 1923.
A-Z der Belgische Motoren, Wikipedia NL
JWK
Manufactured Sachs-powered mopeds in Anderlecht during the 1950s.
A-Z der Belgische Motoren, Wikipedia NL
Kerry
Kerry was a rebadged Sarolea sold in Great Britain in the early years of the 20th century. See Kerry (UK)
A-Z der Belgische Motoren
L'Ardente
Manufactured by Ateliers H. Vassen, Liege, in 1953 using a 98cc Sachs engine. It did not last long.
A-Z der Belgische Motoren
L'Eclair
Manufactured by Ateliers L. Lecloux of Lier in 1903, the motorcycle required pedal start and was belt driven.
A-Z der Belgische Motoren
La Dyle
Built 1950-1952 using Sachs 98cc and 150cc engines.
La Perle
Manufactured by Van Haver Freres in Sint-Niklaas 1949-1956, they built Sachs-powered motorised bicycles and motorcycles, the former sold under the brand name Victoria. 1956, their final year, saw the introduction of 150 and 175cc models. The company was probably absorbed by Terrot.
A-Z der Belgische Motoren, Wikipedia NL.
La Mosane
Founded by Arthur Ansay, Ateliers La Mosane of Chênée, Liège manufactured motorcycles from 1920 to 1930, some of which were four-cylinder models.
A-Z der Belgische Motoren, Wikipedia NL.
La Moto Livreuse
Manufactured triporteurs in 1929 and 1930. They were introduced at Brussels Salon in December 1929, two months after the stock market crashed.
A-Z der Belgische Motoren, Wikipedia NL
Lansman
Manufactured by Pierre Lansman in Gentbrugge, 1901-1902. The machine has pedal start and was powered by an AEI engine.
A-Z der Belgische Motoren, Wikipedia NL.
Lefebvre
Manufactured by C. Lefebvre & Co. of Ciney
The machine appeared in a 1904 issue of "l'Automobile Illustré" with four-stroke engine, pedals, and single-speed belt drive.
Wikipedia NL
Legia 1901-1902
Lenda
Mopeds manufactured by Marcel Beeuwsaert of Lendelede in the 1950s.
A-Z der Belgische Motoren, Wikipedia NL.
Lenoir
Etienne Lenoir of Belgium built a two-stroke internal combustion engine in Paris in 1860. The vehicle ran, but was terribly underpowered. The venture did not progress.
Leon Soleil
Built tricycles in Liège in 1898 similar to those of De Dion-Bouton
A-Z der Belgische Motoren, Wikipedia NL.
Lévrier
Manufactured by Maison Gobbe Frères SPRL of Brussels, 1951-1952
The company produced lightweight motorcycles powered by 98cc Sachs engines and 50cc Victoria-powered mopeds.
A-Z der Belgische Motoren, Wikipedia NL.
Lion Rouge
Autocycles manufactured in Kortrijk circa 1953 using Ducati Cucciolo engines.
Sources: A-Z der Belgische Motoren, Wikipedia NL
Loviana
Lightweight motorcycles fitted with Sachs 98cc engines built by A. Duchesne & Fils of Leuven.
Sources: A-Z der Belgische Motoren, Wikipedia NL
Loyaerts
A former Belgian cycling champion named Frans Loyaerts, born 1922, may have been associated with this marque. Most, possibly all, had 47cc Sachs A.B. 1092 engines from 1955/56, though there is talk of a 150cc model.
Production is thought to have ended in the early 1960's
Source: Pascal - see Obscure Belgian Marques
Lutz
Although listed as a Belgian-made moped of 1952, it is very possible that they were German. See Lutz, Germany
Sources: A-Z der Belgische Motoren, Wikipedia NL
Majestic
Manufactured by Ets. Moto-Majestic, Bruxelles, 1928-1931.
Built motorcycles powered by JAP 350cc and 500cc SV and OHV engines, fitted with Burman gearboxes. Unrelated to George Roy's machines.
Source: Tragatsch p199.
Major
Manufactured in the 1950s using Mistral engines from France.
Source:A-Z der Belgische Motoren
Mans
Manufactured by Léon Mans et Cie of Brussels, 1899-1901
Built tricycles similar to those of Léon Bollée, but with gear transmission rather than belt drive. Tricycles with both De Dion and Bollee engines were constructed, and several were presented at the Brussels Salon of March 1899.
Sources: A-Z der Belgische Motoren, vvcc.be.
Marck
Manufactured by Ets. Jean Marck, Petite Voie, Herstal, 1904-1908. The company built 500cc motorcycles which did well in competition, winning a major race in the Netherlands in 1905.
