French Motorcycles

Today in Motorcycle History

Lapébie Motorcycles

A Brief History of the Marque

A member of the Mercier group since 1939 or earlier, the firm was situated in Bordeaux.

Manufactured: 1953-1958

There were four cyclists named Lapébie: the brothers Roger (1911-1996) and Guy (1916-2010) and their sons, Christian (1937-2014) and Serge (1948-1991), respectively. The name of Lapébie was very well known in cycling circles of the 1950s and this name was given to one of the brands built by Mercier. The Lapebie machines were almost identical to machines branded Ravat, Louison Bobet and André Leducq.

A Lapebie lightweight was advertised for sale, fitted with 2-speed 98cc Villiers engine. It has a large chainguard on the right and a dropped frame (ladies' style), primitive telescopic front suspension and rigid rear.

Models included:

    1953-1956 Model SB 98cc Comet 2-speed
    1954 Model LV 98cc Villiers S2g 2-speed
    125cc Ydral
    1957 Model T185 48cc Itom single speed

Sources: Club Ydral, Source: Motos dans la Loire

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