Featured Pages
The Rocket Man
The genius of Archie LowMoto Rumi
An Italian Masterpiece
Moto RumiA Bastard Act
Panda, Italy's first trials machine
Panda


Motobecane Mirage Bicycle Owners Manual
  1. Motobecane catalog from 1984. Prolight model. Vitus 979 Duralinox (aluminum) frame and fork. Ridden by Michael Shermer in the Great American Bike Race. Grand Jubilee model. Columbus tubing, Nervar crank, Campagnolo, Helicomatic hub, etc. Motobecane catalog from 1984. Jubilee Sport model. Suntour, Columbus, etc. Mirage Sport model.
  2. Find out how much a Motobecane bicycle is worth. Our bicycle database is constantly growing with pricing information and bicycle specs daily.
  3. Motobecane Bike Manuals Bikesdirect.com Assembly Instruction Help Info / FAQ Motobecane is a French manufacturer that was founded in 1923. At the height of Motobecane’s popularity, the company was known for producing quality hand-built steel bicycles with high-end Japanese components such as.


Notes on the History of the Marque
16 Rue Lesault, Pantin (Seine)

The Motobecane company was formally created in 1924 by by Charles Benoit, Abel Bardin and Jules Benezech.*

The firm had already produced its first model, the MB1, in 1923. Designed by Benoit and Bardin, it had a 175cc two-stroke with direct drive by belt. Later models had chain drive with a two-speed gearbox.

In 1925 a second company was formed, Motoconfort.

The Motobecane delivers the goods with enough money left for a trip for two to the Giro d'Italia. The Motobecane is a shining example of solid design with good spec and a fine ride at a great price.' FANTOM XC - BICYCLING MAGAZINE 'A light frame and good spec make Motobecane's XC Racer fast and fun.

By the 1930s Motobecane was producing a large range of motorcycles, and became the most popular manufacturers of motorcycles in France, with their bicycles also doing very well.

Notable models of the 1930s were shaft-driven inline fours of 500 and 750cc.
After WWII the market shrank and eventually the firm was bankrupted. The company was reconstituted as MBK under the new owners, Yamaha.
The Motobécane trademark has been revived, but the current machinery from the far east has no connection with France aside from the name.

MB1

Introduced in 1923 as simple 175cc motor bicycle available in two versions, the Motobécane Madame and the Motobécane Monsieur with a higher frame, these were produced with only minor changes until 1928.

Motobecanes using Blackburne engines included
1927 350cc Type G, G2, G3 & Type H 500cc
1928 Type G, G2 & G3, 1929 350cc Type K, K2, K3 & 500cc Type H & H2
1929 probably the Type L competition machine

Motobecanes of the 1940s:
1947 Poney 50 Cyclomoteur
1947 D45A 125cc
1949 Mobylette
1949 Poney 60cc
1949 Z2C 175cc Mobysport
1949 R46C 350cc Grand Sport
More Motobecane 1940s-1960s

Mopeds include:
Motobecane 40T 1976-78
Motobecane 50V
and a large variety of Mobylette models.

'Moto' is French for motorcycle; 'bécane' is French slang or argot for 'bike'.

N.B. A Dutch site states, 'started their own modest company named Motobécane on 27 March 1923'

Sources: JLB Creations, Bourdache

Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus.
19-Oct-2020
motormike131 at netzero.net
1929 Motobecane Blackburne 550cc
I was surprised to discover my bike on this site. I imported it awhile ago and after nearly two years on my machinist motorcycle bench it's nearly ready to start. Parts for the engine do not exist.... as a result... various automotive components are used.
Mike Blackburn
Edina, Minnesota

  • Motobecane-1929-550cc-Blackburne-MBl.jpg posted to

    Go to comments
    Click the image for a clearer view.
    Login using FB, Twitter etc.

    .
03-Jun-2020
charlie at c4global.com
Motobecane
Greetings from Los Angeles! 23 years ago I purchased the attached motorcycle in Vietnam. The rather eccentric gentlemen I purchased it from told me it was probably a 1938 Motobecane (no markings on the bike) and that was likely used by the Postal service. But that's it. It has a Nervor motor and I assume a hodge-podge of spare parts were added over the years including the Dellorto Tipo F18 carb. Would you have any additional insights after looking at these photos? It does look similar to a Radior and I would love any additional info. The frame number is #9558 and the engine is Nervor #10418. Thank you so much! Charlie
Charlie Windisch-Graetz
Los Angeles, California
  • A second image shows 'Nervor' cast into the crankcase.
    Motobecane-1938c-Nervor-CWG-01.jpg posted to

    Go to comments
    Click the image for a clearer view.
    Login using FB, Twitter etc.

