Photo: Derbi
Started back in 1922, Spanish motorcycle manufacturer Derbi has lived glorious times in the 50's as their bikes used to win several GP titles. However, the modern era has brought decline and in 2001, Derbi changed hands hoping for better days under Piaggio management.
The poor sales figures tarried on for 10 years, and once the financial difficulties Europe is now striving to counteract have meant the last drop for the Spanish plant in Barcelona. In 2011 Piaggio started looking for a buyer, as it was clear that the production there could no longer be either sustained or justified and 2013 sees the end of the Spanish operations of Derbi, with all the 150 employes let go.
Derbi 50cc and 125cc bikes will still be manufactured in Italy, but we fear the brand will not see any of its former glory, even with such reduced profile and allegedly less financial stress. So if you happen to find some old Derbi in your barn, don't throw it in the scrapyard: they might become collectibles quite soon.
Derbi 50cc and 125cc bikes will still be manufactured in Italy, but we fear the brand will not see any of its former glory, even with such reduced profile and allegedly less financial stress. So if you happen to find some old Derbi in your barn, don't throw it in the scrapyard: they might become collectibles quite soon.
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