1968 MOTOBI 250CC 'SEI TIRANTI' COMPETIZIONE RACING MOTORCYCLE (LOT 671)

This motorcycle is to be auctioned at our Live and Online Summer Sale, Hanger 113, Bicester Heritage, OX26 5HA.
Please click the link to see the full online Lot listing: www.bonhams.com/auctions/26111/
SALE TIMES
Friday 14 August Spares & Memorabilia (Lot 1 - 212) 10am
Saturday 15 August Motorcycles (Lot 301 - 462) 10am
Sunday 16 August Motorcycles (Morbidelli Collection) (Lot 501 - 704) 10am
VIEWING
In light of the current government guidelines and relaxed measures we are delighted to welcome viewing, strictly by appointment. All the lots will be on view at Bicester Heritage in our traditional Hangar 113. We will ensure social distancing measures are in place, with gloves and sanitiser available for clients wishing to view motorcycle history files.
Please contact Bonhams Motorcycles with your preferred date, time and vehicle registration number to book an appointment.
VIEWING TIMES
Wednesday 12 August 1pm to 5pm
Thursday 13 August 9am to 5pm
Friday 14 August 9am to 5pm
Saturday 15 August 9am to 5pm (Lots 501-704 only)
LIVE AND ONLINE AUCTION
Please note that whilst public viewing is available by appointment, the auction itself will be conducted from a remote saleroom, behind closed doors without public access, in accordance with the current government guidelines. All bidding will be conducted via Online, Telephone and Absentee Bidding. Please contact our Bids Department to register.
AUCTION ADDRESS
Hangar 113
Bicester Heritage
Buckingham Road
Bicester
Oxfordshire
OX26 5HA
TWO-TIME ITALIAN CHAMPIONSHIP-WINNING
1968 MOTOBI 250CC 'SEI TIRANTI' COMPETIZIONE RACING MOTORCYCLE (LOT 671)
FRAME NO. 2003
ENGINE NO. 2003
• Ridden by Fosco Giansanti
• Minimal restoration
• Largely in 'as-last-raced' condition
"From 1959, when one of the 172cc singles won the Italian Junior racing championships in the hands of Ambrosini, Motobi machines largely dominated this class of racing with another nine titles until their final championship win in 1972." - Mick Walker, Italian Racing Motorcycles.
The now-defunct Italian manufacturer Motobi is closely related to Benelli. Italy's oldest surviving motorcycle manufacturer, Benelli was founded in Pesaro in 1911 by the six Benelli brothers, starting out as a general engineering firm repairing cars and motorcycles before turning to the manufacture of automotive and aircraft components in WWI. The firm diversified into the field of powered transport immediately after hostilities ceased, offering a two-stroke 'clip-on' power unit for attachment to a bicycle, and it was this 98cc engine that was used for the first proper Benelli motorcycle of 1921. Within a few years the firm was actively engaged in competitions, taking the first steps along a path to Grand Prix glory that would see Benelli established as one of Italy's foremost racing marques post-WW2.
In 1949 the eldest of the six Benelli brothers, Giuseppe, left to found his own company: Moto 'B' Pesaro, later Motobi. The latter's first design was a 98cc single-cylinder two-stroke lightweight with horizontal engine, a layout that would characterise its offerings from then onwards. In the early 1950s a new range of all-aluminium engines was introduced whose profile resembled that of an egg or rugby ball, and this style was deliberately retained when Motobi switched to overhead-valve four-strokes towards the decade's end.
Enlarged from 200cc to 250cc, the Spring Lasting two-stroke twin brought Motobi its first major success when Silvano Rinaldi rode a tuned example to a class win in the 1955 Milan-Taranto. However, those multiple Italian Championships referred to by Mick Walker were gained after Motobi had switched to four-strokes, the 175cc single offered here being typical of this new breed.
One of the most popular machines among privateers contesting the Italian Championships, this rare Motobi racer is one of three (the others being a 125 and a 175) bought directly from Marco Benelli. (Sei Tiranti refers to the six bolts holding down the cylinder head.) We are advised that this machine won two Italian Championships in the 250cc class ridded by Fosco Giansanti and another (unknown) rider. It has undergone only superficial restoration and remains largely in 'as-last-raced' condition. The machine has been signed by Mr Zanzani, one of the Motobi racing team's former technicians.
£18,000 - 24,000
€20,000 - 27,000
To be sold without reserve
As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.