Raleigh Mopeds – A Brief History
They weren’t based anywhere in the United States at all – but rather in the British city of Nottingham.
Furthermore, similar to Puch, they also started making bicycles before moving to motorcycles and eventually mopeds.
In 1930, there was an attempt to build three-wheelers built under license. However, in 1934, they discontinued their three-wheelers, and Raleigh’s designer T.L Williams quit shortly afterward.
Did you know that…
T.L Williams ended up founding a little motor company known as “Reliant.”
In 1960, Raleigh signed a contract with the French moped maker Motobecane to make licensed mopeds and scooters.
But interestingly, while this agreement mean new opportunities, it also caused a problem for Raleigh.
Mainly that the agreement only applied to nations belonging to the British Commonwealth.
This meant that Raleigh couldn’t sell their Motobenane mopeds in Ireland – even though they were already a well-established brand there.
Regardless, production continued until September 1969, when Raleigh officially closed up shop after being in business for 82 years.
Common Raleigh Mopeds Models
To do this, simply turn the wing button near the bottom bracket pulley:
- Clock-wise: engages the engine with the transmission
- Counter-clockwise/anti-clockwise: disengages the engine
Raleigh RM4 and RM5
The most noteworthy differences are that the RM4 has a single seat and a 1-speed gearbox.
The RM5, on the other hand, has a CVT transmission and a seat that can fit two people.
Raleigh RM 4 specs:
Engine: Single-cylinder, two-stroke
Displacement: 49cc
Gearbox: 1-speed
Drivetrain: Chain-drive
Ignition: Pedal-start, flywheel magneto-generator
Fuel system: Carburettor (Gurtner, type BA.10)
Fuel tank capacity: 3 liters/1.25 gallons
Clutch: centrifugal
Wheel sizes: 23″
Tire pressure front tire: 24 PSI
Tire pressure rear tire: 38 PSI
Source: The Book of the Raleigh Moped
Raleigh RM 5 specs:
Engine: Single-cylinder, two-stroke
Displacement: 49cc
Gearbox: CVT
Drivetrain: Belt-drive
Ignition: Pedal-start, flywheel magneto-generator
Fuel system: Carburettor (Gurtner, type H.14 569 F)
Fuel tank capacity: 4 liters/1.125 gallons
Clutch: centrifugal
Wheel sizes: 22″
Tire pressure front tire: 22 PSI
Tire pressure rear tire: 31 PSI
Source: The Book of the Raleigh Moped
Raleigh RM6
Despite this, it’s mostly similar to the RM4 – except for its styling.
The RM4’s styling is more bicycle-like, especially regarding the front forks and the front wheel.
In 1965, Raleigh made a special version of the RM6 called the “Runabout Super de Luxe,” which featured an electric horn and leg shields.
But apart from these updates, the engine specs are nearly identical to the standard RM6 model.
Raleigh RM6 specs:
Engine: Single-cylinder, two-stroke
Displacement: 49cc
Gearbox: 1-speed
Drivetrain: Belt-drive
Ignition: Pedal-start, flywheel magneto-generator
Fuel system: Carburettor (Gurtner, type BA.10 540D)
Fuel tank capacity: 5 liters/1.375 gallons
Clutch: centrifugal
Wheel sizes: 23″
Tire pressure front tire: 24 PSI
Tire pressure rear tire: 38 PSI
Source: The Book of the Raleigh Moped
Raleigh RM12
In addition, the RM12 also has a small windshield.
Raleigh RM12 specs:
Engine: Single-cylinder, two-stroke
Displacement: 49cc
Gearbox: 1-speed
Drivetrain: Chain-drive
Ignition: Pedal-start, flywheel magneto-generator
Fuel system: Carburettor (Gurtner, type H.14)
Fuel tank capacity: 5 liters/1.5 gallons
Clutch: centrifugal
Wheel sizes: 23″
Tire pressure front tire: 24 PSI
Tire pressure rear tire: 41 PSI
Source: The Book of the Raleigh Moped
