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 Motobécane - 500 R 5 C side Bernardet
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Motobécane R 5 C  side Bernardet motocyclette motorrad motorcycle vintage classic classique scooter roller moto scooter
Photo ou archives : F-M. Dumas
8504

Capacity : 500
Model : R 5 C side Bernardet
Production : 1934 - 1936
Category : (R) Street Bike

MOTOBÉCANE

500 RS & S5C - 1935

Birth of industrial design

The arrival in 1934 of the unit-constructed Motobécane S was intended to correct the

faults of the unit-constructed "B" machine launched in 1930: dubious oil-tightness, hit-and-miss lubrication and outdated styling.

Successful Career

It reached its target, and the S range of 250, 350 and 500cc bikes with either overhead- or side-valves enjoyed a steady career during an uncertain period for the motorcycle.

Styled by Géo Ham

Launched just after new designs from Peugeot and Chaise, the B suffered from its old-fashioned appearance. Conscious of this handicap, the management took the uncommon step of calling in an industrial designer – famed motoring artist Géo Ham, who cleaned up the functional creation of the engineers and gave it style. The result was a clean, sleek bike with much-improved oil-tightness due to a rotary pressure-release valve driven off the magneto gearing. The cycle part – number plate, illuminated license plate, tank trim, knee-grips and muffler – benefited from Ham's talents, and the aesthetic result was favorably received by the market. Launched in 1934 as a three-speeder, the S unit initially powered seven models: the 350 and 500 side-valve "Grand Tourisme," the ohv 250, 350 and 500cc "Grand Luxe," and the 350 and 500cc "Grand Sport" with four overhead-valves; the only models with a foot-shift. A year later came a four-speed with a selector-pedal, standard on the ohv 500cc S5C and optional across the line, which gained a side-valve 250 but lost its ohv 250.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: 493cc (80x98mm) air-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke; Novi magneto

Power Rating: 15 or 22 hp

Valves: side (R5) or overhead (S5C)

Fuel System: carburetor

Transmission: 3-speed hand- or foot-shift (optional) or 4-speed selector pedal; multiplate oil-bath clutch; gear primary, chain final drive

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

Brakes: drum (front & rear)

Wheels: 19 inch (front & rear)

Weight: 309 lb (R5); 331 lb (S5C)

Maximum Speed: 60 mph (RS); 78 mph (S5C)

Industrial design was still a novel concept in 1934, when Motobécane hired top automotive illustrator Géo Ham to design its new R and S models.





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.