RUSH

500cc / Belgian Sidecar - 1925

A racing certainty

Cravillon & Cie of Brussels started building motorcycles under the marque name Rush in 1921. For several years, its models were equipped with JAP and Blackburne engines.

Change of Ownership

In 1923, engineer Van Geert purchased the marque, but was not content with just taking it over. So he threw his know-how into the business, on both the design and competition fronts. This complete participation in sport events paralleled the course taken by his predecessor (victory in the 350cc class of the Belgian Grand Prix in 1923) and results followed quickly.

Own-Make Engines

A world record was broken in the 250cc category at over 77 mph and there were victories in many sport events. From being an assembler, the Rush company leapt the next hurdle and began making engines of its own design. Like most companies, Rush didn't cast its components in-house, but all the machining was carried out in its workshops. Notably, Alpax was used for the pistons and duralumin for the rockers. All the models were fitted with a three-speed gearbox, and the range went from the 175cc to the overhead-valve 500cc with every possible four-stroke valve configuration being used. For a long time Leopold Demeuter raced for Rush, before going to Saroléa. His career ended tragically when he was riding for FN in 1934 on the Chemnitz circuit.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: 500cc (84x90mm) air-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke

Power Rating: 5 hp

Valves: side

Fuel System: Amac carburetor

Transmission: 3-speed hand-shift, chain final drive

Suspension: Webb girder forks (front); rigid (rear)

Brakes: drum (front & rear)

Wheels: 19 inch wire clincher (front & rear)

Weight: 298 lb

Maximum Speed: 56 mph

This 1925 Rush 500 is fitted with a lightweight-model Belgian sidecar built by a company that was duly proud of its excellent suspension system.