Rovena Motorcycles

Rovena 250cc Sport c.1963

Rovena 250 Sport 1963

Rovena 250 Sport 1963 Hispano Villiers

Marketed between 1963 and 1968

The Rovena was a Sanglas product created to counter the slump in motorcycle sales caused by the increasing popularity of cheap cars, notably the SEAT. With a name derived from the Italian city of Verona, the machines were produced in three versions: the Rovena 250 and the Rovena 250 Sport, powered by Hispano Villiers 249cc twin-cylinder engines, and a 325cc model, all with four-speed gearboxes.

The Turismo model has a straightforward tubular cradle frame with a colour scheme of red and silver with a black frame. The sidecovers are quite large and carry the battery and tools. Both wheels are 17". The engine produces 17 hp at 5000 rpm and has a compression ratio of 8.2:1 with a Villiers monobloc carburettor. Top speed is 120 km/h for the 250 and 137 km/h for the 325. The latter had little success and was discontinued in 1965.

That same year, the Rovena 250 Sport was presented, a very fast motorcycle for its time with a top speed of over 140 km/h. It differs from the Turismo 250 with its sporty saddle, low handlebars and large TLS front drum. It mounted two Amal carburettors and with larger ports and high compression pistons (10:1), it gave 20 CV at 6500 rpm.

It is said that on the island of La Palma, they called the Rovena "the motorcycle that takes away sorrow".

Sources: wikipedia.ca, www.motocra.com et al.

Specifications