Descrição
MAKE & MODEL: Motobi Barracuda
REGISTRATION: VBJ43F
YEAR: 1968
COLOUR: Black/ Silver
ENGINE SIZE: 248cc
FRAME NO: DGM67310MS477415
ENGINE NO: 1998
DOCUMENTS: V5C, Manuals, Magazines, Old MOT’s Dating Letter, Lots of History, Technical Data, 2 x CD’s of Road tests, parts lists, manuals etc
In the 250cc category Benelli offers a unique machine that has to be ridden to be believed. The lay-down single-cylinder engine delivers performance that has the rider wondering if it really is only a 250.’ – Motorcycle Buyer’s Guide, 1968. Although badged as a Benelli, the machine that so excited MBG was in fact the Barracuda model that had originated as a Motobi. Italy’s oldest surviving motorcycle manufacturer, Benelli was founded in 1911 by the six Benelli brothers, the oldest of whom, Giuseppe, left in 1949 to found his own company – Moto ‘B’ Pesaro, later Motobi. The latter’s first design was a 98cc single-cylinder two-stroke lightweight with horizontal engine, a layout that would characterise its offerings from then onwards. In the early 1950s a new range of all-aluminium engines was introduced, whose profile resembled that of an egg or rugby ball, and this style was deliberately retained when Motobi switched to overhead-valve four-strokes towards the decade’s end. Six years after Giuseppe’s death in 1957, Motobi merged with Benelli and its models continuing to be manufactured, although often with ‘Benelli’ on the tank.
Our Motobi Barracuda was imported a few years ago from Italy where it previously formed part of an extensive Benelli/ Motobi collection. Fully restored shortly after its arrival in the UK, the machine was road registered in 2006 to enter the Moto Giro d’Italia, in which event it performed faultlessly, winning the Taglioni class on the second day. The engine was fully rebuilt at the time of restoration and has covered only 1, 000-or-so miles since, most of them on the 2006 Giro. Presented in good condition throughout, this collectible Italian thoroughbred is offered with dating certificate and Swansea V5 registration document. An ideal mount for future Moto Giro’s.
Lots more photographs are available on request including a video of the bike running.
Social Distance Delivery available - please provide postcode for quotation purposes.
Thanks for looking
E & OE
