27 Oct 2014

Rook - De Kermiskoerser

This is the latest build from ROOK motorfietsen: a 1967 L’Avenir 49cc called the Kermiskoerser. In the 60’S and 70’s mopedraces around the church in the Flemish and Dutch villages were common. A KermisKoerser means funfair-racer. 

L’Avenir -French expression for ‘future’- is a Belgian brand that produced 49cc two-stroke mopeds and mofas using HMW and Sachs engines from 1959 to 1971. L’Avenir has always been one of the most representative Belgian bicycle manufacturers. 

This moped is probably a model Stassonette and was composed with elements of other brands: a Sachs engine, an Aprillia headlight,… It had huge fenders. Imagine a Cadillac and you’re not far off. This was Yves’ first moped and therefore brutally abused. What do you do when you’re a teenager? Race,crash. And race again. 

ROOK motorfietsen did a complete engine blueprint and rebuild. In order to improve the in and exhaust flow we lifted the cylinder barrel by 1mm, aligned the scavenging ports and adjusted squish in order to optimize combustion pressure. 

The paint from the frame and suspension were sanded off and the whole is covered with several coats of clear coat varnish. Together with the brazed welding this gives an industrial look with a vintage feeling. The taillightholder and the headlightrim are custom build and we trimmed the chainguard. Grips are made from Brooks handlebar ribbon, the internal of the grip had to be redone completely to the new grips. It’s all in the details: many parts are handmade. The cream white gastank is the only painted part.

Check the Rook website here or follow them on facebook












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