Newsgroup: it.sport.formula1.moderato
Titolo: Derbi-Piaggio

La storia della Derbi
THE BEGINNING
1.922 DERBI was started by Simeon Rabasa Singla as a bicycle repair shop in
1922. The shop soon expanded and Mr Simeon had to buy new bays to cover the
production of bycicles.
1.939 After the Civil War, production continued to increase. First contacts
with some of the country's most important bicycle manufacturers were
established, and they resulted in the manufacturing of frames for mopeds and
motorcycles.
1.944 Simeon Rabasa Singla, whose objective was then to build motorcycles,
together with his brother José and a small number of investors set up the
company BICICLETAS RABASA.
1.949 After the 2nd World War, DERBI begins mass production of the first
moped, the DERBI SRS. The SRS was the first moped built entirely by RABASA
DERBI. The name comes from the first letter of Simeon Rabasa Singla.
Engine 48cc. maximum power 1,5 HP to 4.500 rpm.
Two gears, manually activated
Front suspension with telescopic fork
Drum brakes
Maximum speed was 45 Km/h.
THE 50's
1.950
 The success of the SRS is indisputable and in early 1950 BICICLETAS RABASA
becomes NACIONAL MOTOR SA.
A new model is presented at the Barcelona Exhibition: a 250 cc and 9HP
motorcycle called DERBI, the name comes from the contraction of the first
two letters of the words DERivado de Bicicleta, (DERived from a BIcycle).
DERBI 250
Inspired on the Jawa 250, but with a good number of own contributions, such
as the pedal step, the gear control on the right-hand side, even crankcase
covers instead of ribbed one, front forks better dimensioned and lights on
the headlamps to show the gear selected.
The manufacturing of the DERBI 250 will go on for over 10 years and it will
undergo three major improvements:
1952 - External changes due to standardised production.
1956 - Super Model. Incorporation of flat head.
1958 - Improvements based of the 350 model.
1.951
 At the end of the year, DERBI has 30 employees and the production of the
SRS and the 250 totals 150 units.
1.952
 The number of employees increases to 110 and the number of units built is
800.
1.953
 Launching of a new model of 95 cc.
Presentation of a new sector: the delivery tricycle, a 250cc model.
Production rises to 1.050 units and the number of employees to 135.
95cc model
Two-stroke engine and two pistons with joint explosion chamber.
1.954
 Production rises to 2.700 units and the number of employees to 170.
1.955
 The new 125 Super model is presented.
Production goes up to 3.500 units and the number of employees to 245.
1.957
 DERBI launches the motorcycles with the biggest cylinder capacity, the
two-cylinder 350 cc mass-produced by DERBI.
Production rises to 4.200 units and the number of employees to 280.
350 cc.
16 HP
· Maximum speed of 120 Km/h
1.958
 Production reaches 4.500 units and the number of employees 300.
THE 60's
1.961
 The arrival of the Seat 600 will cause a noticeable drop in the sales of
motorcycles of medium to high cylinder capacity.
Nacional Motor concentrates production on the 49, 65 and 75 cc.
· Two new modes are presented at the Paris Exhibition:
49 Sport
49 Gran Sport three gears
49 Sport
48,74cc motorcycles
1,5 HP to 5.000 rpm
Three-speed motorcycle foot operated
Central-drum brakes
Front telehydraulic suspension
Swing suspension
This motorcycle very soon turned into the popular DERBI Antorcha, of which
Derbi manufactured over 500.000 units.
1.963
 The following models are upgraded:
125 Turismo
125 Super
125 Super
This motorcycle accomplishes its goal as a robust and low cost maintenance
motorcycle, that is, to become the every day motorcycle.
1.964
 The new products this year are:
The Derbi 49 Junior, an attempt to bring the motorcycle closer to Spanish
girls
The new Derbi 74 Gran Sport, which becomes the myth for the Brand name.
49 Junior
As Francisco Herreros says, "if a country had to be motorised, why not women
as well?"
Derbi 74 Gran Sport
It is a light motorcycle or moped created with the idea of making riding
easy to youngsters keen on the motor sport.
