 | |
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Powersports |
| Founded | 1922; 103 years ago (1922) |
| Founder | Simeó Rabasa i Singla |
| Headquarters | , Spain |
| Products | motorcycles, scooters, mopeds, recreations vehicles |
| Parent | Piaggio Group |
| Website | www.derbi.com |
Derbi is a manufacturer ofmotorcycles,scooters,mopeds and recreationalall-terrain vehicles produced by Nacional Motor S.A.U., currently integrated into the Italian (2009)Piaggio Group.
Derbi's origins began with a littlebicycleworkshop in the village ofMollet nearBarcelona, founded in 1922 by Simeó Rabasa i Singla (1901–1988).[1] The focus remained the repair andhire of bicycles until May 1944 when Rabasa formed alimited liability company namedBicycletasRabasa with the aim of moving intomanufacturing bicycles.[1] The venture proved very successful and in 1946, supported by its profits, work began on a motorised version.[1] Moremoped thanmotorcycle, this first model, the 48cc SRS includedplunger rear suspension, and a motorcycle type gas tank and exhaust system.[1] 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 theNacional Motor SA.[1] Just prior to this, at that summer's BarcelonaTrade Fair, the company unveiled its first real motorcycle, the Derbi 250.[1]
First win in 1968 with Barry Smith at TT race, Derbi successfully competed inGrand Prix motorcycle racing, winning 50cc world championships in1969,1970 and1972. When the 50cc class was increased to an 80cc displacement in1984, Derbi would claim four consecutive world championships between1986 and1989, before the class was discontinued in Grand Prix competition. The firm also experienced racing success in 125cc Grand Prix competitions, winning world championships in1971,1972,1988,2008 and2010.
UnlikeOssa,Bultaco, andMontesa, Derbi successfully met the challenges that followed theSpanish transition to democracy and Spain's entry into theEuropean Community. Simeó Rabasa i Singla died in 1988 but the company remained independent until 2001, when it was bought out by thePiaggio group.
The nameDerbi is an acknowledgement of the company's history, and is anamalgamation from theCatalan-phraseDerivats deBIcicletes (derivatives of bicycles).[1]
Pedal Mopeds
Road
Scooters
Road
Supermoto
Scooters
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