Motobécane Motorcycles and Mopeds: Illustrated History Books & Guides

Motobécane - La Mobylette universelle

The Mobylette is an iconic vehicle, with fourteen million units produced, many of which are still in use today.
After an introduction to Motobécane, founded in 1923 and now MBK, this book traces the history of the Mobylette from 1949 to the present. In addition to historical facts and detailed model descriptions, it shares stories of the people who designed and built this legendary moped.
A richly illustrated photo album with rare documents offers insight into the manufacturing process and life in the factories of Pantin and Saint-Quentin.
Finally, a technical section provides restoration tips from the original workshop manual, along with lessons from the Motobécane school for those looking to restore their Mobylette.

Product details

Author:	Patrick Barrabès
Details:	240 pages, 10.25 x 10.25 x 0.91 in (26 x 26 x 2.3 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	many b&w and color photos
Language:	French
Publisher:	Sophia Éditions (F, 2024)
ISBN:	9782385140892

Motobécane, l'album du siècle

Immerse yourself in a captivating retrospective of the Motobécane and Motoconfort models through this album. Each meticulously selected photo exhumes these photographic treasures from the obscurity of their long-closed albums, allowing us to relive, in their context, moments of life marked by sadness or joy.
Images freezing a soldier in uniform, an elegant young girl, a newborn with his mother on his father's 500, or even a mechanical breakdown, captured under the spotlights of a studio or bathed in the sunshine of Provence, invite us to follow these protagonists in their daily lives.

This Motobécane journey offers an immediate journey through a century of slices of life in France, sometimes even to the ends of the earth. The album thus offers an evocative dive into the history of these emblematic two-wheelers.

Product details

Author:	Patrick Barrabès
Details:	160 pages, 11.6 x 9.7 x 0.75 in (29.5 x 24.5 x 1.9 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	extensively illustrated
Language:	French
Publisher:	Sophia Éditions (F, 2023)
ISBN:	9782385140328

Motobécane, le catalogue du siècle

The result of many years of research, "Motobécane, le catalogue du siècle" traces the history of the brand with the head of Gauls from its beginnings on rue Beaurepaire in Pantin. Illustrated with carefully selected advertising documents, this veritable "catalogue of catalogues" allows you to identify each model, date it and discover its evolution.

Like a transmission chain, each model (or model family) meshes with the next, revealing the entire Motobécane production: from the brand's beginnings to the Rouvroy factory where the MBKs are now made, not forgetting global production.

Product details

Author:	Patrick Barrabès
Details:	160 pages, 11.8 x 9.7 x 0.79 in (30 x 24.5 x 2 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	250 b&w and color photos
Language:	French
Publisher:	Sophia Éditions (F, 2023)
ISBN:	9782385140113

Motobecane, la course en quatre temps

Well known since its beginnings in 1923 for its everyday motorcycles, Motobécane nevertheless has the demon of racing. The factory was heavily involved during the post-war period with a real Racing department.
During these years, the Bloc S appeared, born from Ernst Drucker's slide rule and Géo Ham's pencil stroke. Available from 250 to 600 cm³, it would win everything: the Bol d'Or several times, the French championship, Paris-Les Pyrénées-Paris...

Despite the dark years of the war during which the brand officially withdrew from racing, real champions would emerge and surround the brand's logo with laurels. Agents firmly established in the heart of French cities or local mechanics, they prepare a Motobécane four-stroke, the essential "Z", with the means at hand, mutual aid, and a little talent to finish a Bol d'Or!
Although sport, at Motobécane, is synonymous with circuit or open road racing, the four-strokes, from the 125 to the 350 twin, face all terrains: the track of course, but also the quagmires of trial courses, the bumps of cross courses and the impossible courses of enduro.

This book is not just a history book: it offers a bit of technique and the evolution of motorcycles, but you will especially come across stories of men, those of these talented pilots, preparers and mechanics who have dedicated their lives to the service of the Pantin firm by associating a... stopwatch!

Product details

Author:	Patrick Barrabès
Details:	192 pages, 10.25 x 10.25 x 0.79 in (26 x 26 x 2 cm), paperback
Illustrations:	450 b&w and color photos
Language:	French
Publisher:	ETAI (F, 2021)
ISBN:	9791028304379

Motobécane, les deux temps 1921-1984

The history of Motobécane is closely linked to the industrial growth of the twentieth century. This technical and human story led the workshop founded in 1923 to become a world leader.

This book follows the development of Motobécane two-stroke models from the beginning to the end of the brand. It covers motorcycles of the 1920s, scooters of the 1950s, cyclosport and 350 cc machines of the 1970s, racing bikes, and Grand Prix models. Special attention is given to the Mobylette, a key symbol of post-war France.

The book also looks at lesser-known products such as small cars and leisure equipment. With a clear model timeline, restoration advice, and anecdotes, it reflects a French way of life throughout the twentieth century.

Product details

Author:	Patrick Barrabès
Details:	192 pages, 10 x 10 in (25.5 x 25.5 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	400 b&w and color photos
Language:	French
Publisher:	ETAI (F, 2019)
ISBN:	9791028303358

Motobécane, les quatre-temps

Motobécane is the brand behind the iconic Mobylette, which became a global symbol with over fourteen million units sold. It also offers a range of motorcycles equipped with four-stroke engines.

From the English JAP and Blackburn engines to the famous D45, as well as the small 125 cm³ single-cylinder with side valves, the brand covers a wide variety of models. Whether it's the popular "poum-poum" bikes or exceptional machines like the four-cylinder 750 and the 500 Bloc S Grand Sport, Motobécane represents the diversity and excellence of French motorcycle production.

Pages of the book "Motobécane, les quatre-temps"

Motobécane's motorcycles range from 50 to 750 cm³, catering to everything from leisurely rides to sports, speed, trial, and endurance. These motorcycles are found in numerous rallies and are highly sought after by collectors.

With extensive research and previously unseen images, the author offers an album that goes beyond the Motobécane workshops.

Product details

Author:	Patrick Barrabès
Details:	192 pages, 10 x 10 in (25.5 x 25.5 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	400 b&w and color photos
Language:	French
Publisher:	ETAI (F, 2019)
ISBN:	9791028303730

Motobécane, cycles et motos de France

This book traces the history of Ateliers de la Motobécane in Pantin from 1923 to 2003, during which the company became one of the world's largest manufacturers.

It covers all productions: bicycles, motor-assisted bicycles, motorcycles from 100 to 750 cm³, aircraft engines, and the famous Mobylette, produced in fourteen million units.

Designed to tell the industrial story of the brand, this guide helps collectors date their models accurately and place them in historical context.
The model chronology, numerous period photographs, and anecdotes, along with restoration tips, provide more than a historical account: they reflect a French way of life throughout the twentieth century.

Product details

Author:	Patrick Barrabès
Details:	288 pages, 12.2 x 9.25 in (31 x 23.5 cm), hardback
Illustrations:	598 b&w and color photos
Language:	French
Publisher:	ETAI (F, 2018)
Series:	Héritage
ISBN:	9791028302542