Manufactured 1947-1956.
24 avenue Pasteur, Chamalières, in the Puy-de-Dôme.
GIMA (Groupement Industriel Métallurgique et Automobile) was a French motorcycle manufacturer which built lightweight machines from 1947 until 1956.
The engines were from AMC and Ydral, in capacities of 108, 125, 175 and 250cc.
The 108cc model was one of the first French mopeds equipped with a telescopic fork.
The company had many racing successes, including placing first in the Bol d'Or of 1949.
However, the crisis in the motorcycle industry in general, the war in Algeria, and the arrival of cheaper Italian scooters and Japanese motorcycles caused the decline of the brand which folded in 1955.
The parts inventory was sold to Favor who rebadged the 125, 175 and 250cc Gima models as their own.
Le vélomoteur G. I. M. A.
Le vélomoteur G.I.M.A. est incontestablement un de ceux qui font le pius honneur à la construction française. Il présente un grand nombre de caractéristiques aussi originales que rationnelles, et existe en deux cylindrées : 108 cmc., (3 vitesses à main), et 125 cmc. (4 Vitesses et sélecteur au pled). Les moteurs sont tous deux des blocs sellement connus. sellement cbeurs, saperd ullencieer. silencieux, robustes, sobres en hulle et en carburant, d'une propreté Irréprochable, ils ont contribué à détrulre la légendę du petit « culbu » aussi fragile qu'un appareil d'horlogerie. Leur montage sur le cadre du GIMA. s'effectue par l'intermédialre de silent-blocs, garantie absolue de silence et d'absence de vibrations. Le cadre G.IM.A. est bien particulier. Il se compose de gros tubes à parois minces, assurant une rigidité et une solidité incomparables pour le minimum de poids, Il est du type berceau entièrement fermé.
La fourche avant est une magnitique piece de mécanique. C'est un modele télescopique très perfectlonné avec de longues surfaces de guldage en bronze spécial. Wlle est pratiquement inusable et son , entretten se reduit à peu de chose. Son débattement total est de 12 centimètres. La direction est montée sur roulements Timken à galets coniques. Pille est d'une stabilite 81 remarquable. qu'un frein de direction n'a pas été jugé nécessaire. Dans les circonstances diffiolles, (50] glissant, mauvaise route, etc.), la tenue du Gi.M.A. est particulièrement satistalsante.
Vocie quelques délails d'équipement : Réservoir de 12 litres 5 monté sur caoutchouc. Selle montée sur une longue articulation placée très à l'avant du cadre. Porte-bagages robustes, Cottre à outils vaste et pratique, Grippe-genoux, sllencieux tromblon etticace, mais ne freinant pas. La présentation n'est pas celle d'une machine de crise économique, et l'émall bleu trance avec tilets argent. et rouge, est du plus bel effet.
The G.I.M.A. moped is undoubtedly one of those that do the greatest honor to French engineering. It boasts a large number of features that are as original as they are practical, and is available in two engine sizes: 108 cc (3-speed manual) and 125 cc (4-speed manual). Both engines are well-known, powerful, and quiet. Robust, fuel-efficient, and impeccably clean, they have helped to dispel the myth of the small overhead valve engine as fragile as a clockwork mechanism. They are mounted on the G.I.M.A. frame using silent blocks, guaranteeing absolute silence and the absence of vibrations. The G.I.M.A. frame is quite unique. It consists of large, thin-walled tubes, ensuring unparalleled rigidity and strength for minimal weight. It is a fully enclosed cradle type.
The front fork is a magnificent piece of engineering. It is a highly refined telescopic model with long bearing surfaces made of special bronze. It is practically indestructible and its maintenance is minimal. Its total travel is 12 centimeters. The steering is mounted on Timken tapered roller bearings. The bike is remarkably stable, so much so that a steering damper was not deemed necessary. In difficult conditions (slippery, poor road, etc.), the Gi.M.A.'s handling is particularly satisfactory.
Here are some equipment details: 12.5-litre fuel tank mounted on rubber. Seat mounted on a long pivot point positioned very far forward on the frame. Sturdy luggage racks, a large and practical toolbox, knee grips, a quiet but not very effective exhaust. The presentation is not that of a machine born of an economic crisis, and the blue trance enamel with silver and red tiles is very attractive.