The engine is a pure breed that has been designed for sport riding
Maximum speed over 100 Km/h
Production continues uninterrupted well into the 70s. During its life it
undergoes a couple of upgradings
In 1968, electronic ignition
In 1.969, dual dismountable cradle
1.965
 The new Spanish legislation on mopeds comes into force: In order to be
admitted as such they must have collapsible pedals and maximum speed on flat
land not exceed 40 Km/h.
In the course of this year the Antorcha 49 is born
Towards the end of the same year the launching of the Antorcha 74 takes
place. The aim is to augment the range and volume without rising costs too
much.
1.966
 Year of important novelties
125 c.c. 4V
It is presented the 74 Trial Pirineos, which will be mass-produced the
following year.
125 c.c. 4-speed
4-Speed
Highly robust motorcycle
It is presented as a normal motoring but enjoyable as well by sport riders
due to the 7HP at 5500 rpm that enables speed to reach 100 Km/h
74 Trial Pirineos
74 c,c, y 7 cv
 Three new models are introduced during these years:
DERBIMATIC E
DERBIMATIC ANTORCHA
SCOTMATIC
DERBIMATIC E
This motorcycle unites a totally classical design of normal motoring and
automatism because  it took into account urban dwellers. This concept was
ahead of its time.
SCOTMATIC
The unusual thing about this model was that the bodywork of a scooter
fulfilled the conditions to be catalogued as a motorcycle, therefore, no
driving license was needed.
1.969
 The number of units manufactured is 140 and the number of employees 450.
DERBI begins to export to France, Morocco, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland,
U.K., USA, Holland, Australia, Sweden, Denmark, Algiers, Thailand and
Guatemala
From then until 1977, when the Variant is presented, efforts were
concentrated on improving the design and the equipment.
Moreover, real novelties appeared:
Novelty:
The Antorcha Super 49 replaced the Antorcha.
Since then an endless list of Antorchas came out:
Normal
Especial
Super
Campeona
Supercampeona
Especial Campeona
Especial Super
GT-4V
GTS-4V
Olímpica Campona
Olímpica Campeona E
Olímpica Subcampeona
Olímpica Especial
Olímpica Especial Extra
Olímpica Especial Super
Olímpica Super
Antorchas
The main differences relate to frame, tank, and cowling over the engine;
rear chain fully sealed and exposed chrome-coated rear spring.
THE 70's
1.971
 Novedad:
Coyote 49 and 75. The 50 version is the only one to be mass-produced.
Coyote 49 Y 75.
These models mark the return to the mountain motorcycle. The press of the
time emphasised the aptness to perform both in all terrain and trial.
1.972
 Novetat:
A new 50cc Carrera Cliente was presented at the Barcelona Exhibition. The
goal was to train new pilots.
Carreras client 50 c.c.
15,5 HP a 15.000 rpm.
Air-cooled
6-speed
Maximum speed 165 Km/h
24mm Irz carburettor feed and rotary valve
Mahle piston
Motoplat electronic ignition
Primary Gear drive with shock absorber in the motor pinion
Light alloy lined cylinder
Tank and fairing in fibreglass
Aluminium rim
"A real competition machine for the contained price of 35,000, - ptas".
1.973
 Novelties:
Coyote 49 was developed into Coyote Super.
Correcaminos
Coyote Super
It incorporates reinforced suspension more suitable for mountain roads.
Correcaminos
It is a Coyote but smaller.
1.974
 4-speed mopeds
1.975
 In the course of the year two important novelties are introduced:
Cross 50.
The 2002 Grand Prix is exhibited at the Barcelona Exhibition Centre in two
versions, the inexpensive GT and the sport version. With the 125 4V DERBI
regains the urban motorcycle sector.
The 125cc liquid-cooled Carrera Client is also exhibited but never marketed.
Cross 50.
This is a mountain bike with elements in common with Coyote.
2.002 Grand Prix
Two-cylinder motorcycle with electronic ignition.
6-speed
Maximum power between 23 and 26 HP. It was initially developed as a 125cc
for selling in Europe, especially in France.
Its cylinder capacity increased to 187,5
1.976
 A luxury version is launched, Cross 50 Super, with new finish and light
indicators.
Diablo 49cc, 4-speed
The Cross 74, replica of the motorcycle that won the Junior Cross 75 Trophy
of Spain the previous year, is exhibited at the Barcelona Exhibition Hall.