    .
31-May-2019
kevin at hughesretrosuperbikes.com
motobecane MB1 1922
hi i have a 1922 paperwork MB1 perfect condition museam quality with french docs for 1922 guessing super early version any clue on rough value
KEVIN HUGHES
GLASGOW
  • Try the page on Vintage Motorcycle Prices
07-Oct-2018
alanray756 at gmail.com
motobecane z56 c 125cc
Hi, have a amac carb 933 stamped on body win no main jet needle can you supply or advise were to purchase
Alan Ray
uk
  • Sorry, we don't sell parts. Try searching on 'amac carburettor' or similar.
11-Sep-2018
HAPPY-SKIPHIRE at GMAIL.COMBike
Motobecane z2c175
Hi have a bike with no paperwork all reg how do I get a logbook
Donald
Uk

Motobecane Mirage 1020

  • Try this page: Documentation
02-May-2018
steve at stevesautosalesinc.com
1960 motobecane sp50
SI am trying to find the value of a complete non running moped? serial number 461629
perhaps the model info is wrong it is a single cylinder copper in color any help you can give me would be appreciated thank you Steve also are parts available?
Steve Melroy
Sscottsbluff Nebraska 69361
  • Will add info to this page as it comes to hand: Engine Numbers and Frame Numbers
Sat, 07 Apr 2018
netman_48 at yahoo.com
Motobiscane 1979 50V
Looking for parts to restore 1979 50 V Motobiscane. Have parts book. Need magneto, coil,etc. Any help greatly appreciated.
C
Tracey, Ky USA
Wed, 04 Apr 2018
huskyduk at gmail.com
Motobecane B33 250
Hi there ,I'm currently restoring a b33 and I'm desperate for any info on engine parts . I've stripped the engine and I'm finding getting the timing gear off the crankshaft impossible,not sure if it screws on or is on a key way. Plus gears need replacing ,any ideas will be gratefully received. Thanks Richard.
Richard hilbert
Notts United Kingdom
Sun, 19 Nov 2017
mark.s.monty at gmail.com
Motobécane AB1 - 1939

Hi. I need some assistance in obtaining new tyres (600X65. 2.50-2.75/19) What type of oil and petrol ? A manual for the moto and electrical That's for starters. I'm sure there will be heaps more Cheers Monty
Mark Montgomery
Berkeley Vale/ NSW Australia

Thu Jul 13 2017
ptrbir at aol.com
Motobecane B44 magnetoMotobecane mirage bike
My B44 is missing the Novi magneto. Anyone have one dead or alive any condition?
UK

Sun May 28 2017
daved890 at gmail.com
motobecane/motoconfort k
i need help dating and parts please/engine number 71834
sheffield

  • Have you images of the machine you can share, any history of the bike, frame number perhaps? Admin.

I've got a bit of info no docks just been led to believe it around the late 20s motobecane or confort
It's not been in the country long. The number on the engine is 71834. Piston size is 60mm. Can't find a number on the frame. Where do I look
Do I restore fully or keep as is and ad to it
Thanks for mailing me hope to here from you soon.

  • The forks appear very similar to a 1929 Blackburne-engined model. Information on frame number location here. The machine appears to require restoration.

The c z on the frame stands for 'chez' which is the model type. I have a 4 stroke becane hand book from 1927 to 1984 I'm waiting for the 2 stroke becane confort hand book 21 to 84
I will let you know what info it gives me
As for acquiring info from the French government it is impossible
Not like dvla uk totally different
Thanks
Dave

Motobecane Mirage S Weight

Motobecane S5C 1938 & Imperial Sidecar
More images...

Tue Jan 17 2017
decreton.jean-paul at orange.fr

MOTOBECANE S5C 1938
It's a contribution, my bike is not for sale!
It is a set composed of a MOTOBECANE S5C of 1938 and a sidecar IMPERIAL T35 Grand Sport manufactured by Marmonnier in Lyon.
I can provide information on the production of the MOTOBECANE brand for the pre-war period and on models with 'Bloc S' engines.
Paris

Mon Aug 08 2016
paintboot at gmail.com
Motobecane Petrol tank
Motobecane MB1 circa 1923 onwards ? Motobecane MB1 circa 1926
Hi I am having a sort out of some of my old motorcycle bits recently, this petrol tank is a Motobecane 1920s but i can not find one with the identical badge that is on this tank, I was wondering if it can be identified by the badge which you can see is very finely hand painted, or if anyone would be interested in seeing it for their reference. In nice condition for its age no dents or rust I have considered selling it but not sure as it is a rather nice ornament at the moment.

