Mondial 125 Bialbero GP Racer

Mondial 125 Bialbero GP Racer

With Phil Aynsley


F.B. Mondial had its origins with the F.B. company (Fratelli Boselli / Boselli Brothers) founded in 1929 by Giuseppe Boselli – who was earlier involved with GD and CM motorcycle companies, together with his three brothers.

Bialbero PA Mondial
Mondial 125 Bialbero GP Racer

They manufactured three-wheeled delivery vehicles up until the factory was destroyed in WWII. In 1948 Giuseppe purchased an advanced DOHC 125cc single designed by Alfonso Drusiani and soon after hired him to run the new racing department.

Bialbero PA Mondial
The DOHC 125cc single proved a winner

Bialbero PA Mondial

Drusiani’s design was to prove quite a milestone in the small capacity class.

Bialbero PA Mondial
The 125cc single actually went on to enormous racing success!

Prior to the war (and in its immediate aftermath) two-strokes from manufacturers such as DKW, MV Agusta and Morini dominated the class; so the appearance of DOHC (Bialbero) motor from a “truck” company certainly caused a stir!

Bialbero PA Mondial
Francesco Lama debuted the bike in 1948

The bike had actually debuted at the previous year’s Italian GP, held at Faenza, ridden by former Italian 500cc champion Francesco Lama. He set the fastest lap before retiring with a mechanical fault.

Bialbero PA Mondial
Nello Pagani actually won the 125 championship in 1949, the first proper year of racing

Bialbero PA Mondial

1949 was the inaugural year of the FIM World Championships and Mondial’s rider Nello Pagani won the 125 class with two wins and a 5th place (only three rounds run).

Bialbero PA Mondial
Bruno Ruffo, Gianni Leoni and Calo Ubbiali would claim the top three positions in the 125 class in 1950

Bialbero PA Mondial

1950 saw the top three places in the championship go to Mondial riders – Bruno Ruffo, Gianni Leoni and Calo Ubbiali, all with a win apiece.

Bialbero PA Mondial
Success continued in 1951

Bialbero PA Mondial

1951 saw a repeat performance, this time with Ubbiali followed by Gianni Leoni and Cromie McCandless. Six of the top ten places went to Mondial riders. Ubbiali followed up with second place in the 1952 championship.

Bialbero PA Mondial
Mondial 125 Bialbero GP Racer

Bialbero PA Mondial

The bike seen here is one of only three 125 Bialbero GP bikes known to exist and is thought to be Ubbiali’s 1951 machine (also his mount in ’52). It is in original, unrestored condition.

Bialbero PA Mondial
Mondial 125 Bialbero GP Racer

Bialbero PA Mondial
Mondial 125 Bialbero GP Racer

The Mondial 125 Bialbero GP racer produced 12hp at 9000rpm and was good for a top speed over 130km/h.

Bialbero PA Mondial
Mondial 125 Bialbero GP Racer

Bialbero PA Mondial

Source: MCNews.com.au

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *