Description
This motorcycle is Lot 361 to be auctioned by Bonhams at The Autumn Stafford Sale (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show) on 12 & 13 October, please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Auction Timings:
Lots 1 - 176 are to be sold from 11:00 on Saturday 12th October 2024.
Lots 201 - 429 are to be sold from 11:00 on Saturday 13th October 2024.
Public Viewing:
Available 12th & 13th October 2024 from 09:00 until 17:00, at The Stafford County Showground (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show).
Lot 361
1978 Beta RC125 Enduro
Registration no. FFH 926T
Frame no. S1MR8* 007596*
Engine no. S1MR8008784
Best known for its hugely successful trials and enduro models, the Italian firm that would become Beta was founded in Via Bellariva in 1904 by Giuseppe Bianchi and began life making high-quality bicycles. The company later moved to Firenze (Florence). It was only after WW2 that the company adopted the 'Beta' name, which was derived from the initials of proprietors Enzo Bianchi and Arrigo Tosi. In 1948 the firm commenced making clip-on motors for attachment to bicycles before producing its first proper motorcycle in 1950. Proprietary engines were used at first before Beta progressed to making its own power units. Long-distance races on public roads were immensely popular in Italy at this time and Beta's products did well in events such as the Milan-Taranto and Moto Giro d'Italia. Beta trials bikes were immensely successful throughout the 1980s and '90s, Jordi Tarrés winning the World Championship for the Italian manufacturer in 1987, 1989, 1990 and 1991, while Dougie Lampkin rode Beta to victory in 1997, 1998 and 1999.
First registered in the UK on 16th April 1982, this rare Italian lightweight has been fully restored. Purchased recently by the vendor, it has not been started and will require recommissioning before further use. The machine comes with a V5C document and is sold strictly as viewed (the engine turns over).
All lots are sold 'as is/ where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams Motorcycles website for all pertinent auction information.
