Solex Tenor- 1973

Building on the previous model’s architecture, the Tenor was a Solex 6000 featuring an Italian-made Franco Morini “Gyromat” engine and was available in various trim levels. The example seen here is a base model, the R, identified by its lack of rear shock absorbers. The next trim level up was the L (as in Lusso, or Luxury) and featured rear suspension, chrome headlight cover and trim, and a larger rear mudguard. The Sport model had chrome-plated rear springs, a two-place seat, turn signals, and was available only in “Parma Yellow”.The Tenor S4 model was offered for only the year 1974. The S4 retained the Gyromat engine and two-place seat but gained a four-speed manual transmission, shifted by a foot lever, making the Tenor much closer to traditional mopeds of the time, such as offerings by Motobecane and Peugeot. Only 2500 S4s were made and they only came in bright red.

Specifications: 

Manufacturer:  Solex

Country of Origin:  France (Engine: Italy)

Engine:  Single cylinder, 49cc, 2-stroke, air-cooled, 1.8 HP

Transmission:  Centrifugal clutch

Top Speed:  27 mph

Years of Production:  1973-1977

Number Produced:  15,000

Original Cost:  1060 French Francs, or $240 US (about $800 US today)