MBA

125cc GP - 1981

A joining of two famous names

MBA was teamwork at its peak. The name stood for Morbidelli-Benelli Armi, the joined forces of the two famous motorcycle makers, based in Pesaro, Italy. Benelli's roots stretched back to the pioneering days of motorcycling whereas Morbidelli's days began in 1969 – but many trophies had been showered on the small race shop in that short time. Giancarlo Morbidelli ran a factory that built woodworking machinery; in the rear of the factory was a small workshop from which a long series of championship two-stroke racing motorcycles emerged.

Creation of a Third Make

Benelli had shared its facilities in Pesaro with Morbidelli, allowing the small works access to its race shop, foundry, and more. Thus, many a Morbidelli appeared at the race circuits of Europe bearing a Benelli decal as well as that of Morbidelli. In 1976, the two firms created a third motorcycle marque, MBA. Under this new banner, Benelli would produce production racer versions of the Morbidelli machines and offer them for sale to privateer customers.

125cc and 250cc Models

The two greatest MBA models to come forth from the Morbidelli and Benelli workshops were the 125cc rotary-induction two-stroke and a 250cc version. Armed with these racers, many a young Italian rider learned his way around a racetrack on a racing cycle as good as any the works teams were running. You bought an MBA, turned the ignition key, and just added riding skills – it was a simple formula for success.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: 124.68cc (44x41 mm) water-cooled twin cylinder two-stroke

Power Rating: 44 hp at 14,200 rpm

Valves: rotary disc two-cycle induction

Fuel System: Mikuni carburetors

Transmission: 6-speed gearbox

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

Brakes: twin discs front; single disc rear

Wheels: 1.85.x18 inch (front); 2.15x18 inch (rear)

Weight: 175 lb

Maximum Speed: 135 mph

The 125cc rotary-induction two-stroke twin-cylinder MBA racer was ready to race straight from the crate.