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 Motobécane (Motoconfort) - 350 R 4 C (M 4 C)
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Motobécane (Motoconfort) R 4 C (M 4 C) motocyclette motorrad motorcycle vintage classic classique scooter roller moto scooter
Photo ou archives : F-M. Dumas
7319

Capacity : 350
Model : R 4 C (M 4 C)
Production : 1934 - 1938
Category : (R) Street Bike

MOTOBÉCANE

350 R4C - 1935

Own-make engine

An important year for the twin marques from Pantin (Paris), Motobécane and Motoconfort, was 1930. After having fitted four-stroke Blackburne engines, they decided to free themselves of their dependence on a British supplier.

Unit Construction

Showing a certain technical awareness, they opted for a unit-constructed engine rather than for the traditional separate engine and gearbox layout. This was the Motobécane "B" unit (coded "T" for Motoconfort), built in 250,350 and 500cc side- and overhead-valve capacities. They were joined the following year by a 175cc side-valve engine. The 500 B5C "Grand Sport," with dual exhaust pipes and a four-valve head, was top of the range. There were also two four-cylinder models, the 500cc B5 and 750cc B7.

Wider Range

At the 1933 Paris Salon, the "B" engines were joined by the "S" units ("M" for Motoconfort), an improved design – particularly in regard to lubrication, which used a constant-level system with an oil tank and float incorporated in the power unit. This engine powered the side-valve 350cc R4 and overhead-valve R4C in 1934. The "S" engine was also available in 250 and 500cc side- and overhead-valve form as well as a four-valve version on the R4C "Grand Sport." As for the gearbox, it had just three speeds, with either a shift lever on the tank or a foot-selector at the front of the unit. In 1935, the power unit was also available with four speeds. Its career ended in 1948, with the famed 350 R46C "Superculasse."

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: 350cc (70x90mm) air-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke; constant-level lubrication; magneto ignition

Valves: overhead

Fuel System: carburetor

Transmission: 3-speed, hand- or foot-shift; chain final drive

Suspension: girder forks (front); rigid (rear)

Brakes: drum (front & rear)

Wheels: 26x3.50 inch (front & rear)

Weight: 265 lb

Maximum Speed: 59 mph

The R4C was a good-looking bike, with its cleanly-designed unit-constructed engine and "tongues of flame" paint job.




Le fichier Moto Passion réalisé par François-Marie Dumas réunit près de deux mille photos accompagnées d'un historique très complet des machines présentées.
Il sera progressivement mis à jour ici et toute information complémentaire est la bienvenue sur info@moto-collection.org.

Cette documentation unique, qui constitue sans doute l'encyclopédie la plus exhaustive jamais écrite sur l'histoire de la moto, a été réalisée avec l'assistance de nombreux spécialistes dont principalement Didier Ganneau, Christophe Gaime, Mick Woollett, Jean Goyard, Bernard Salvat, Christian Rey, Yves Campion, Helmut Krackowizer, Michael Dregni, Michel Montange, etc. que je remercie ici.

Disponible sur demande :
- Les fiches originales sur papier
- Les photos et archives signées de mon nom en haute définition ou les documents originaux.
Me contacter sur info@moto-collection.org pour les conditions et droits d'utilisation.