1977 Orange Motobecane 50VL with full motor rebuild and new variator (SOLD)

Motobécane was a French manufacturer of bicycles, mopeds, motorcycles, and other small vehicles, established in 1923. “Motobécane” is a portmanteau made up of two colloquialisms stuck together. “Moto” is a slang word for motorcycle; “bécane” is slang for “bike.” Motobécane introduced a moped, the Mobylette, in 1949; over the next 48 years, Motobécane manufactured 14 million Mobylettes. Until the end of import in 1980, it was the number one selling moped brand in the United States!

This was a pretty standard, reliable 25 mph moped for the era. They really only have one weak point, which is the poor quality 12mm GURTNER carburetor. Good for you, we replaced that with a reliable, tunable, larger 15mm Dellorto SHA carb. Not only is it better, but the increased air flow gets you a few more MPH! It is now hitting close to 30 as opposed to the stock speed of 25 mph.

Beyond that, we gave this moped a full tune up, replaced all of the “ware items” such as the tires, tubes, grips, spark plug, fuel line, fuel valve, etc; added new reproduction tank decals that were created in house here at Detroit Moped Works, and polished it up. It should be good for years of fun!

All vehicles purchased online must be picked up from our flagship store on Michigan Avenue within one week of online payment.  If you live in the metro Detroit area but don’t have a way to get your new whip home, we can have out our fun and friendly staff deliver it right to your front door! (Full priced purchases only.)

National shipping is available for RESTORED MOPEDS, E-Bikes, and/or Electric Scooters.  National shipping can be arranged through U-Ship at the buyer’s expense. We expect it to be $200-$300 depending on location.

NEW Tomos mopeds and  nopeds are available for in store purchase ONLY.