1947 Salon de la Motocyclette, Moto Revue. Courtesy Memoire du Cycle.
Paris Salon de l'Automobile, Octobre 1948
GIMA 125 and 150cc.
La nouvelle 150 Gima à suspension arrière klaxon, batterie.
CHEZ GIMA: UNE 125 ET UNE 150 CMC.
Nos lecteurs sont déjà familiarisés avec cette jeune marque qui s'est imposée à l'attention, dès sa parution, par son cadre d'une conception originale, sa fourche télescopique et son beau moteur AMC. Nous avons ici publié l'essai d'un des premiers mo- dèles, le 108 cmc. 3 vitesses à main. Depuis, le 125 cmc. est sorti avec son bloc 4 vitesses avec commande au pied par sélecteur. Un magnifique exemplaire rouge et chrome attira tous les regards au Salon dernier.
Depuis cette époque les cadres Gima, et particulièrement les fourches avant, ont subi quelques modifications et quelques améliorations. Les mêmes difficultés qui assaillent toute notre industrie ont empêchél la sortie en plus grand nombre de ces belles machines et particulièrement de la moto légère 150 cmc., toujours avec bloc AMC, dont un exemplaire nous est promis pour essai. Nous espérons l'avoir après le Salon et en passerons la description en attendant de pouvoir donner nos impressions. Si nos renseignements sont bons, les Gima pourront être également livrés avec suspension arrière; sans doute verrons-nous ce modèle sur le stand.
Our readers are already familiar with this young brand which, from its launch, attracted attention with its uniquely designed frame, telescopic fork, and beautiful AMC engine. We previously published a test of one of the first models, the 108cc with a 3-speed manual transmission. Since then, the 125cc has been released with its 4-speed gearbox and foot-operated selector. A magnificent red and chrome example turned heads at the last show. Since then, Gima frames, and particularly the front forks, have undergone some modifications and improvements.
The same difficulties plaguing our entire industry have prevented the larger production of these beautiful machines, and particularly the lightweight 150cc motorcycle, still with an AMC engine, of which we have been promised a test model. We hopefully we'll have it after the show and we'll skip the description until we can give our impressions.
If our information is correct, the Gima models may also be delivered with rear suspension; we'll probably see this model on the stand.
1948 Paris Salon, Motocycles. Courtesy Memoire du Cycle.
Models
1948 Models included 125 ET, 150 CMC, and Type 108 4T, all with AMC engines.
1956 Models included 125 3SA, 125 4SA, 175 4SA, 175 4OS, a 250cc model, and two Capri models of 125 and 175cc.
The Capri had smaller wheels, with the area behind the engine through to the tail light faired, looking rather like a bathtub Triumph.
GIMA 2005
The marque reappeared in 2005 with the production of a retro reincarnation of the original 1950s motocyclettes, compliant with modern standards.
GB Meca and Gima Peschadoires, which manufactured and marketed the reborn 125 cm Gima motorcycle in Peschadoires in the Puy-de-Dôme, were put into liquidation in January 2010
Specifications of 2005 model:
Engine: Single cylinder 4-stroke 125 cc.
Power: 5.5 hp @ 6500 rpm.
Transmission: 4-speed and chain.
Dry weight:. 110 kg
Fuel tank capacity :
14 litres.
Consumption: 3 l / 100 km.
Maximum speed: 80 km/h.
Price: €4200
French article on the retro Gima at moto-net.com
Sources: Wikipedia, lamontagne.fr, Cyclememory.org
Mon Feb 08 2010
carelectricart<AT>yahoo.gr
spare parts
moto gima 1951 125cc
Dear Sir,
My name is Nikos Chatzistylianou and I am from Greece. Recently I became the owner of a Gima moto, the model of 1951 AMC 125cc. My love for all the old bikes made me own this unique moto and I would like to restore it, especialy with your help included.
At first I would like to ask you if there is any possibility for you to send me an official manual for this specific bike and some authentic pictures that the bike is sawn exactly as it was in 1951, so that I can make the best I can with the restoration.
The basic problem is on the right side of the motor that has to do with the electric parts. There are pictures of my moto available, so if there are parts, I can send them to you to see exactly what I need.
Best Regards,
Nikos
