THE SOLEX TÉNOR
FEBRUARY, 1973
TÉNOR L (L as in “Luxury”)
ITALIAN FRANCO MORINI ENGINE
CYLINDER : 49.99 cc
Air-cooled
Fuel consumption: 2 liters/100 Km (~120 MPG)
Fuel tank capacity: 4.3 liters
Recommended Fuel: BP SOLEXINE
Consommation : 2 litres aux 100 Km
Ignition and lighting by magneto
Engine kill switch on handlebars
PRICE: 1060 Francs.
The Solex Ténor / 8000 was sold from 1973 until 1977 :
With an Italian Franco Morini Gyromat engine.
Source Frank Méneret
Month Year | Engine motor | Price |
January 1973 | 8.000.001 | 1060 Francs (L) |
January 1975 | 8.009.080 | 1321 Francs (L) |
The Solex Ténor/8000 "S4" was sold in 1974
Source Frank Méneret
Month Year | Engine motor | Price |
March 1974 | 8.500.001 | 1998 Francs |
January 1975 | " | 2070 Francs (roughly 2,500 units) |
Ténor S 4
Multi-disc clutch in oil, manually controlled
Gearbox: 4-speed with foot-operated shifter
Weight: 49 Kg (~108 lbs.)
Suspension :
- telescoping front struts
- rear: telescoping with external helicoidal springs
Rear drive wheel with one chain
Tires: de 2 1/2 X 17 pouces
Brakes:
- front: hand operated drum
- rear: foot operated drum
Stop light: rear-brake operated
Turn signals: electronic, front and rear
Horn: electric
Speedometer: In Km, with odometer
Lock: Niemann, on steering
Repose-pieds arrière
Removable left crank
Color: Red
The Solex Ténor / 8000 was sold from 1973 to 1977
with a Dutch Laura & Vereeniging engine.
Source Frank Méneret
Month Year | Engine motor | Price |
January 1974 | 9.000.001 | 1510 Francs |
January 1975 | 9.004.681 | 1660 Francs (roughly 10,000 units) |
SOLEX 8000
Einflach Klasse
Ein Mofa-Spaß, der sein Geld wert ist.
EinSpitzenfahrzeug der neuen
europäischen 2-Rad-Generation.
Weight of the Solex Ténor : 42.8 Kg (~95 lbs)
Rectangular Soubitez headlight with:
- speedometer/odometer
Rear wheel drive
Front and rear suspension by telescopic struts and helicoidal springs
Neimann anti-theft device with safety lock
Front and rear drum brakes
Length: 1.657 m (~65.25” )
Width: 0.64 m (~25.25”)
Tires: treaded, 2.25 X 17”
Total loaded weight: 180 Kg (~397 lbs)
Speed limited by vehicle code regulations.
NEW FEATURES OF THE SOLEX TÉNOR L and TÉNOR S
Pedal crank integral to engine.
Primary transmission by gears.
Handlebars and transistorized turn signals of the Ténor "S".
ThE SOLEX TÉNOR L
Power
Power – this single word is enough to define the Ténor. Indeed its compact design, its power on acceleration, its ability to take hills, and the effectiveness of its brakes make it a safe, fast and robust machine.
And when you try the Ténor, before taking off, listen to the sound of the engine : its idle speaks volumes...
Because one also notices the Ténor by ear...
3 colors: metallic blue – orange – metallic champagne.
Specifications:
Single-cylinder, 2-cycle engine
Displacement: 49.99 cc. Bore: 40.4 mm
Stroke: 39 mm. Compression ratio: 7.8
Maximum RPM: 6800
Power: 1.8 Hp
Fuel consumption: 2 lt/100Km (~120 Mpg)
Recommended fuel: BP SOLEXINE
Ignition and lighting by magneto
Handlebar-mounted engine kill switch
Clutch:
- oil-bath system
- startup by hand lever on handlebars
- second stage, automatic (centrifugal).
Weight 42.8 Kg (~65 lbs)
Length:1.657 m (~65.25”)
Front and rear suspension by telescopic struts and helicoidal springs.
Rear drive wheel.
Tires: treaded, 2.25 X 17”
Front and rear drum brakes
Chrome-plated, rectangular Soubitez headlight on front fork
Electric horn; speedometer in Km/h with odometer
Neiman anti-theft lock on steering
Speed limited by provisions of the vehicle code.
THE SOLEX TÉNOR S
Sport version
Inspired by the Ténor “L”, the Ténor “S” has the same technical specifications. However, it also has a few features that make it more attractive.
Check out the handlebars, the two-place seat, the streamlined side covers. On the Ténor “S”, the rear suspension is by visible chrome-plated springs, and the moto-x type is stainless steel.
The Ténor “S” also has transistorized turn signals front and rear..
Now that you have had a good look at the Ténor “S”, try it out. But look out, it loves sporty people!
Color: Parma yellow.
THE TÉNOR IN RENAULT COLORS IN 1975
During a few months in autumn 1975, the Renault company took over the Vélosolex brand before selling it to Motobécane.
The “Ténor Renault” shown at Yzeure in 2011 is the only known example today.
TAKEOVER OF THE SOLEX COMPANY BY MOTOBÉCANE
The Pantin-based company ceased production of Ténors in 1977 because they made their own brand of mopeds!
SOLEX TÉNOR PHOTO GALLERY
Photos from Monsieur Camille Lomellini, team leader at the Vélosolex factory, who worked for Vélosolex from September 22nd, 1952, until September 15th, 1976 (the date of the final closing of the factory).
As of April 1st, 1962 he was in charge of the tooling shop and quality control, and notably at the end of his career in charge of quality control for the manufacture of the Solex 6000 and 8000..