Derbi

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Derbi
Type Subsidiary
Founded 1922
Founder Simón Rabasa i Singla
Headquarters Flag of Spain Barcelona, Spain
Industry Powersports
Products motorcycles, scooters, recreations vehicles
Parent Flag of Italy Piaggio & Co. SpA
Website www.derbi.com

Derbi is a brand of motorcycles, scooters, and recreational ATVs (quads) produced by Nacional Motor S.A.U., a Spanish subsidiary of Piaggio & Co. SpA.

Contents

[edit] History

Derbi's origins began with a little bicycle workshop in the village of Mollet near Barcelona, founded in 1922 by Simón Rabasa i Singla[1] The focus remained the repair and hire of bicycles until May 1944 when Singla formed a limited liability company named Bicicletas Rabas with the aim of moving into manufacturing bicycles.[1] The venture proved very successful and in 1946, supported by its profits, work began on a motorised version.[1] More moped than motorcycle, this first model, the 48cc SRS included plunger rear suspension, and a motorcycle type gas tank and exhaust system.[1] The SRS proved so successful it prompted a change in the companies direction, and on November 7, 1950, the company changed its name to the Nacional Motor SA.[1] Just prior to this, at that summers Barcelona Trade Fair, the company unveiled its first real motorcycle, the Derbi 250.[1]

[edit] Modern history

A 2005 model Derbi GP1 Scooter
A 2005 model Derbi GP1 Scooter

Unlike Ossa, Bultaco, and Montesa, Derbi successfully met the challenges that followed the Spanish transition to democracy and Spain's entry into the European Community. Simeó Rabasa i Signla passed away in 1988 but the company remained independent until 2001, when it was bought out by the Piaggio group.

[edit] The Derbi name

The name Derbi is an acknowledgement of the companies history and is an acronym for DERivados de BIcicletas (derivatives of bicycles).[1]

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g Walker, Mick (1986). Spanish Post-war Road and Racing Motorcycles. London: Osprey Publishing Ltd. ISBN 0-85045-705-X. 

[edit] External links

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