The Romet Kadet was a single-seat Polish moped built by the Romet works in Bydgoszcz from 1980 to 1993. It succeeded the 760 Polo and was made in two versions: the M-780 with a two-speed Dezamet engine, and the Kadet 110 Automatic with a Jawa engine and automatic gearbox.
Romet Kadet at a glance
| Maker | Zakłady Rowerowe Romet, Bydgoszcz, Poland |
|---|---|
| Production | 1980–1993 |
| Models | Kadet M-780 (1980–1989), Kadet 110 Automatic (from about 1989) |
| Engine, M-780 | Dezamet 023, two-stroke, air-cooled, 49.8 cm³ |
| Power, M-780 | 1.7 hp (1.25 kW) at 4,800 rpm |
| Gearbox, M-780 | two-speed manual |
| Engine, 110 Automatic | Jawa 225, 2.4 hp |
| Gearbox, 110 Automatic | automatic, two ratios, centrifugal clutch |
| Dry weight | 46 kg |
| Top speed | 40 km/h |
| Fuel consumption | 2.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel tank | 4.5 l |
Based on one source: the Polish Wikipedia article on the Romet Kadet, with company background from the Romet articles.
History of the Romet Kadet
The Kadet replaced the 760 Polo as the small single-seat moped of the Romet range. The M-780 was produced from 1980 to 1989 with the Dezamet 023 engine of 1.7 hp, and the tank was moved to the front part of the frame so that the step-through frame could be used to make mounting easier. That layout, which differed from the 760 Polo, was intended to appeal to women riders. A short series of the M-781 variant was also built, distinguished by light-alloy wheels.
The M-780 used a steel spine frame, a telescopic front fork with 50 mm of travel and a two-arm steel rear swingarm with two hydraulic shock absorbers. The brakes were 97 mm drums at both ends, the wheels 2.25 × 16 inch, dry weight 46 kg and the top speed 40 km/h. Fuel consumption was 2.2 litres per 100 km from a 4.5-litre tank; the machine was 1,650 mm long, 660 mm wide and 1,000 mm high, and the saddle height was adjustable between 860 and 960 mm. The engine had a 49.8 cm³ capacity, 8.0:1 compression, 2.85 Nm of torque, a GM12F1 carburettor, a two-plate wet clutch and a foot starter.
The Kadet 110 Automatic was made from about 1989 to 1993. Instead of the Dezamet unit it used a Jawa 225 engine of 2.4 hp with a centrifugal clutch and a two-ratio automatic gearbox, and its ignition was electronic. The new engine brought changes to the frame, to the transmission, whose output sprocket now sat on the right, and to the electrical system. The rear brake lever moved to the left side of the handlebar, where the clutch lever normally sits.
Production of the Kadet ended in 1993, as the Bydgoszcz works wound down its moped range in the face of the market economy.
Design and features
- Step-through frame: the front-mounted tank freed the low frame section for easy mounting.
- Two engines: a two-speed Dezamet 023 from 1980, a Jawa 225 automatic from 1989.
- Light and simple: 46 kg dry and 40 km/h, with 2.2 litres per 100 km.
- Automatic option: the 110 Automatic needed no gear changes at all.
Romet Kadet versions
- Kadet M-780 (1980–1989): the standard two-speed Dezamet-engined moped.
- Kadet M-781: a short series with light-alloy wheels.
- Kadet 110 Automatic (about 1989–1993): Jawa 225 engine, centrifugal clutch and electronic ignition.
The Kadet succeeded the 760 Polo and shared its engine type with the Ogar 205. More Romet mopeds are in the Romet collection.
Sources
- Romet Kadet, Polish Wikipedia: versions, engine, chassis, dimensions and performance
- Romet, English Wikipedia: the Bydgoszcz works and its products
- Romet, Polish Wikipedia: company background
