Description
27th Oct, 2024 10:00
The October 2024 Auction
1942 Motobecane MB1
Truly stunning - 100 year old collector’s motorcycle
Estimate
£4, 500 - £5, 500
Buyer's premium: 15. 00%
Registration: BF 9055
Frame: 4657
Odometer: N/ A
MOT: Exempt
175cc
2-stroke motor
Lovely restored machine
Dating certificate
Bike runs
V5C
100 years old in July this year
Long term dry stored
Stunning carbide lamp
Imported 2019
No previous UK owners
The 1924 Motobécane MB1 holds a special place in motorcycle history, as it was Motobécane’s very first motorised vehicle. This model marked the French company’s entry into the world of motorised transport, after previously focusing on bicycle production. With the MB1, Motobécane set a standard for reliable, lightweight motorcycles designed for personal transportation, paving the way for the brand’s future success in mopeds and motorcycles throughout the 20th century.
Key features of the 1924 Motobécane MB1:
Engine - The MB1 was equipped with a 175cc two-stroke single-cylinder engine, which was air-cooled. This was considered fairly advanced for the time and provided a modest but reliable power output.
Power and Speed - The MB1 could reach top speeds of around 30-35 km/ h (about 18-22 mph), designed more for steady, efficient commuting than for high performance.
Transmission and Drive - The motorcycle used a direct belt drive transmission, which transferred power to the rear wheel, a common choice for early motorcycles.
Design - The MB1 had a rigid steel frame with no rear suspension (common at the time), and a simple sprung saddle for rider comfort. Its lightweight design made it easy to handle, and its basic structure made it accessible for riders.
Braking System - The MB1 used drum brakes, which were simple but effective for the speeds it was capable of achieving.
The MB1 became a popular commuter motorcycle in Europe thanks to its affordability and ease of use, and it established Motobécane as a key player in the motorcycle industry. The success of the MB1 allowed Motobécane to expand and innovate, eventually leading to the production of some of the most iconic mopeds in history. Today, the MB1 is a sought-after collector’s item, valued for its historical importance as Motobécane’s first motorcycle and as a piece of early 20th-century transportation history.
