Over six decades ago, Charles Fehn started tinkering with what would eventually evolve into the Rokon that we know today. That’s a long time for such an unusual motorcycle to be in production. This 1971 Rokon Trail-Breaker 2×2 can be found listed here on eBay in Columbia, Kentucky and the seller has a $1,200 buy-it-now price. Let’s check out this rough and rusty Rokon.
My apologies for the photos, they were all in a vertical format so I blended them into these horizontal/landscape format images that you see here. I’m guessing that the seller assumed that the entire planet which is brimming with potential Rokon customers would be looking at them on their smartphones in the vertical position. I could see vertical photos of a pogo stick or flagpole, but a vehicle?
You can see that this 2×2, or what would have originally been a 2×2 motorcycle needs a full restoration, but it’s doable. There isn’t much chrome on these bikes and if you can track down a few critical parts, it would be a fun project – just lots of sanding and painting and going through the engine. It appears to be pretty much original right down to the tires. Sadly, there is no photo of the metal box/case on the right rear side, that’s a rare piece. This Rokon has been sitting for around forty years according to the seller, that’s a long time.
The seat has seen better days but thanks to eBay and the rest of the internet, the next owner should be able to track pretty much all they need to bring it back to life. The seller got this one as a restoration project but they’ve given up on it or changed their mind. It’s doable but there are a few critical areas that will need a lot of work, like the “miter box” over the front wheel that transfers the power from a hidden shaft to a chain that powers the front wheel.
The engine should be a 134 cc West Bend two-stroke and obviously, this one isn’t in running or operating condition. The seller says that the engine does turn over with some effort and the shift lever seems tight, which I’m not sure is good or bad. I really like my Rokon but this one priced at $1,200 will be a labor of love since I only paid 2.5 times that for my perfect one, delivered. Any thoughts on this rusty Rokon – can it be saved?
I know, most look at this and gasp. The fact that the author usually keeps his vehicles spotless, it must be tough to even report on this. We’re so accustomed to seeing these in better than new condition, news flash,,THIS is what happened to most of these as the owners moved on to more, shall we say, practical means of offroading. Sidelined for a mechanical issue, in this case, the front drive, which worked well, but was troublesome, and most disconnected the front assist, and ran it as a rear drive, most were relegated to the “junk pile”, until some enterprising nephew dug it out, if ever. These motors are bulletproof, and unless there a hole in the piston, they almost always run. In a bizarre twist, I’d get it running and front drive working again( and a seat) and leave it just like this. Far more representative for what they are supposed to be used for. Great find, if nothing else, a good parts bike.
Well said, sir. This one definitely hasn’t been inside for four decades and it could be brought back, even if the front wheel couldn’t be hooked up to the drivetrain again. They’re a jarring, tough, uncomfortable, harsh ride, but still fun. It’s a good thing I’m not in Rokon’s marketing department.
This is a great Rokon-in-action video, although it’s longer than anyone’s attention span in 2022.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7m71oXdxcZI&ab_channel=MutualofOmaha%27sWildKingdom
Ol’ Jim wrestling the wildebeest as Marlin is in the tent mixing a pitcher of margaritas… (in my best Johnny Carson voice)
I found that video to be fascinating.
Oh man. That is a bit steep for this one. Yes they’re rare but I’ve seen better for not much more and this one needs a lot of love
love the co’s history, saddened by the E.europe (& russian) rip off of same. These fill a niche no others do – so in the great automotive tradition (as: “an a$$ 4 every seat” – kinder: we have a vehicle for absolutely ANY application one could come up w/). Just match the vehicle to the driving condition, and so we did – VT and WVa…
I’d bring it back’n havea blast… Could Ba scout vehicle (for me’n my off rd crews). Theu now havea CB for cycles~
Auction update: this one “sold” for $1,000 but is now listed again with a $1,000 buy-it-now price.
I’ve got one complete minus the engine and it’s in very decent shape. Stored indoors.