Thank you
John Callaghan
london

Motobecane ca 1945-1947 D45 125cc, Pologne
More images...

Thu Jul 28 2016
chefluc at yahoo.com
date research
motobecane D45A
Hello I try to know the production year for this motor-bike
frame: 449920
motor: 450002
can you help
thnks
Pologne

Fri Jan 15 2016
Hanqual at yahoo.com
Kick starter and clutch for motobecane
Motobecane 250 Type E
I am looking for a clutch/transmission kick starter for this bike...any ideas?
Coronado, California


Wed Jul 15 2015
richjsheridan at yahoo.com
magneto access
Motobecane 50V
How do I access the magneto. Please provide details as to how to remove the magneto cover.
Trenton NJ. USA

Sat Feb 21 2015
antoterra at sapo.pt
Motobécane z23c 1961 value
1961-07-04 z23 c
Hi,
I have a motobécane z23c of 1961 (on pieces) and one person want to buy it, but I dont know how much that value. Can you help me with the price?
Thanks
Azores

Wed Feb 11 2015
rado38 at abv.bg
MOTOBECANE M1 TUM-143
Hello ! I have Motobecane M1 TUM-143 50cc. I wonder if you can help me with this problem. Well, when I am riding my motorcycle and everytime I brake it, it stop working. I thing it is something with the clutch. I hope you can help me withsending me some videos or photos 📷 whice will help me. Thank you!
Pazardzhik

Wed Apr 16 2014
mrfixit-1<at>btinternet.com
1947 pony
motobecane pony
Looking for ignition coils for 1945 pony. Can you help at all please
sussex England UK

Sat Mar 22 2014
BONNIEZEPP at YMAIL.COM
HOW TO FIND THE YEAR
MOTOBECANE MOBY
How can I tell what year my bike is?
Maryland

Mon Dec 02 2013
mamraultl<at>hotmail.com
Hydraulic Brake Lever/seal
Mobecan GT
looking for brake lever/seal for mobecane 1982
United Kingdom

Sat Sep 21 2013
sales<at>foskers.com
tank transfers
motobecane motobecane 175
please can we order 3 of the Motobecane tank transfers with the indians heads, how much are they, we need them shipped to the uk?
london

You will find suppliers of Motobecane logos listed at Bikelinks Badges & Decals

Wed Aug 28 2013

kay<at>keves.wanadoo.co.uk
Dating certificate Motobecane LT 125

Hi
Can you help me to find the date my LT 125 was manufactured please.
Swansea

Tue Apr 02 2013
zoe<at>thehorselaundry.co.uk
motobecane selling??
Motobecane sp93 sports 1973
I just put this bike on ebay thinking it was worth nothing but seems like its very popular i just wondered if you felt that i have done the correct thing or should i be looking to sell diferently?
wiltshire, uk

Mon Jul 09 2012
skipbert<at>embarqmail.com
owners manual
Ateliers Motobecane (motercycle) Type 50 - 1979
Need owners manual and repair manual
Alford, Florida USA

Wed Aug 08 2012
egidio.g<at>tiscali.it
Istruzioni
Motobecane Super Moby 50
Ho acquistato questo Motobecane del 1976. E' nuovo, mai circolato. Mi serve il manuale d'uso. Esempio: C'? un ugello per estate inverno, dove va installato?
Potenza
Italian

Fri Mar 09 2012
kitrv<at>aol.com
Frame Number
Motobecane AV3
Hi
I have a Motobecane needing regustered in the UK but unfortunately i cannot seem to locate the frame number on the bike, could you please point me in the right direction to find the chasis number. It is the twin down tube typemodel.
Many thanks
Trevor
Northern Ireland

Tue Feb 07 2012
artemiza1313<at> yahoo.com
need parts
motobecane 50cc 1970
I need ..plato de pedales.. y centrifuga de la polea del motor
Bogota, Colombia

For earlier messages see Motobecane Message Archive

If you have a query about Motobecane please contact us


Motobecane Motorcycles


City Coast Motorcycles

Triumph, BMW, & Kawasaki Sales Spares & Repairs.
Established for over 40 years and run by expert motorcyclists.
Fully authorised workshop.