1968 MOTOBI BARRACUDA

This Motobi Barracuda is a beautifully styled Italian sports bike, benefiting from a mechanical and cosmetic overhaul carried out last year. It is powered by a 250cc OHV single-cylinder four-stroke engine said to be good for 90mph. The odometer reads 403 miles, though this is not accurate, and the correct total is likely to be closer to 13,000 miles.

This exceptionally rare ‘café racer’ bike was imported from Italy in 2006, where it previously formed part of an extensive collection of Benelli and Motobi motorbikes. It underwent a full restoration following its registration within the UK and was entered into the 2006 Motogiro d’Italia, in which it won the Taglioni class on the second day of the event. The bike is in excellent mechanical order, as the engine was fully rebuilt last year.

Finished in black, the Motobi’s frame and stylish bodywork presents well, having been fully restored 15 years ago. Some stone chips have since been touched in, most noticeably under the ‘Motobi’ script on the fuel tank. There are also signs of scuffing and blemishes on the chain guard and rear mudguard.

The bike’s brightwork, including its stainless steel exhaust and wire wheels, remain in good order. Some signs of age-appropriate patina are visible, but overall the impression given is that of a very well-cared for bike.

Shod in black vinyl, the seat cushion remains taut and well-padded, though some surface rust is visible on the frame below. The hand grips have also been replaced prior to the vendor’s ownership. The vendor adds that all switchgear and electrical items are in full working order, with two new batteries fitted in March 2021.

The most recent service was carried out in March 2021 at 401 miles by Dual Sport Motorcycles of Ledbury, Herefordshire. This was a routine service entailing replacement of the engine oil as well as adjustment of the clutch.

In 2020, the engine was rebuilt with a new sports camshaft, a rebuilt clutch and new flywheel, with the works totalling nearly £2,000. The bike was also set up to run on modern fuel, with the carburettor stripped down and completely rebuilt. The fuel tank seals were also replaced to ensure they would not corrode with the use of ethanol fuel.

The vendor states that the only other maintenance required during their ownership has been the timely lubrication and cleaning of relevant areas as required.

As the Barracuda is over 40 years old, it is exempt from MOT testing as well as payment of the road fund licence, making for cost-effective riding. Nevertheless, its last test was on 4 June 2016 at an indicated 324 miles, which resulted in a clean pass with no advisories.

Wearing a matched set of Metzeler tyres, these are reported to be in as-new condition with ample tread remaining. Included in the sale will be a copy of the original workshop manual as well as old invoices, MOTs, tax discs, and two CDs packed with images of the bike at the 2006 Motogiro d’Italia. A magazine article from 1967 featuring a 250cc Barracuda is also featured, plus a dating certificate.

This Motobi Barracuda offers an exceptionally rare opportunity to acquire a well-maintained and lesser-seen Italian ‘café racer’. Benefiting from a very recent mechanical rebuild, and an older cosmetic restoration – not to mention modern competition provenance – this striking example would make a fine addition to any motorbike collection – as well as an entertaining ride on winding roads.

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All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.