1951 Motobecane D45S 125cc sidevalve project

I am selling this tidy Motobecane D45S project. It obviously requires some work but is a very sound bike and will be an unusual bike in the UK once finished.

Motobecane was one of the biggest and longest lives motorbike manufacturers in France. The company was formed in the Pantin region on the outskirts of Paris in the Rue Beaurepaire and the first bike produced was the 175cc MB1  which was a huge success and allowed the company to expand enormously towards the end of the 1920`s. The company produced a large and diverse range of bikes during the 1930`s  ranging from the 60cc Poney to a  500cc in line 4 cylinder bike. After the war the company introduced the D45. A 125cc bike developed from the pre war  100cc AB1 sidevalve bike. It sold in huge numbers and was by far the biggest selling 125cc bike in France for a decade. It had a reputation for reliability. economy and rideablity. Even now these bikes are popular with enthusiasts for classic bike runs. This means that parts for these bikes are plentiful and reasonably priced. I can give the winning bidder the details of a specialist company in France who carry almost every part for these bikes.

This particular bike dates from 1951 and is one of the last built with rigid forks. This gives it a nice period look with the hand gear change and rigid rear end. The paintwork is an older restoration from the 1980`s and looks pretty good. It has a few marks and scratches as you would expect after 25 years of barn storage. It could be used as an oily rag bike or fully restored.

Mechanically the engine turns over with compression but is missing some parts of the kick start mechanism. An interesting feature of these bikes is the hand and foot clutch which is all working. This was intended to make pulling away easier! Being one of the last of this model the bike is fitted with a headlamp mounted speedo.

The parts I can see that are missing are the chain and a few parts of the kick start mechanism and lever. The good news is that many of the parts that are often missing or broken are fine such as the headlamp glass and rear light. I do have a number of spare parts and a complete engine for this bike that I will give to the winning bidder. A nice feature of this bike is the optional pillion seat which is sprung and has a grab handle.

The bike obviously needs work and some parts but is a very sound and worthwhile project for someone.

The original number plate from the town of Nevers. near Magny Cours in Central France is in place although there is no log book with the bike. I will supply a French cession de vehicle certificate and receipt  in French and English to assist with registering in the UK.

This bike is already in the UK and is available for viewing in the Worthing area on the south coast by arrangement with my friend Malcolm. Please call him on 07803086765 to arrange to view the bike. Delivery is possible please call Malcolm for a price before the end of the auction.

Payment is by cash on collection or by cleared sterling cheque or bank transfer if you are having the bike delivered.

Also published at eBay.com