MotoBi | MotorCycle News

Benelli MotoBi 250 Sport Special

With Phil Aynsley

MotoBi was established in 1948 by the eldest of the six Benelli brothers, Giuseppe, after a disagreement saw him split from the family company. After his death in 1957 the MotoBi company’s fortunes declined and it was absorbed back into Benelli in 1961, although the MotoBi name continued to be used for some of its more sporting models up until 1973.

The 250 Sport Special was the last Benelli/MotoBi to use Piero Prampolini’s famous “egg” engine, introduced in 1956. Over 2000 wins in 125, 175 and 250 classes over the years meant that the design had a serious reputation! The bike was released at the end of 1968 initially only as a MotoBi model but soon came to be badged as a Benelli. Both 125 and 250cc versions were available with only the colour schemes differentiating them.

Early in 1971 the “second series” was released. Of more modern appearance, it featured a new Marzocchi front fork, higher rise bars and monotone colour schemes. Nearly all Sport Specials from this time were sold as Benellis.

The “third series” was debuted at the Milan Show in November of ’71 and had a smaller tank with a chrome strip running along its bottom, new seat, chromed headlight shell and new instruments. The motor received a small visual makeover with the cylinder head fins being squared off at the front.

Sport Special production finished in 1973 with about 20,000 being built. Of those 70 per cent were 125s and about 80 per cent marketed as Benellis. Output was 16.5 hp at 7500rpm, with a dry weight of 108 kg. The Sport Special had a top speed of 140 km/h. The bike seen here is a ‘series three’ model.

Source: MCNews.com.au

1956 MotoBi 175 Catria MSDS

Moto Sportive Derivate della Serie (MSDS) junior racer model

With Phil Aynsley

MotoBi was established in 1948 by the eldest of the six Benelli brothers, Giuseppe, after a disagreement saw him split from the family company.

MotobiPA Motobi — Here’s MotoBi’s first four-stroke the Catria, which came in 125 and 175 versions

After his death in 1957 the MotoBi company’s fortunes declined and it was absorbed into Benelli in 1961, although the MotoBi name continued to be used for some of the company’s sporting models – right up to 1973.

The Catria (in both 125cc and 175cc sizes) was 1956 and the 175 Catria and was released in 1955. 200cc and 250cc versions soon followed.

The distinctive OHV motor (which became known as the “power egg”) was designed by Piero Prampolini who later went on to design the 1972 Benelli 500/4 GP bike. All the various versions of the Catria used a pressed steel spine frame.

The 1956 175 Catria seen here is a MSDS (Moto Sportive Derivate della Serie) model. MSDS was a Formula 3 category for Junior class riders, a fiercely contested series, both by the riders and manufacturers.