Derbi
 | |
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Powersports |
| Founded | 1922 |
| Founder | Simeó Rabasa i Singla |
| Headquarters | , Spain |
| Products | motorcycles, scooters, mopeds, recreations vehicles |
| Parent | Piaggio Group |
| Website | www.derbi.com |
Derbiis a manufacturer ofmotorcycles,scooters,mopedsand recreationalall-terrain vehiclesproduced by Nacional Motor S.A.U., a Spanish subsidiary ofPiaggio Group.
History
[edit]Derbi's origins began with a littlebicycleworkshopin the village ofMolletnearBarcelona,founded in 1922 by Simeó Rabasa i Singla (1901–1988).[1]The focus remained the repair andhireof bicycles until May 1944 when Rabasa formed a limited liabilitycompany namedBicycletasRabasawith the aim of moving intomanufacturingbicycles.[1]The venture proved very successful and in 1946, supported by its profits, work began on a motorised version.[1]Moremopedthanmotorcycle,this first model, the 48cc SRS includedplunger rear suspension,and a motorcycle type gas tank and exhaust system.[1]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 theNacional Motor SA.[1]Just prior to this, at that summer's BarcelonaTrade Fair,the company unveiled its first real motorcycle, the Derbi 250.[1]
First win in 1968 with Barry Smith at TT race, Derbi successfully competed inGrand Prix motorcycle racing,winning 50cc world championships in1969,1970and1972.When the 50cc class was increased to an 80cc displacement in1984,Derbi would claim four consecutive world championships between1986and1989,before the class was discontinued in Grand Prix competition. The firm also experienced racing success in 125cc Grand Prix competitions, winning world championships in1971,1972,1988,2008and2010.
Modern history
[edit]
UnlikeOssa,Bultaco,andMontesa,Derbi successfully met the challenges that followed theSpanish transition to democracyand Spain's entry into theEuropean Community.Simeó Rabasa i Singla died in 1988 but the company remained independent until 2001, when it was bought out by thePiaggio group.
The Derbi name
[edit]The nameDerbiis an acknowledgement of the company's history, and is anamalgamationfrom theCatalan-phraseDerivats deBIcicletes(derivatives of bicycles).[1]
Past Models
[edit]Pedal Mopeds
- Derbi Variant SL
- Derbi Variant SLE
- Derbi Variant TT
- Derbi Variant Sport
- Derbi DS50, step through scooter
- Derbi Diablo C4, enduro styling
- Derbi Diablo C5, enduro styling (using the Variant engine and transmission)
- Derbi RD50, enduro styling (using the Variant engine and transmission)
- Derbi Laguna, road styling (some models using the Variant engine and transmission)
- Derbi Laguna Sport
Road
- Derbi GPR 125 2T
- Derbi T 250 6V
Scooters
- Derbi Manhattan
- Derbi Hunter
- Derbi Predator
- Derbi Paddock
Current Models
[edit]
Road
- Derbi GPR 50
- Derbi GPR 50 Nude
- Derbi GPR 125 4T 4V
- Derbi Cross City 125
- Derbi Etx 150
- Derbi Stx 150
- Derbi Mulhacén 125
- Derbi Mulhacén Café 125
Supermoto
- Derbi Senda 50
- Derbi Senda X-Race/X-Treme 50
- Derbi Senda 125 4T SM
- Derbi Mulhacén 659
- Derbi Terra Adventure 125
Scooters
- Atlantis
- Boulevard
- GP1
- Bullet
References
[edit]External links
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