A Brief History of the Marque
Manufactured by Meccanica Bolognese Motocicli 1964-1981[1]
Ciclomotori MBM of Via Roncofreddo, 47, Cesena built Minarelli-engined 50cc scooters named Maggiolino (En. Beetle) - these were very similar to a Cimatti Danny scooter from the same period.
Other models include MBM Amico 50 (1976-77), built in the "turbone" fashion, the similar Pony of 1972 with a 49cc Minarelli V1 engine, the Chico Bimbo minibike (S5K engine, 8 & 9in wheels), and 50cc offroad machines named Combat.
A firm of the same name exists as a bicycle manufacturer - mbm-tersa.com says it began in 1970, and Ciclimbm on Facebook says 1973.
Notes:
1. Henshaw gives dates of 1974-1981, Tragatsch 1974 only. Confusion is due no doubt to the existence of two MBM marques.
2. There is a suggestion that MBM was formed by Gino Milani. This does not appear to be the case, as the 1964 firm was in Bologna, and Milani's MBM operation was established around 1970 in Cesena.
Sources: MC Storico Conti, Henshaw, Tragatsch p205.
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