The Grand Prix 2002 Sport version is commercialised. It is announced that
the Gt version will shortly be in the market.
2.002 GT
It is the most developed version with electric start, dual disk brakes at
the front, separate lubing, steering shock absorber, rear shock absorbers of
the oil/gas type, small fairing at the front, 26 HP at 8000 rpm and maximum
speed of 150 Km/h.
1.977
 The sector undergoes a period of crises. Bultaco, Mototrans and OSSA
disappear from the market. Suzuki takes up Abelló, Honda takes up Montesa
and Yamaha takes up Sanglas.
DERBI manages to survive.
Novelties:
 DERBI introduces the 2002 Grand Prix Gran Turismo and the Economica
versions.
The DERBI VARIANT, the new moped for the 80s, is presented at the Barcelona
Exhibition Hall. It will be in the market in the summer of the same year.
DERBI opens a new factory annexed to the old installations to mass-produce a
small number of special motorcycles.
1.978
 Derbi launches the Diablo Super C4 a new version of Diablo C4, which
appeared the previous year.
Diablo C4
The main difference is the new engine, which is the first step to substitute
the old Sachs engines and modernise the complete range.
1.979
 The Cross 74 Cliente is presented at the Barcelona Exhibition Hall. This is
the new replica version of the official motorcycle presented the year
before.
Another novelty is that DERBI will mass-produce all-terrain motorcycles for
the first time this year:
74 TT
TT-C6
THE 80's
1.980
 The 1980 range is presented at the Paris Exhibition Hall:
Diablo 80 CX5 (European cylinder capacity)
Variant Caballero, a Variant with motor shape
Sport Coppa 80 (European cylinder capacity)
125 Cross
The differences in the legislation regarding cylinder capacity originate the
birth in Spain of these models with different names:
1001-74 (Sport Coppa)
Sport Coppa 50
This year the launching of the Variant Rojo is an important landmark in the
history of Variant since it incorporates a differential element among its
competitors, that is, the Spacetronic electric starter developed by DERBI,
which is based on spatial technology.
Sport Coppa 50
It will be a moped with beautiful and modern lines and maximum hp of 2,85 at
8000 rpm. Maximum speed limited to 40 km/h in order to keep with Spanish
legislation.
1.981
 Two new models for the Spanish market come out:
CX Jumbo
TT 8
Presentation  at the Barcelona Exhibition Hall of two models:
Sport Coppa 125 (6-speed)
TTS 9,
Improvements on the TT-8.
The T-250/6V is presented.
Another autumn novelty this year is the Sport Coppa 74, which substitutes
the previous 1001.
CX Jumbo
With new 49cc and 4 gears engine
TT8
An all-terrain motorcycle suitable for everyone, easy to upgrade to a 125
thanks to a cylinder/head kit supplied by DERBI.
TTS 9
A 125 trail motorcycle easier for mountain riding but not entirely a racing
bike.
T-250/6V
A 250cc designed with tourism in mind rather than sport. In its range the
cylinder capacity was the highest.
1.982
It comes out the new DERBI engine for mass-produced models, with a new
cylinder able to cover from 50 to 80 cc. It is also redesigned so it can
have 4, 5 or 6 speeds depending on the legislation in each country.
New models:
Europa 75 RD
Yumbo Super 50
SCOOT, the new scooter, is presented at the Paris Exhibition Hall in
September, since legislation in France does not rule that motorcycles must
have pedals.
Europa 75 RD
Trial bike
Yumbo Super 50:
A reproduction of the Europa 75 RD at a smaller scale, a true motorcycle in
spite  of the small cylinder capacity.
SCOOT
Engine derived from that of the Variant but with 75cc (80cc for Europe).
Electric starter, steels singlehat frame, classical suspension of the
motorcycle type and instrument panel with oil level and econometer.
1.983
 This year marks the arrival of Japanese brands. The sector enjoys a sales
boom that must be made the most of; but it also means that it is necessary
to be up-to-date with the latest developments.
1.984
 It is 60th anniversary of the brand.
Novelties:
Variant Start
Yumbo Super FD
Yumbo Super FD
It undergoes a change of colours and modifications of technical
specifications, new cylinder and head, front disc brake, new swingarm and
suspension of the Ideal brand.
