Rokon Limited (Jaffrey, Vermont, 1981-92)

1. Trail-Breaker
2. Ranger

"During the spring of 1981 Robert Korpi and J. Richard Niemela bought Rokon. They restarted it as Rokon Limited in Jaffrey, a small town resting at the foot of 3165-foot-high Monadnock mountain, 10 miles southeast of Keene. After 1 1/2 years of collecting Rokon tools and dies, setting up a manufacturing facility, and reviving old Rokon dealers, the two were able to produce Rokon Ranger cycles once again. These bikes, however, had no rear seats and no lights. Gone were the conventional bikes; only three models were made - the Trail-Breaker, Ranger, and Scout." "The 1980s brought improvements to the front fork, drive-line bosses, and engine. In 1987, Rokon modified the front-wheel drive system, devised a stronger frame, and began using a single size and type of bearing everywhere on the bike. It had been using four or five types. Such part interchangeability made Rokon cycles easier and less expensive to repair - an asset during the 1990 Gulf War when Rokon machines, handpainted in camouflage, were supplied to the U.S. Marines."

Photos/text credits: 1. Compressed Air Magazine

Updated: Wednesday, 26-Jul-2006 19:46:55 CDT

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