Derbi is a manufacturer of , scooters, and recreational all-terrain vehicles produced by Nacional Motor S.A.U., currently integrated into the Italian (2009) Piaggio.
History
Derbi's origins began with a little
bicycle workshop in the village of Mollet near
Barcelona, founded in 1922 by Simeó Rabasa i Singla (1901–1988).
Mick Walker (1986). 085045705X, Osprey Publishing Ltd. 085045705X
The focus remained the repair and
rental of bicycles until May 1944 when Rabasa formed a
limited liability company named
Bicycletas Rabasa Cycles with the aim of moving into
manufacturing bicycles.
Mick Walker (1986). 085045705X, Osprey Publishing Ltd. 085045705X
The venture proved very successful and in 1946, supported by its profits, work began on a motorised version.
Mick Walker (1986). 085045705X, Osprey Publishing Ltd. 085045705X
More
moped than
motorcycle, this first model, the 48cc SRS included plunger rear suspension, and a motorcycle type gas tank and exhaust system.
Mick Walker (1986). 085045705X, Osprey Publishing Ltd. 085045705X
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.
Mick Walker (1986). 085045705X, Osprey Publishing Ltd. 085045705X
Just prior to this, at that summer's Barcelona
Trade fair, the company unveiled its first real motorcycle, the Derbi 250.
Mick Walker (1986). 085045705X, Osprey Publishing Ltd. 085045705X
First win in 1968 with Barry Smith at TT race, 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, before the class was discontinued in Grand Prix competition. The firm also experienced racing success in 125cc Grand Prix competitions, winning world championships in 1971, 1972, 1988, 2008 and 2010.
Modern history
Unlike Ossa,
Bultaco, and
Montesa Honda, Derbi successfully met the challenges that followed the Spanish transition to democracy and Spain's entry into the European Community. Simeó Rabasa i Singla died in 1988 but the company remained independent until 2001, when it was bought out by the
Piaggio.
The Derbi name
The name
Derbi is an acknowledgement of the company's history, and is an amalgamation from the
Catalan language-phrase
Derivats de BIcicletes (derivatives of bicycles).
Mick Walker (1986). 085045705X, Osprey Publishing Ltd. 085045705X
Past Models
Pedal Mopeds
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Derbi Variant SL
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Derbi Variant SLE
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Derbi Variant TT
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Derbi Variant Sport
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Derbi DS50, step through scooter
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Derbi Diablo C4, enduro styling
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Derbi Diablo C5, enduro styling (using the Variant engine and transmission)
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Derbi RD50, enduro styling (using the Variant engine and transmission)
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Derbi Laguna, road styling (some models using the Variant engine and transmission)
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Derbi Laguna Sport
Road
Scooters
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Derbi Manhattan
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Derbi Hunter
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Derbi Predator
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Derbi Paddock
Current Models
Road
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Derbi GPR 50
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Derbi GPR 50 Nude
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Derbi GPR 125 4T 4V
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Derbi Cross City 125
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Derbi Etx 150
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Derbi Stx 150
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Derbi Mulhacén 125
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Derbi Mulhacén Café 125
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Derbi Mulhacén 659
Supermoto
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Derbi Senda 50
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Derbi Senda X-Race/X-Treme 50
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Derbi Senda 125 4T SM
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Derbi Terra Adventure 125
Scooters
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Atlantis
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Boulevard
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GP1
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Bullet
External links
