Barn Find 1979 Motobecane Moped - Runs and Rides for the First Time in 20 Years!

In this video, we start and rip our new 1979 Motobecane 50V for the first time in decades! The French-built moped runs incredibly well for sitting for such a long time.
Don't forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more WrenchandRip content like this!

[@GusMahn]

I had a new blue 50 VLC about 1982. Between my younger brother and I we put almost 10,000 miles on it over 5 years. It was the fastest model of moped back then. My brother got pulled over going 43mph on it, but by definition mopeds weren't supposed to surpass 25mph.

[@wrenchandrip]

Yeah this one will still hit 40 at almost 45 years old. Pretty impressive!

[@shandfan]

But they usually DID. 😁😁

[@johnwalshire2884]

I had a pair of these I taught my children how to motorcycle on. Cleaned and tuned 35mph when I weighed 185 lbs. The kids would see 40mph.

[@wrenchandrip]

Thats awesome. Great learning bikes

[@MFT069]

I was given a set of those from a neighbor that was clearing an old warehouse. Both ran at different times. I used it for school. It was a 5 mile ride one way. Leaked gasoline and burned oil. I loved it!! It was my first motorized vehicle.

[@wrenchandrip]

thats awesome!

[@lubee1000]

We just picked up the exact one. Started up and running perfectly.

[@wrenchandrip]

enjoy it!!

[@Sky1]

I had one as a kid, my friends had them as well, Mine was slow only 27 MPH, my girlfriends did about 35 and my other friend changed the carb and his did about 44MPH

[@wrenchandrip]

Awesome! They are fun to ride, and surprisingly comfortable too

[@EverettMiller-fl1zv]

If your interested in a trade i have a 1967 volvo 122 motor runs good

[@BurfordBoy57]

Nice find! They didn’t make a 40cc model, just 49cc. There was a Model 40 and a Model 50 but the numbers don’t refer to engine size. It’s best not to start it by standing on the pedals with the bike on the centre stand - the stand will bend or at least wear the pivot point on the frame. A better option is to use a 3/8 socket driver in a battery drill on the magneto nut. As for the idling problem, check the diffuser tube in the carburettor - assuming you’ve got the original Gurtner set-up. Ignore anyone who recommends a swap for a Dellorto: a well-adjusted Gurtner is perfect for the Mobylette!

[@wrenchandrip]

Thanks!

[@billlowe6883]

You lucked out

[@wrenchandrip]

I sure did

[@lukewand]

Just picked up three of these for free... Not in the best shape, but I figure I can get at least one running

[@wrenchandrip]

Awesome! They might all run, these little engines are tanks!

[@GolfVideosDaily]

Did you figure out where that ground wire went that was dangling there?

[@wrenchandrip]

I ended up just grounding it and forgetting about it! Hasnt been a problem yet

[@ruudveck7675]

Yee more more

[@reillystsb]

Let me know if you want to sell it I had one when I was a kid it didn't have mag wheels and it was Orange

[@wrenchandrip]

Ill probably be keeping it forever. But ill keep you in mind

[@traceykelly2603]

These were popular when I was much younger. They are simple and bullet proof. Two percent gas and you are done. I know a fine tuned moby could be started by flipping the flywheel with your hand. Change the back sprocket and you could get 50mph but no power!

[@tharanmansell5154]

Different speed models. All were 50cc

[@wrenchandrip]

Good insight, thanks

[@julianobelli2768]

I have a 70v clapped out 70cc race engine and fully tuned i might make some videos on it but I'm not sure what do you guys think

[@wrenchandrip]

Would be cool to see!

[@julianobelli2768]

im still thinking about it im not to sure on putting it out there because I'm still in high school do you still own this moped

[@tinoamor]

Very nice I got a Gitane with a a Minerelli v1 and it rides and runs after 25 years, I picked it up last summer at an estate sale. I used to have a Cimatti with same engine as the Gitane, I feel as lucky as you! I'll post a vid soon! My horn and headlight and tail light and brake lights work as well!

[@wrenchandrip]

Awesome!

[@georgeyaknowthegeorgeyeathatme]

How much was it?

[@wrenchandrip]

I don’t buy and tell, but it was cheap

[@JBKeville]

How much did it sell for?

[@wrenchandrip]

I still own it and ride it. Did not sell it

[@wrenchandrip]

It would likely sell over $1500-2000 i believe

[@Stats-2020]

Did you ever fix the fuel gauge problem on your honda

[@wrenchandrip]

I still just have it plugged off. I probably wont ever put one back in, I don’t trust them to be accurate anyways

[@jimmykingsborough6549]

I have a 1976 50V that won't idle as well. Cleaned carb and adjusted set screw just about all the way in. Any suggestions ??

[@wrenchandrip]

Try a new spark plug, thats always a good cheap thing to try

[@jimmykingsborough6549]

@@wrenchandrip Hi, Thank-you for the tip. I installed a brand new plug and it did not make any difference.

[@mattketner7597]

@@jimmykingsborough6549 look into getting a Dellorto SHA 14.14 Carb, the stock ones suck and leak.

[@jimmykingsborough6549]

@@mattketner7597 Matt....does the Dellorto carb fit onto the engine without major work ?? Does it attach to the engine the same way as the stock ?? Thanks

[@nybergsgarage]

@@jimmykingsborough6549 consider rebuilding the engine. old 2-strokes are almost guaranteed to have damaged crankshaft seals, which results in air leaks.

[@BackyardRevivals]

No way 5 year old gas ran lmao

[@wrenchandrip]

I was just as surprised as you are! LOL

[@BackyardRevivals]

@@wrenchandrip I'm not surprised, there's no way. It's not 5 yr old gas.

[@zapcodeknock4503]

I just saw one for sale here 750.00 runs they noted. Do you use a fuel stabilizer additive in yours when u gas up? Mpgs good?

[@salmorrongiello4913]

Did you do any repairs? I have a 1979 Moby 50V, cant get speed out of it.

[@wrenchandrip]

I didnt have to do anything other than clean the carb, new soark plug, and lubricating everything. Mine does about 35-40mph without issue

[@lordoftheskunk4591]

Ya should get a banshee as a project get yur veiws up

[@wrenchandrip]

I would love a project banshee. Everyone wants an arm and a leg for them these days though

[@karasimon6766]

Can you pedal it without gas?

[@wrenchandrip]

You can, but its really difficult. You definitely wouldnt want to do it for very long

[@richardharris3423]

NICE. Very interesting.

[@wrenchandrip]

Thanks!

[@hilldigil3457]

unbelievable

[@wrenchandrip]

Right!

[@ogbigtsbikesandstuff887]

Just picked up maroon 1979 today. Super excited to get her running!

[@wrenchandrip]

Congrats, best of luck with it!

[@ogbigtsbikesandstuff887]

@@wrenchandrip Thanks, she lives on! kzbin.info/www/bejne/e5qVo6WYrdCXeLssi=UeXyZaSaP-UcHH-o

[@jeffk462]

Nice video bro keep it up

[@wrenchandrip]

Thanks!

[@NoknOnDors]

I've never seen those mag wheels, I've seen maybe a dozen motobecanes, 48, 50, 50v, always spoke wheels

[@wrenchandrip]

Yeah me too, i think they are very rare