Originally founded as a bicycle accessories manufacturer, Rieju has become one of Spain’s most enduring motorcycle manufacturers. That’s the situation today, but what about the brands and models that we’ve lost? Here, we’re going to look at some of the best Spanish motorcycles that time has forgotten.ġ0 Spanish Motorcycles That Deserve To Be Remembered! #10. Gas Gas have made waves in the States, alongside brands like Beta Motorcycles and Sherco, while old classics like Rieju and Derbi are still fighting the good fight in Europe. That being said, Spanish motorcycles have enjoyed something of a small Renaissance, with many smaller production factories grabbing international attention lately.
From the original big Spanish names, only Ossa still survives: sure, Bultaco has been revived, and Montesa have partnered with Honda, but only Ossa have managed to soldier on without help…sort of. In fact, very few Spanish names still live on today. After Franco’s death in 1975, Spain relaxed its import situation, and most small Spanish manufacturers found themselves overwhelmed by the competition from Japanese multinationals, and unfortunately, most of these brands were forced to close down. In fact, some of these manufacturers managed to make an impression abroad, with some models being exported to the rest of Europe and the USA.ĭespite the success of small displacement Spanish motorcycles in the Grand Prix races of the 60s and 70s, it was mainly Spain’s off-road, trials, and enduro machines that garnered the most acclaim abroad. This time led to a golden age of Spanish motorcycles, with brands like Montesa, Ossa, and Derbi gaining in popularity across the nation. Unable to import from abroad, Spain had little choice but to build their own machinery. Motorcycle manufacturing was big business on the Iberian Peninsula, and when the Spanish weren’t building their own engines and fitting them into their own frames, they were working hard building licensed copies of foreign branded machinery too, working with the likes of Ducati, Moto Guzzi, and other makers of Italian motorcycles.įranco’s government ruled with strict anti-import policies which helped drive a bustling manufacturing industry, and after the ravages of the Civil War, the vast majority of Spain’s citizens found themselves in dire need of inexpensive, efficient, and economical transportation – and the motorcycle was the obvious choice.
The 20 th century was a difficult time for Spain, with political power struggles, economic troubles, and civil war, but while most historians dwell on the negative points, 20 th century Spain gave birth to a diligent motorcycle industry that included more than 80 manufacturers at its peak.
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