What is Derbi?
Derbi is a Spanish motorcycle and scooter brand that has made dual sport motorcycles and scooters since 1922.
In other words, this is a brand that has been through a lot.
Aside from its long legacy, the company has a strong motorsport pedigree – in 1968, for example, they won the Isle of Man TT for the 50cc class (which none other than Barry Smith as their rider.)
Today, Derbi is a part of and owned by the Piaggio group.
Interesting trivia…
Have you ever seen the 1983 movie Wargames? Either way, it’s interesting to note that Ally Sheedy’s character in that movie rides around on a moped in a few scenes.
And that moped is a Derbi – specifically, it’s a 1979 Derbi Variant SL.
Original image provided by IMCDb.org
Where does the name come from?
The name “Derbi” derives from the Catalan phrase “Derivatas de Bicicletas.”
In English, this translates to “Derivatives of Bicycles,” and the background story of this name is quite interesting, as Derbi started out as a bicycle manufacturer.
3 Known Models
Derbi Senda 50
SamEdwardSwain, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
One of the most popular models, the Derbi Senda 50 is a 50cc dual sport motorcycle available in various shapes.
The Senda has you covered – whether you want the traditional dual sport look with the standard 50 SM model or a more racing-styled “R” model.
Derbi GP1
Hansje, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The stark contrast to the sporty Senda, the GP1 is a single-cylinder two-stroke scooter that’s available in the 50, 125, and 250cc range.
Derbi Mulhacén 659
Peprovira, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
From a 50cc dual sport to a scooter, we get to a 650cc street bike- specifically the Mulhacén 659, the largest Spanish-made motorcycle in terms of engine size.
This motorcycle (which is named after the highest mountain in Spain) is interesting because it uses an engine made by another manufacturer.
In this case, it’s one of Yamaha’s four-valve 660 engines.
