Description
Marusho Motor Co., Ltd. (丸正自動車製造株式会社, marushō jidōsha seizō kabushiki gaisha) was a company that manufactured motorcycles from 1948 to 1967. The company's Lilac model motorcycle was recognized by the Society of Automotive Engineers of Japan,
Masashi Itō started Marusho in Hamamatsu, Japan, in 1948 after being apprenticed with Soichiro Honda. The company produced shaft driven models like the Lilac, and showcased its technical prowess to the world in the Mount Asama Volcano Race, competing well against the likes of Honda, Meguro, Yamaha, and Suzuki. Marusho produced bikes from 1951 and following a bankruptcy, became a subsidiary of Honda, restarting production in 1964.
Company founder Masashi Itō died in 2005 at the age of 92.
The Lilac will require further recommissioning although the cylinders have been removed and pistons etc checked and cleaned to ensure that it is free and can easily be tuned over using the kick starter. There is good compression and the clutch operates as it should, new spark plugs have been fitted and all that remains at the time of listing is to obtain a new battery and to service the carburettor add fresh fuel and it should be up and running. Many of the BMW R50 engine component parts are interchangeable and are readily available, This example is a Lilac R92 ST from 1964 a 500cc Twin 26. 2 kW/ 6300rpm. It spent most of it's life in a Museum in Japan before being held in a private collection there, prior to import into the UK in July 2024. Correct early numbers displayed on a very original example Frame No: #F9-05** Engine No: #R2-0** It is now in dry storage in South Cambridgeshire where viewing is welcomed and indeed recommended.
Transport within the UK and assistance with shipping worldwide can be arranged.
