1955 Motobi 250cc Spring Lasting Sport
Frame no. 720191 Engine no. 720191

The Summer Sale - LIVE AND ONLINE - BICESTER HERITAGE|16 August 2020, 10:00 BST|Bicester, Bicester Heritage

1955 Motobi 250cc Spring Lasting Sport
Frame no. 720191
Engine no. 720191

The now-defunct Italian manufacturer Motobi is closely related to Benelli. In 1949 the eldest of the six Benelli brothers, Giuseppe, left 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. The Spring Lasting was powered by Motobi's trademark egg-shaped engine, in this Sport version's case a 250cc two-stroke twin. The latter produced 13.5bhp, which was sufficient to propel the 110kg (242lb) machine to a top speed of 130km/h (80mph). This machine is believed to be an older restoration by the Morbidelli Museum. There are no documents with this Lot.

Footnotes

As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.

Saleroom notices

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Additional information

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12 August 2020, 13:00 - 17:00 BST

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N	NOVA declaration
	If purchased by a UK resident, this machine is subject to a NOVA declaration, whilst the responsibility of submitting the NOVA rests with the Buyer to do so, Bonhams will facilitate the process by engaging an agent (SHIPPIO) to undertake the NOVA and C88 (customs) application if applicable on the Buyer's behalf. A fee of £350 + VAT to do so will be added to the Buyer's invoice.