The Mobylette is in the beginning, a model and a registered trademark of Cyclomoteur from Motobécane (MBK following its repurchase by Yamaha); in the language running it became the name given to the auto-cycles with chain and variable speed transmission to belt.

The invention, in 1949, of the " Mobylette" will return to Sirs Charles Benoît, founder and leader of Motobécane, and Eric Jaulmes, director of the research department. The first model will be sold under name " Av3" Mobylette;. Already a few front years, engineer Marcel Morel from Monet-Goyon had made a study on a auto-cycle of 49cc which will not be retained by its direction. The first model will be sold under name " Av3" Mobylette;.

It became, with the Vélosolex, a popular two-wheeled vehicle in France, Années 1960 with the Années 1990.

In the years 1970, the model more the current was the AV88 called usually the “blue one”, that the young people liked to modify to have better performances (cylinder C52, cylinder head doubles bump, Carburateur Gurtner 15mm, pot of relaxation, small handlebar, mudguard out of aluminum…).

During a time, Motobécane was the largest producer of two-wheeled vehicles motorized of the world thanks to this model.

Its nicknames are multiple, such as “raft”, “grinding stone”, “billet”, “Pétrolette”, “Coffee cup”, “john” and especially “mob”.

The “nickname” of Mobylette especially came from the model 88 of Motobécane which equipped several generations. It then evolved/moved with the engine much more modern of 51v (AV10 with admission by valves), conceived by engineer Bidalot, under the name of 881.

Technology

It is always about a Moteur 2 times of 49,9 cm.

At the beginning, the engine was in direct catch on the driving belt. In 1951, appeared a centrifugal clutch making it possible to preserve the engine works from there to the stop, and thus a lighting the night. Then about the middle of the Fifties appeared the clutch " double-effect; dimoby" allowing to start again without pedalling after an engine stoppage moving. Absent from the first models, the Variator speed which functions thanks to counterweight which presses on the cheek of the variator which makes assemble the belt and draws the engine backwards quickly became the standard transmission. In the same way the last models have a more powerful electronic ignition and requiring less maintenance than lighting with interrupters of the less recent models.

Starting is done thanks to pedals or by kick on certain more recent models because the regulation of the time obliged operation “bicycle” of the auto-cycle. On the other hand the last models, like the 51 Hard rock, the Racing Magnum or at Peugeot the 103 RCX/SPX had a starting by kick thanks to a system of nut notched on the crankshaft with the level of lighting on MBK51 or by pinions on the pulley on Peugeot RCX/SPX.

Two models (Motobécane 99Z and 95 TT) were equipped with a device of compressor, using a technology of against-piston with weak race. This same engine, profiting from a very high couple for the cubic capacity will be provided to manufacturers of carriers without license.

One can deplore the fact that the muffler is fixed at the cylinder by a system of nut with a screw pitch relatively fine and fragile, although this detail is only awkward to mount pots of relaxation; the problem is now solved, the new engines are with support: the exhausts are fixed with two nuts.

Famous models

At Motobécane:
  • Gray the
  • Blue (88) the
  • the Cauldron (89)
  • Special the 98
  • TT (cross-country)
  • the 99Z
  • Cady
  • the Mobyx (x1 then x7)
  • 7
  • the magnum racing xr
At Peugeot:
  • 101
  • 102
  • 103
  • 104
  • 105
  • BB at speeds

Other models of luxury at speeds:

  • Kreidler Florett
  • Zundapp ks50
  • Gipsy Testi

External bonds

  • Photographs of Mobylette

  • Motobécane Club of France

Random links:Macintosh 68k | Collect | Georges Lacombe | Parliamentary leader | Eddie Jones (basketball)