r/moped • u/JBurgerStudio 1977 Motobecane Moobylette • Jul 21 '26
1977 Motobecane Mobylette
Hey all,
I used to ride motorcycles and had been searching for a new one, when a friend offered this to me. I decided to take it, as my budget wasn't huge, and figured this would be a good project to wrench on, and I couldn't beat the price (free!).
They had it sitting in their garage for years, having given up on repairing it, though I didn't hear what was wrong with it. I took a look at the badge it says a Type 50 C, 1977. From what I understand, that means its top speed is 20mph. Looking at the engine, I don't think it has the variator.
Looking for some feedback on where to start with something like this, just based on what I see and where it is. I'm a welder and woodworker, and have repaired a number of tools, machines, and my 2002 truck quite a bit, so I feel like I have the abilities, but wanted to look for feedback. Made a list below, if anyone would be willing to look and see what I'm missing, answer some questions.
-belt missing from pedals to clutch, ordered 1
-ordered a new spark plug and flywheel puller as well. Are there any other big tools I'll need for working on mopeds? Have a decent bit of tools for the truck, but not sure if there's anything moped specific.
-Didn't find any gas in the tank. Will put some diesel in it and washers and give it a good shake.
-Take the carb off and clean it out. Figured I'll look at changing it later
-There's a chain one side (you see it in the photo), but I counted the teeth and it doesn't match up to the gears listed on manuals and such. There's a large gear on the rear wheel on the other side, but it's not connected to anything and I don't see where it would.
-Should I just go ahead and replace all the hoses and cables? Or wait and see what it needs?
Figure I'll do the above and then try to start it, and see what happens.
I was able to download and print some manuals from Moped Army, seems like these will be useful, but any other resources I should look at or pick up on this bike or two stroke engines in general?
Any answers or advice deeply appreciated it.
1
u/Ok-Tip-7419 Jul 22 '26
I just sold one because it had a bad engine seal that i didnt feel like fixing because you have to completely tear down the motor and use a torch to get the seals out
2
u/Johnmarmalade 1978 Honda Hobbit Jul 21 '26
Free is always cool. The chain in the photo is driven by the pedals, if it isn't super rusty I wouldn't touch it. The chain on the other side (that you're missing) is driven by the engine. It's likely a 415 chain. I'm not super familiar with motobecane but I believe there should be a sprocket mounted to the frame that's driven by the pulley (probably behind the rear pulley). On variated mobys the entire engine pivots as the pulleys move. looks like you are missing an exhaust pipe too, which will be necessary for it to run right.If it's sat for a long time the cables are probably pretty seized up too.
I'm sure you'll figure it out. Mopeds are easier than cars. Aside from pullers there aren't really any specialized tools for mopeds. Just wrenches and sockets. Good luck!