The factory was built by Grégoire Herman-Courard in 1889 between rue Hoyoux and rue Petite Voie. It covered an area of 9.7 ares and was purchased in 1900 by Emile and Jean Marck, who specialised in the production of sporting firearms, and steam and gas pipe fittings.
Sources: Wikipedia NL, A-Z der Belgische Motoren, forum-auto.caradisiac.com.
Mécanique et Moteurs
Société Mécaniques et Moteurs SA of Liège was previously CLA, founded by Georgia Knap and renamed after he left for France in 1902. Martini, formerly of both Cudell and Pieper, headed the company with Jules Reuleaux. From 1902 to 1905 they produced motorcycles of 2, 2½ and 3½ hp, both air and water cooled.
They also built cars. Their first, in 1903, was powered by a 16 hp overhead camshaft four-cylinder engine. The company was taken over by Hisa/Hermes in July 1906.
Sources: Wikipedia NL, A-Z der Belgische Motoren, vvcc.be.
Image courtesy Jean-Louis Dumont
Mexico
Established by J. Verhoeven and J. Van der, Ets. Mexico of Tweemontstraat 109 Deurne, Antwerp produced motorcycles in the years 1932 to 1935 using Villiers two-strokes, JAP 350 and 500cc OHV and SV units, and also Standard engines.
Sources: A-Z der Belgische Motoren
Minerve
An advertisement published in 1950 in the Journal de Charleroi shows the bicycle manufacturer Lebrun in Marchienne having launched a motorcycle with a 98cc Sachs engine under the Minerve brand.
Source: Jean Louis Dumont
Miesse
Jules Miesse began building steam-powered vehicles in Anderlecht in 1894. His petrol engines appeared around the turn of the century and the first Miesse petrol-powered vehicles were built, one of which took the record for the flying kilometre at Diegem in 1900. The machine may have been a tricycle, but evidence of Miesse motorcycles or tricycles is scant. The firm continued producing taxis, buses and trucks for 70 years, until 1972.
Source: A-Z der Belgische Motoren
MLP
Manufactured by Machines La Précision SA, 24-26. rue Léopold Courouble, Brussels, 1951-1952. They built their own 118cc two-stroke engines.
Sources: A-Z der Belgische Motoren, Wikipedia NL
Mignon
Manufactured in 1921 by L. Gierts of Brussels who built a 137cc motorcycle, powered bicycles and disabled vehicles.
There was also a machine of the same name built in Modena 1922-1932. Mignon, Italy
Sources: A-Z der Belgische Motoren, Wikipedia NL.
Mignot
Mignot of Brussels with the aid of Pesser from Kuregem built a steam-powered tricycle with a Serpolet boiler in 1890. Mignot also co-operated with Palmers-de Groot.
Sources: hasel.be, vvcc.be.
Miranda
Based in Ghent, the firm sold Rixe Senator motorcycles under their own brand from 1958 to 1960
Morisons
Built by Etn. Morisons of Antwerp, who displayed their first model, the Raff, at the 1921 Brusells Salon. The motorcycle had a 1½hp 218cc side-valve engine mounted high in a bicycle-style frame with belt drive to the rear wheel.
Sources: A-Z der Belgische Motoren, Wikipedia NL
Mototraction
Manufactured by Sarolea in the early 1930s, these were triporteurs with side-valve 350cc and 500cc engines. They were widely exported and sold well in Japan.
Sources: A-Z der Belgische Motoren, Wikipedia NL
Omega-ILO 1950-1954
PA by Praillet & Antoine
Palmers de Groote
Manufactured a steam tricycle in 1876, and a second in 1880 with a two-cylinder engine from Digeon Paris. He went on to produce a number of very light four-wheeled petrol-engined vehicles until 1908, and co-operated in the construction of the Mignon car. Mignon also built steam-powered tricycles.
Sources: Sources: rvccb.be, hasel.be
Paris Sport
Manufactured by Moers of Sint-Truiden.
In post-war Europe the demand for inexpensive transport was high. Moers introduced a Sachs-engined motorised bicycle in the late 1940s, followed, in 1953, by a range of 50cc mopeds powered by Sachs and JLO engines which were produced until 1960.
Source: A-Z der Belgische Motoren
Philtiens
Built by the rider of the same name, the motorcycle appeared in a number of races in 1902.
Source: A-Z der Belgische Motoren
Piedboeuf 1903-1907
Pirson
Paul Kelecom mentions this in his work on Leige as existing prior to 1905. See Kelecom Paper, 1905
Source: Wikipedia NL
Pomona
Manufactured in Ghent 1950-1954, the company built powered bicycles with Victora 38cc engines, and later models with Zundapp 48cc motors marketed as Pomona-Zündapp.
