Rex Kl-35

REX KL-35

Road Impression

JUST ABOUT the hottest category in motorcycling today, in both street and competition, is the 50cc class. Just five years ago no one connected with motorcycling would have agreed had anyone predicted the fantastic surge of interest shown in machines of this minute displacement category. Even harder to believe would have been the performances these miniscule cycles are showing in racing around the world.

Speeds of 80 to 100 mph are already becoming common on the Grand Prix circuits in Europe and it is sometimes difficult to believe that we are talking of only 3 cubic inches.

It was with thoughts like this in mind when we approached the deluxe end of the new Rex line of cycles and mopeds now being introduced in the United States by the Rex Motor Co'rp. of America in Salt Lake City, Utah. Before it sounds like we mean that the new Rex KL-35 will do 80 to 100 mph, we had better state that its top speed is around 50 mph indicated by the little speedometer mounted in the top of the headlamp. On the other hand, it was never meant to perform so; rather, it was designed for sufficiently swift and economical transportation, a goal it achieves handsomely.

Starting with its low price ($349.00 P.O.E.), the Rex answers quite well the demands of both individuals desiring inexpensive fun-style transportation, and the younger or newer cycle enthusiast. It is sufficiently simple to operate, part of which can be laid to the use of the left hand twistgrip shifting system so common to many motor scooters. Ihe balance of the controls are typical motorcycle, íe; rear brake on the right loot, front brake on the right hand, clutch on the left hand, etc.

Exemplary of reasons for the success of 50cc machines is the output of the little engines, a whopping (for its size) 4.4 hp at a screaming 8000 rpm for the Rex two-stroke. Though there are more powerful 50cc cycles on the market, the Rex performs in an extremely satisfactory manner and moves through traffic at a pace that will not find the rider being accused of being in the way of the automobiles.

The lightweight (168 lb.) Rex will feel familiar to anyone with bicycle experience (and who hasn’t ridden a bicycle?) because its handling and riding position resemble that of the pedal variety quite closely. We objected to the rather narrow seat, which incidentally, will accommodate two persons, and footpegs are supplied for the passenger as well, but in the use for which it was intended, short trips, the objection loses some of its validity.

One feature of the Rex that escapes no one is its appearance. It just simply looks like a bigger motorcycle, and is painted and finished like one as well. The paint is of the “baked” type that has been further enhanced by custom striping in a contrasting color. Very handsome indeed. Chrome plated and buffed alloy parts abound, contributing extensively to its very first class trim.

A brief technical description: Engine is a single cylinder two-stroke rated at 4.4 hp (4 8,000 rpm with a bore and stroke of 1.575 x 1.560. Dual Bing carburetors, 1:6.8 compression ratio, dual exhaust pipes and mufflers (largely for show), kick start with folding crank. 3-speed gear box, twistgrip operated, wet multidisc clutch. 10" square inches of brake area in each wheel, Earle's fork front suspension, swinging arm rear, 21" wheels. 44" wheelbase, weight 168 lbs.

Other interesting details are the transparent plastic air cleaners fitted to each of the two tiny Bing carburetors. We were sorry to see the sparkling little Rex leave us, but are relatively certain we will be seeing quite a few of them soon, on the streets all over the country. •