1965 Mobylette Motobecane Factory France - 2-Page Vintage Motorcycle Article

Description

1965 Mobylette Motobecane Factory France - 2-Page Vintage Motorcycle Article
Original, Vintage Magazine article
Page Size: Approx. 8" x 11" (21 cm x 28 cm) each page
Condition: Good
By FLOYD CLYMER
By far the largest manufacturers of
lightweight motorcycles in France is Moto-
becane, and their most popular seller is the
small Mobylette, now being imported to
the U. S.
We have tested the Mobylette model
with the automatic transmission over a
period of four months, and approximately
800 miles. This little 50cc 2-stroke engine
job is unique in many ways, and only a
French engineer could think of some of
the unusual and practical features that are
included.
The automatic transmission changes the
gear ratios by means of pulleys that change
their angles as the engine speed increases
or decreases. The engine is mounted in a
peculiar fashion, as it is hinged at the top
and actually moves back and forth as the
variation of the belt pulleys takes place.
This little bike has almost unbelievable
acceleration from a standstill and will
climb steeper hills than one would expect.
A feature that is much appreciated in
France, where gasoline prices are very
high (and where the factory builds 2500
Mobylettes a day) is a button located on
the clutch housing which by turning, en-
ables the rider to disengage the engine en-
tirely. allowing the machine to be ridden
as an ordinary bicycle. We had occasion
to use this feature once when we ran out
of gas, and it pedals quite easily.
Starting the engine is accomplished by.
pedaling ten or twelve feet with the de-
compressor lever released, as the clutch
automatically engages and turns the engine
over. Starting is instantaneous, and the
bike warms up quickly.
It is well balanced and gives a comfort-
able ride. The seat is rather unorthodox
and for this country we think it should be
slightly larger. The handlebars are adjusta-
ble, and a hand lever on each handlebar
operates the front and rear brakes, which
are extremely effective.
Top speed is 25-28 mph on regular gas,
and the 516 horsepower engine gets up to
22’5 mpg. The gas tank is embodied in the
unitized frame, and has a capacity of 1.3
gallons. This is really a lot of mileage be-
tween filling stations.
The extremely simple engine has only
three moving parts, with a 2-ring piston
and the wrist pin on needle bearings. All
other moving parts are mounted on roller
or ball bearings.
Three different models are manufac-
tured, but the most popular one now
coming into the United States is the
Mobymatic-Super.
The company in France has been in busi-
ness for many years, and they also manu-
facture the larger Motobecane Motorcycle.
Mobylettes are also assembled in Spain,
Morocco, England, India, Holland, Italy,
Hand on gasoline shut-off valve. Unlike United
States practice, pushing the valve down (or in)
is for running position.
Eire, Iran, South Vietnam and Denmark,
under license agreements with the Moto-
becane Company.
The firm has specialized in manufactur-
ing 2-wheel bikes since 1929. They were
first manufacturers of bicycles, but now
their main product is motor bikes. Over
five, million vehicles have been manufac-
tured since 1949 — which Motobecane
claims is a record figure for the motorcycle
industry. In 1963 over 600,000 were manu-
factured. and 522,000 units were sold in
France.
There are now several Mobylette dis-
tributors in the United States and other
territories are available, according to Ad-
vertising and Merchandising, 13 Stratford
Ave., Dayton, Ohio. 4
Three-quarter front view showing the automatic clutch, which engages as
engine speed increases. Note the hinged engine mounting at top, the water-
proof cover over the spark plug, and the decompressor (which releases
compression for easy starting) directly in front of the spark plug.
A portion of the automatic electrical welding
department at the Motobecane factory.
MOTOBECANE
SPECIFICATIONS
MODEL AV 79 B
Infinite speed automatic transmisison
Speeds up to 45 mph
2 SAE HP, 5*4 American HP, 50 cc engine with all
needle and ball bearings
Up to 225 miles per gallon of gas
Color: powder blue with chrome trim and cowhide
dual seat
23"x2" heavy duty whitewall tires
Large beam headlight with built-in speedometer
Telescope type front shock absorbers
Front and rear automotive type expanding drum
brake controlled from the handle bar
Flywheel magneto assures instant starting, does
away with bothersome batteries
Complete set of tools in tool kit
Instruction manual and statement of origin
1.3 gallon gas tank embodied in unitized frame
Electric hom and lights operated by alternator
Rear license plate holder and fail light with brake
light
Two-cycle trouble-free engine, immediate lubrica-
tion on first stroke, only 3 moving parts
Cylinder double transfer hard chrome lining
Highest quality obtainable in an engine
Two-ring piston with wrist pin on needle bearings
All moving parts mounted on roller or ball boarings
Conforms to all state safety regulations
Pedals like a bike by lust turning a knob to disen-
gage the transmission and engine
Pedals also used for additional power
By turning this winged lever, the engine can be
disconnected and the machine pedaled as an or-
dinary bicycle.
One of the several assembly lines. Note that the Mobylette is
assembled upside down — no doubt to afford easier access to the engine
and transmission installation.
13484-6501-04