Sources: A-Z der Belgische Motoren, Wikipedia NL
Praso
Manufactured by Luyckx of Mechelen in 1953, these were typical rigid lightweights powered by 98cc and 150cc Sachs engines.
Source: A-Z der Belgische Motoren
Radar
Mopeds manufactured by Belgo Cycle SA in Bergen during the 1950s using JLO two-stroke engines.
Sources: A-Z der Belgische Motoren
Raskin
Hubert Raskin of Liège built motorcycles in 1901 and complete engines in 1905, according to Paul Kelecom. Later the firm built automobiles under the RAL brand until the First World War.
Sources: Wikipedia NL, Kelecom Paper, 1905, vvcc.be.
Ratly
Manufactured mopeds and lightweights in Brussels 1951-1953 using Sachs 98 and 150cc engines.
Sources: A-Z der Belgische Motoren, Wikipedia NL
R&D Cyclecars
Manufactured by Richard and D'Haegelaer of Rue de Fétinne 60, Liège.
Several of these were presented at the Brussels Salon of 1921.
Source: vvcc.be
Red Star 1900s
Robot
Manufactured by Robot BVBA of Mechelen, owned by Mr Luyckx whose nephew owned Praso.
A retailer of Flandria, NSU, Jawa and CZ, the firm built Robot motorcycles based on the Flandria powered by JLO 175cc two-strokes, and much modified CZ scramblers also branded Robot.
Source: Wikipedia NL
Rosseneu & Lefebvre
Auxilliary bicycle engines and lightweight motorcycles manufactured in Kortrijk during the 1950s.
Source: A-Z der Belgische Motoren
Royal Nelly
Manufactured by Foucart of Brussels who also built La Victoire and Le Coq using their own frames, and engines from Sachs. Some sources also report that they built a machine with the unlikely name of "Royal Jelly".
Source: A-Z der Belgische Motoren
On 21-Apr-22 Steffen Schrodt steffen.schrodt at kezo.ch wrote:
I'm Steffen from Switzerland and I have bought a Nelly Royal some while ago. See picture in the attachment.
Do you have some mor information about it? Building year, building amount, more pictures etc.?
Best Regards
Royal-Nelly-Steffen-Schrodt.jpg will be posted to the gallery.
There is a Foucart mentioned here: https://www.leguidevert.com/viewtopic.php?pid=904949&nc=904949
However, it appears that this Foucart was born around the mid-50s, as indicated by his FB page at fb.com/foucs.maroc
Have no further information at present.
Royal Star
Manufactured by Compagnie des Constructions Mécaniques of Antwerp 1902-c.1907.
The motorcycles had single-cylinder four-stroke engines of 2hp, 2¾ and 3½ hp in reinforced bicycle-style frames with belt drive and pedal start. In 1904 they produced a luxury forecar model mounting a Mills & Fullford chair. Concurrently they built cars and industrial engines.
By 1907 they were producing 300 automobile chassis and 1500 motorcycles annually from the 10,000 square metre factory with 300 workers.
In 1910 the company became Société Anversoise pour la fabrication de Voitures Automobiles (SAVA), and in late 1923 was taken over by Minerva.
Sources: Wikipedia NL, vvcc.be.
Royalty
Manufactured by the Paul Baus company of Hasselt circa 1953, these were clip-on engines in strengthened bicycle frames.
Sources: A-Z der Belgische Motoren, Wikipedia NL
Ruhl
Adolphe Ruhl established Société Anonyme des Automobiles Ruhl in Dison, near Verviers, in 1901 and began building motorcycles in 1902. They are known to have won two motorcycle races in Belgium that year. The firm continued to produce automobiles until late 1908 when suffered the consequences of the failure of the Modera bank in Verviers, due in all likelihood to the slump of 1907.
Sources: Wikipedia NL, vvcc.be.
Sachsfil
Manufactured by Ets Léon Couls of Houdeng-Goegnies during the early 1950s using small two-stroke engines.
Sources: A-Z der Belgische Motoren, Wikipedia NL
Sachsorette
I try to find information about this brand but I didn't find anything. The name is SACHSORETTE.
I have some information concerning 'Bulldog' mopeds, also from Belgium.
Dirk van Haren Noman
België
Salvator
Manufactured by François Hoflack in Ypres, West Flanders. In 1901 Hoflack imported the French Lamoudière & Labre motorcycles, and in later years retailed Sun (GB) and La Française-Diamant. From 1931 to c.1939 the company built a 1¾ hp Gillet-powered lightweight motorcycle. Post-war, they introduced the Salvator VAP moped at the 1953 Brussels Salon.
