Description
Derbi’s origins began with a little bicycle workshop in the village of Mollet near Barcelona, founded in 1922 by Simeó Rabasa i Singla. The focus remained the repair and hire of bicycles until May 1944 when Rabasa formed a limited liability company named Bicycletas Rabasa with the aim of moving into manufacturing bicycles. The venture proved very successful and in 1946, supported by its profits, work began on a motorized version. More moped than motorcycle, this first model, the 48cc SRS included plunger rear suspension, and a motorcycle type gas tank and exhaust system. The SRS proved so successful it prompted a change in the company’s direction, and on November 7, 1950, the company changed its name to the Nacional Motor SA. Just prior to this, at that summer’s Barcelona Trade Fair, the company unveiled its first real motorcycle, the Derbi 250.
Derbi successfully competed in Grand Prix motorcycle racing, winning 50cc world championships in 1969, 1970 and 1972. When the 50cc class was increased to an 80cc displacement in 1984, Derbi would claim four consecutive world championships between 1986 and 1989.
While most popular overseas, there were rare but official US imports and were titled as 49cc (scooters in most states) like the foreign versions. However, US spec bikes came straight from the factory with the larger EBE075 motors and can do 70+ mph. These are more like mini sport bikes. Light, simple, yet really trick little pocket-rockets with features you wouldn’t expect as twin-spar steel frame, Showa inverted fork, rising-rate-linked Showa mono shock, front and rear disc brakes with steel-braided lines, full fairing, oil-injection, electric start, and a six-speed transmission.
This example is VIN: VTHGR1A1A4H255783. The seller purchased the bike five years ago from a private party out of Claremont, California, and states, “I bought it for future restoration but have too many projects at the moment. Must let this gem go to finish up other bikes.”
During his ownership, the seller has covered approximately five miles. The odometer shows 146 miles.
Maintenance:
Per the seller, “Carb clean, new petcock valve, and battery to get it running. Cluster gauges flickering off and on…headlights and turn signals comes on and off.”
Modifications:
According to the seller, the bike is stock.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Vee Rubber tires which have aged out.
The sale includes two keys.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
“It has scratches, broken mirrors and levers.”
Currently located in Torrance, California this Derbi is offered on a Bill of Sale only. Have any GPR 50 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
