MOTOBÉCANE

D55 Sport & TT - 1974

Nice but too late

For 30 years, Motobécane was the prime beneficiary of the extraordinary development of the cyclemotor. In its many forms, from utility to luxury, fitted with automatic clutches and often a variable pulley transmission, the Mobylette made the fortune for the Pantin firm. In 1974, it sold over 600,000 bikes to become the world's biggest producer of 50cc machines.

Scaled-Down Motorbikes

During the 1960s, the vital youth market became enamored of the sporty 50cc machines from Italy. These were real scaled-down motorbikes, with unit-constructed engines and two-, three- or four-speed transmissions, dropped handlebars, racing tanks and dual seats.

Too Late, Too Costly

Motobécane woke up to the trend far too late, launching the D55 in 1974 when the market was dying. With an aluminium cylinder, five-speed transmission, double-cradle frame and hydraulic disc front brake, this stylish mini-racer was right up to the minute, though the compulsory fitting of pedaling gear (in France, such machines could legally be ridden by 14-year-olds without a drivers license) rather spoiled the effect. In 1977, Motobécane moved into the niche market of off-roading by modifying the D55 and calling it the "TT." With a redesigned frame and front fork, raised, braced handlebars, high-level exhaust and big wheels (21 inch at the front, 18 inch at the rear) shod with knobbly tires, the TT really looked great. But its pricing was ludicrously high.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: 49.9cc (39x41.8mm) air-cooled inclined single-cylinder

Power Rating: 2.6 hp @ 6000 rpm

Valves: two-stroke

Fuel System: carburetor

Transmission: 5-speed foot shift, chain final drive; pedal start

Suspension: telescopic forks (front); swing arm (rear)

Brakes: hydraulic disc (front); drum (rear)

Wheels: wire (front & rear)

Weight: 154 lb

Maximum Speed: 28 mph

The D55 Sport (1974) and D55 TT (1977) looked good, but their speed was restricted by law and they arrived too late to catch the market trends.