Motobecane

[raywilliamsmotorcycles]

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.

[L.A.B.]

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

http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~pattle/nacc/arc0549.htm



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

[raywilliamsmotorcycles]

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?

[L.A.B.]

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

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? 

[L.A.B.]

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/

[rogerwilko]

Ypu guys are sick.

[raywilliamsmotorcycles]

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