Wikipedia NL
Saphir Mopeds 1930s and 1950s
Sava
Manufactured by Ets. SAVA of Lambermont, Liège in 1949 using Sachs engines. The firm was unrelated to the similarly named company which built the Royal Star.
Wikipedia NL
Scaldis 1914-1919
Simonon
Manufactured motorcycles in Herstal, 1905.
Source: Wikipedia NL
Spiegel
Manufactured G. van der Spiegel of Antwerp. Produced 3-wheel utility vehicles powered by JAP 500cc engines from 1932, and postwar continued with similar vehicles using JAP, JLO and BSA engines until 1950.
Sources: A-Z der Belgische Motoren, Wikipedia NL
Stabil
Manufactured by Ph. Depré-Heerinckx, Tienen, 1931-1933.
The firm produced inexpensive lightweights powered by Villiers 98cc and 123cc engines, with Albion gearboxes.
The height of the depression was an unfortunate time to launch a new venture, and motorcycle production ended in 1933.
A-Z der Belgische Motoren, Wikipedia NL
Star
Manufactured by H.A. Lummerzheim of Liege, 1930s-1960s
In the 1930s the company built motorcycles powered by Laguesse and Gillet two-stroke engines. Post-war machines used Sachs.
Sources: François-Marie Dumas
Succes
Manufactured in Borgerhout in 1952 this was a three-wheeler powered by a rear-mounted two-stroke twin. It does not appear to have entered production.
There was a similarly named motorcycle built in France in 1904, the Succés.
Source: vvcc.be
Sugar
This was a powered bicycle fitted with a VAP 48cc engine beside the rear wheel which appeared briefly in 1951.
Source: Wikipedia NL
Sultan
Presented at the 1952 Brussels Salon, this motorcycle was powered by a 150cc Sachs two-stroke. In the early fifties a good many new brands left as quickly as they arrived. This was one.
Source: Wikipedia NL
The Fly
Manufactured by Louis Vits of Brussels, in addition to three-wheeled vehicles for the disabled, in the post-war years the company built light motorcycles powered by Villiers 100cc two-strokes. The low-slung machines had small wheels and rear suspension, or alternatively rigid rear ends.
Source: Wikipedia NL
The London
Manufactured by Van der Bracht-De Turck of Ninove, these Sachs-powered lightweights were built in the 1950s
Sources: A-Z der Belgische Motoren, Wikipedia NL.
Thomassin
Manufactured in Blégny ca. 1900 using Herman engines in a loop frame. Production ended after just a few years.
Source: Wikipedia NL
Thompson
Manufactured by bicycle manufacturer H. de Smet-Jouret of Geraardsbergen, the firm produced lightweight motorcycles in the early 1950s using 125cc and 175cc JLO two-stroke engines. The motorcycle venture did not last long; they continued with the cycles they had been building since 1921, and to this day.
Sources: Wikipedia NL, thompson.be
Thoria 1947-1950s
Tieltia
Light motorcycles manufactured at a bicycle shop in Tielt around 1953.
Source: Wikipedia NL
Torpille
Manufactured in Brussells c.1920-1930 by Schoofs & Cie, Livornostraat 114 Ixelles.
The firm built tricycles using both JAP and Train engines, and also sold rebadged machines built for them by Novy.
There was also an unrelated French firm of the same name.
A-Z der Belgische Motoren
Verschaeve & Truffaut
Manufactured in Herstal, 1902-1906 (possibly later)
Fernand Verschaeve was associated with Sarolea before building his own machines powered by De Dion engines, both singles and twins.
Sources: A-Z der Belgische Motoren, Wikipedia NL
Vickycycle 1953-1956
Vivinus
Alexis Vivinus, born in France in 1860, moved to Belgium in 1888 and began a bicycle workshop. He became a Benz importer, and in 1896 built a steam-powered bicycle engine.
Source: Autopasion18.com
VLK
Manufactured by the bicycle firm SM Velka in Antwerp, their mopeds used Garelli Mosquito and Zundapp engines.
Wikipedia NL, A-Z der Belgische Motoren
Volta
Eycken and Gillot of Brussels rebadged Gillet Herstal motorcycles in 1932. Models included a 175cc motorcycle and a 100cc moped, the Voltanette.
A-Z der Belgische Motoren, Wikipedia NL.
Image courtesy Jean-Louis Dumont
Wallechem et Sachen
Built in Bruxelles around 1900 this was a three-wheeler with one wheel at the rear. The engine was below the seat which was styled in the manner of a forecar, and sat two. Steering was by tiller.
Zircon 1951~1953
