MOTOBECANE

175 Z 22 C - 1955

France's most popular bike in the Fifties

The French rediscovered the consumer market in the mid-Fifties, to the rhythms of a culture feeling sexy again after the bad years following World War II. The popular little bikes built by companies like Velosolex and Motobécane sold by the hundred thousand, and the typical French motorcycle became a small-to-medium-displacement machine.

Mass-Market Motorbikes

At the time, there were some 2.7 million cyclemotors and 1.85 million motorcycles and scooters registered in France, to which were added each month around 5000 bikes built by Motobecane-Motoconfort. Specializing since its foundation in 1922 in mass-market motorbikes, the Parisian firm brought out its first new postwar overhead-valve 125 cc model in 1947. It was the Z 46 C, its engine distinguished by a handsome side-plate in polished aluminum, which remained a recognizable feature of the marque right up to the last 125/175cc four-strokes of 1960.

Deluxe Model

The first 175cc Z-series bike, the Z 2 C, appeared in 1948, with the marque's first telescopic front forks; it was joined in 1953 by a deluxe version, the Z 22 C, with large- section mudguards and bigger cooling fins on the cylinder. It also had more efficient lubrication by pump and a 6-inch rear brake drum. In its final (1955) incarnation, it had the big chromed tank that would remain on its more luxurious successor, the Z 23 C Mobysuper 56. A tandem saddle and luggage rack were optional extras.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: 174 cc (56x71mm) single cylinder four-stroke ·

Power Rating: 8.5 hp @ 5800 rpm

Valves: overhead pushrod

Fuel System: carburetor

Transmission: 4-speed, chain final drive

Suspension: (front) telescopic forks; (rear) rigid swinging

Brakes: (front) 5in drums/ (rear) 6in drums

Wheels: 19in wire

Weight: 232 lb

Maximum Speed: 68 mph

In 1955, the Z 22 C was the most luxurious Motobecane model, costing 182,000 francs against 157,000 francs for the standard Z 22 C (and 50,000 francs for a moped!).