MOTOBÉCANE

350 twin L4C - 1959

The limits of a clever trick

Motobécane showed its first twin-cylinder at the 1947 Paris Salon; it was a 350cc 60-degree longitudinal V-twin. Modern and interesting, the machine had an all-aluminum power unit with twin carburetors. Sadly for Motobécane, the bike was unequal to the challenge from its English rivals and the French marque decided to concentrate on its traditional lightweight models rather than undertake an expensive assault against superior opposition.

Narrow-Angle V-Twin

All the same, Motobécane needed to replace the 500 single derived from the prewar Superculasse and came up with the curious L4C. At first glance it looked like a single, for Motobécane had created a narrow-angle V-twin which had a single cylinder block and head. By taking advantage of this offset, Motobécane succeeded in obtaining two parallel cylinders, resulting in substantial cost-saving in production and a light, compact block.

Clever Tricks

It was a clever trick – but it had its drawbacks. The L4C tended to overheat oddly, it was the rear cylinder which was better cooled! – and the single carburettor limited the maximum power as much as it drank gasoline. There was only sliding, plunger suspension. Sales were poor – just 1390 units – so the Pantin factory decided against investing in production facilities for a modified version.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: 345cc (56x70mm) air-cooled tandem twin four-stroke

Power Rating: 18 h@ 6100 rpm

Valves: overhead

Fuel System: 25mm carburetor

Transmission: 4-speed; enclosed chain final drive

Suspension: telescopic forks (front); sliding plunger (rear)

Brakes: drum (front & rear)

Wheels: 3.25x18 inch

Weight: 309 lb

Maximum Speed: 76 mph

Launched in December 1953, finished in brown and beige, the L4C was available until 1960 in either putty color or a more becoming black paint scheme.