FUJI

125cc Rabbit - 1968

The end of a line

The scooter is making a major comeback these days with a strong showing from the Japanese. That is hardly surprising in view of the traffic congestion in Japan, where scooters have been around for a long time.

The Rabbit Saga

The big Japanese group Fuji Heavy Industry made its first scooters under the name "Rabbit" in 1946, at a time when none of today's Big Pout were in the two-wheeler market. The first Rabbits were crude machines, like powered versions of children's scooters, but in 1952 Fuji added derivatives with roughly hand-beaten bodywork. Their rather clumsy lines were softened a little in 1954 when a 200cc four-stroke version, the S61, appeared, with a front mudguard turning with the wheel – but no front brake!

Competition Gets Tougher

In 1957, a Rabbit 250 whose front mudguard was integrated into the dashboard appeared, but this new look didn't reach the 125cc until 1960 when, at last, a front brake was fitted. In 1958, the Rabbit range had been extended downwards with a 90cc model that exhibited 15-inch wheels. A smaller, 50cc model was added in 1961. Competition was getting stiffer, not only from the old Mitsubishi Silver Pigeon, but also in the form of the incessantly improving scooters from the up-and-coming makes, such as the 1962 Honda M80 flat twin, which had 11 hp versus the Rabbit's 7! Fuji fought back) adding two-tone paint and increased power, but ultimately gave up the struggle and sold its two-wheeler division to the japanese carmaker Subaru.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: 123cc (52x58mm) single-cylinder two-stroke - Torque converter & 3 speed gearbox

Power Rating: 8 hp @ 6000 rpm

Valves: two-stroke

Fuel System: carburetor

Suspension: (front) Earles leading links; (rear) swinging arm

Brakes: drum

Wheels: pressed steel 3.50x10

Weight: 253 lb

Maximum Speed: 54 mph

This basic model from 1968 is the ultimate development of the Rabbit range, which dated back to 1946.