A few months ago, Raphaël contacted me to find him a Motobécane Cady in excellent original condition.
After some searching, a model in good condition was found by the Workshop and then restored, but with precise specifications that involved leaving it in its original condition while making everything that needed it reliable and repaired!
Here is a brief summary of what was done on this machine, as well as a photo slideshow.
Model:
It is a Motobécane Cady M1 model with "large" 19-inch wheels, in the burgundy color typical of these models. It naturally has no suspension and features an Isodyne engine fitted with the second version of the cylinder head (the first version had a "round" cylinder head).
History
This Motobécane Cady moped was first and foremost a response to the dominance of the Vélosolex. The major brand Motobécane needed a model capable of competing with the Solex in terms of both price and performance.
The Motobécane Cady was born from this desire. Equipped with an Isodyne engine, the Motobécane Cady is a low-power but very economical moped. Its top speed, around 30 km/h, allowed it to hold its own against its competitor, the Solex.
In the Motobécane tradition, the Motobécane Cady is constructed from stamped sheet metal, making it light and maneuverable.
Its original color was burgundy, and over the years, it was modernized with red, blue, and white.
Several models were developed: Motobécane Cady with 19-inch wheels, Motobécane Cady with 16-inch wheels, Motobécane Cady with suspensions, Motobécane Cady with separate "autolyse" lubrication for the later models.
It's also worth noting the rare folding Motobécane Cady which could be stored in a car trunk!
Options: As a good stripped-down utility vehicle, this Motobécane Cady has no options.
What was done on this Motobécane Cady
Chassis
Disassembly, cleaning, and polishing of the entire chassis,
Cleaning and polishing of chrome and aluminum parts,
Replacement of consumables: tires, cables, sheaths,
Cleaning, rust removal, and resin coating of the fuel tank,
Reassembly of accessories and verification of safety elements (lighting).
Engine side
The engine was completely rebuilt.
Disassembly, cleaning, and bead blasting of all engine parts,
Replacement of bearings, seals, and oil seals,
Cylinder honing, replacement of piston rings,
Engine derestriction,
Clutch overhaul,
Carburetor overhaul and cleaning,
Replacement of the fuel return hose on the tank and the fuel tap,
Ignition overhaul and adjustment, installation of an electronic condenser,
Spark plug replacement,
Decarbonization and cleaning of the exhaust pipe.
When riding... it's a Motobécane Cady... even derestricted, the very design of this engine, mounted on a single bearing and equipped with a very long intake manifold, means that any pursuit of performance would be futile.
However, it will take you peacefully to the ends of the earth with a gentle purr: reliability and discretion.
That's all I wish for its future owner!
The photos below show the detail of the work done to achieve the final result.
Made by Atelier de la Vigne
