Photo ou archives : P. Curtet
3504
MALLON
250cc Motoball - 1992
A bizarre sporting activity
A shotgun wedding of motorcycling and football, motoball is a pure spectator sport. It uses specially prepared machines, and is played on a football field between two five-man teams consisting of a goalkeeper (on foot), a back and three forwards. The leather ball is 15.75 inches in diameter and weighs 2 lb. The rules are identical to soccer but without off-sides, and there's a safety zone around the goalkeeper. The ball is played with the feet and must not be handled.
A Little-Known Sport
Motoball has existed since 1926. The main participating nations are the Commonwealth of Independent States (with almost 200 clubs), Bulgaria, Germany, Belgium, Holland and France (which has won the European Cup five times since it was created in 1964). Often regarded as no more than a fairground attraction, this authentic – though bizarre – sport remains almost unknown outside its devoted circle of followers.
Unorthodox Control Layout
The Mallon, built by a German craftsman, is the benchmark mount. The very low frame is characterized by its little 18 inch front wheel, the various tubular protection bars and its very tight turning circle. The engine is an air-cooled Rotax 250cc (the maximum allowed). As to the controls, there's a brake pedal for each foot as well as a brake lever on the handlebars. To the classic control layout are added an extra pair of levers that on the right are used to go up through the four-speed gearbox, and on the left to change down. On top of all that, the rider has to remember to kick the ball!
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine: 250cc air-cooled Rotax single-cylinder
Power Rating: over 35 hp
Valves: two-stroke; rotary intake valve
Fuel System: carburetor
Transmission: 4-speed (only 1st and 2nd normally used); chain final drive
Suspension: telescopic forks (front); swing arm with twin spring/dampers (rear)
Brakes: drum (front & rear)
Wheels: 18 inch trials type (front & rear)
Weight: 198 lb (maximum allowed 287 lb)
Maximumm Speed: 50 mph
Motoball is probably the fastest of all ball games, with players reaching 50 mph on the field. It is also virile, very high-tech – and very obscure.