1.985
 The Scoot 50, already presented at the Paris Exhibition, is presented in
Spain, but now with convertible pedals. It will be sold under the name of DS
50.
The FDT, the tourism version of the FD, is introduced at the Barcelona
Exhibition Centre
The Variant Sport is introduced at the Milan Exhibition.
Variant Sport
New image, new 16" tyres and new exhaust pipe.
1.986
 Novelties:
Coppa FT
FDS
FDX 50 (presented at the Milan Exhibition)
The mass-production of a small number of the following models continues:
125 RC Kartmathan
125 RC TT
125 RD Cross
250 RC Cross
250 RC TT
Coppa FT
It is the well-known FDT but without the disc brake, the rear single shock
absorber.
FDS
It is a development of the FD for off road riding. With direct plate intake
and multitransfer cylinder treated with scanimet. Hydraulic disc brake.
Hydraulic suspension with big section swingarm.
FDX
Engine with multitransfer cylinder, scanimet finish and alloy. Disc brakes.
Suspension with telehydraulic fork. Hydraulic single-shocks absorber and by
gas at the rear, DERBI track system.
1.987
 It is made public the agreement between DERBI and Kawasaki by which Derbi
will import Kawasaki's products. The agreement is still in force today.
1.988
 The Derbi line includes 4 basic models:
Variant
FDX (road)
FDS (mountain)
Scooter (DS 50)
Simeón Rabasa i Singla, the founder of DERBI, dies.
1.989
 Derbi opens a new segment with motorcycles for children, Rabasa Panther FE
10, a minicross for 10-year-olds.
A real sport machine, the GPR 74 (Grand Prix Replica), is exhibited at the
Milan Hall.
GPR 75
It features an Aprilia body frame, Derbi engine, new plate intake propeller,
liquid cooled and separate lubing, 6-speed, Ideal suspension, telehydraulic
fork with 140 mm range and 40-mm diameter bar, rear single-shock absorber
with single arm and variable progressive system. Brakes, three discs with
Grimeca grippers.
THE 90's
1.991
 An agreement is signed with Aprilia to be its distributor in Spain. The
agreement terminates in 1994.
Novelties:
The so-called FDS successor as a trail moped, the Savannah model, is put on
sale.
The Sport75 is introduced at the Barcelona Exhibition showing the
innovations of the GPR
The Big3 is also introduced, a trail bike with very special aesthetics.
The version Country RD-2 comes out.
Separate lubing is introduced in some models of Variant. And the new
Variant, Top and Variant Sport have a central axe.
1.992
 Launching of the scooter Vamos
1.997
 DERBI clearly invests in the scooter market and takes on a thorough
renovation of the range introducing a new generation of models:
Hunter
Paddock
Paddock LC
DERBI renovates its image with a young and sportive brand and its own
technology. It is epitomised in a new slogan: THE RED POWER
1.998
 The scooter range continues to grow in the 50cc class. During the year it
is introduced the Predator, a scooter clearly designed in the racing style
by the Italian Giugiaro.
1.999
 Derbi consolidates its position in the scooter market with the introduction
of The Atlantis, a citybike, very easy to manage and at a very competitive
price.
Derbi returns to racing in the 125cc class.
2.000
 Derbi introduces the new Senda R and the new Supermotard. They represent a
complete revolution of motorcycles with gears since they incorporate a
perimetral frame like that of GP bikes that is unique in the segment.

 production of bycicles.
Contrordine: tutte le scuse a Jody ed al gruppo Fiat
Il Sen. Agnelli (quello del ventennio) portò una volta la sua bici a
cambiare la camera d'aria nel negozio di Simeon Rabasa Singla
E' chiaro che con quelle 3.000 lire scarse nacque tutto l'impero
motociclistico catalano
Z

motociclistico catalano
Chiuderei decisamente questo OT, sottolineando che la
partecipazione del Gruppo Piaggio-Gilera in Derbi risale al 1994,
anno in cui fallisce la trattativa di compartecipazione di
Aprilia.
: - )
Jody
Campione del Mondo F1, Campione EuroSTurismo, 
Vice-Campione TotoF1, Poleman Jubi Kart Meeting 2000,
Car-of-Year Driver