classic motorcycle forum

Motorcycle Discussions => Identify these bikes! => Topic started by: raywilliamsmotorcycles on March 09, 2012, 11:40:07 AM

Title: Motobecane
Post by: raywilliamsmotorcycles on March 09, 2012, 11:40:07 AM

Hi guys! Got this Motobecane here and can't seem to find any pic's that match it to ID it. Most of the one's I've seen aren't hard tails and the one's that are the mudguard's are different.
The frame number is IN3183 (located on the tail) and the reg is 2397 ML which I think is foreign.

Title: Re: Motobecane
Post by: L.A.B. on March 09, 2012, 12:14:43 PM

Looks like a Norman Nippy MkV or Raleigh RM4 to me?

http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~pattle/nacc/arc0549.htm
(http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~pattle/nacc/arc0549a.jpg)


"ML" was a Milddlesex registration code. 4 digit - 2 letter UK registrations were used.

Title: Re: Motobecane
Post by: raywilliamsmotorcycles on March 09, 2012, 01:25:59 PM

Hi LAB, you sure are a wealth of knowledge!! I thought it was a Motobecane because of this tag on the headstock.

Is there anyway of finding out the year from the reg number?

Title: Re: Motobecane
Post by: L.A.B. on March 09, 2012, 03:22:43 PM

According to The Kithead Trust, the existing Middlesex records are held by The Omnibus Society Library - however they do not appear to have any "ML" records.   

http://www.kitheadtrust.org.uk/new_page_13.html
http://www.kitheadtrust.org.uk/england_wales2_11.html

Quote

MIDDLESEX
Omnibus Society library (enquiries to Mr A.W. Mills, 4 Connaught Close, WALSALL, WS5 3PR)   
    Allocation books for HX, ME, MF, MH, MX and MY (all complete),  also MC 7001-9999,
    MD 9001-9999, MP 6001-8000

1960-'62 does seem a bit late to have that style of 4 number and 2 letter registration but it could be genuine? 

Title: Re: Motobecane
Post by: L.A.B. on March 09, 2012, 03:56:43 PM

Here's another Middlesex registration (4006 MK) on a Jaguar car from around 1960 so it seems that style of 4 number - 2 letter registration plate was still being issued at that time.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/recoveringscot/6437728481/in/photostream/

Title: Re: Motobecane
Post by: rogerwilko on March 09, 2012, 09:22:05 PM

Ypu guys are sick.

Title: Re: Motobecane
Post by: raywilliamsmotorcycles on March 12, 2012, 03:46:48 PM

Thanks for all the info LAB!! Your a gent!!!