Spain boasts a vibrant history of motorcycle manufacturing, with numerous brands emerging over the decades. These companies have contributed significantly to both on-road and off-road motorcycling, achieving success in racing and developing innovative designs. While some brands have faded from the market, others continue to thrive, showcasing the enduring legacy of Spanish motorcycle engineering.
Here's a look at some notable Spanish motorcycle brands:
- Alfer: Founded in 1980 by Francesc Almirall and Ramón Ferrnández, Alfer produced enduro and motocross motorcycles in Sant Cugat del Vallès. Production began in 1982 with 125cc and 250cc enduro models, followed by motocross bikes. Models included the VR 250 Enduro, VR 2000 Enduro, and VR 2000 Supermotard. According to webbikeworld.com, Alfer motorcycles were designed for serious competition.
- Bultaco: From 1958 to 1983, Bultaco manufactured two-stroke motorcycles. The brand was revived in May 2014 with plans to sell electric-powered street motorcycles starting in 2015. The R&D department was planned for Madrid, with the factory located in Barcelona, according to webbikeworld.com.
- Derbi: Now a subsidiary of Piaggio & Co. SpA, Derbi produces motorcycles, scooters, mopeds, and ATVs. The company achieved considerable success in Grand Prix motorcycle racing, winning championships in the 50cc and 125cc classes.
- Gas Gas: Originally founded in 1985 by Narcis Casas and Josep Pibernat in Catalonia, Gas Gas was acquired by KTM in 2019. Gas Gas specializes in high-performance off-road and enduro motorcycles and are considered some of the best available, according to webbikeworld.com.
- Gimson: Gimson produced bicycles and motorcycles in Figueres in two periods: 1930 and from 1955 to 1982. The manufacturer was Gimbernat Hermanos S.R.C.
- Lube Motorcycles: Based in Barakaldo, Lube Motorcycles was founded in 1947. They used engines from NSU. At its peak, Lube produced nearly 1,000 bikes per year and was known as the “bike of the people”, according to webbikeworld.com.
- Montesa Honda: Montesa was formed in 1944 by Pedro Permanyer and Francisco Xavier “Paco” Bultó. Montesa Honda has been the Spanish subsidiary of Honda since 1981, assembling motorcycles, bicycles, and parts at its Barcelona plant. The company exports 75% of its production to Europe. Montesa's first prototype was based on French Motobécane models, according to webbikeworld.com.
- MotoTrans: MotoTrans produced motorcycles and scooters from 1957 until 1983, when it was acquired by Yamaha. MotoTrans was known for licensing Ducati engines and using them in its motorcycles, as well as building Ducati motorcycles with some modifications.
- Ossa: Founded in 1924 by Manuel Giró, Ossa manufactured motorcycles until 1982 and again from 2010 to 2015. The Barcelona-based company was known for lightweight, two-stroke bikes used in observed trials, motocross, and enduro events, according to webbikeworld.com.
- Rieju: Rieju, based in Figueres, specializes in small displacement motorcycles (49 to 450cc), using Minarelli engines. Their products are available in most European countries.
- Sanglas: Sanglas was founded in Barcelona in 1942 and ceased production in 1981. Sanglas motorcycles had relatively large engines for the time, especially in Spain. The company aimed to compete with brands like BMW, Zündapp, and DKW to supply vehicles to official agencies, according to webbikeworld.com.
- Sherco: Sherco is a French and Spanish motorcycle manufacturer specializing in off-road bikes. Founded in 1998, Sherco is known for its trials bikes, as well as enduro and supermoto models. The company has two production facilities: one in Caldes de Montbui, Spain, for trials bikes, and another in Nîmes, France, for enduro and supermoto bikes.
The Spanish motorcycle industry has evolved significantly over the years, adapting to changing market demands and technological advancements. While some brands have disappeared or been acquired, their contributions to motorcycle design and engineering remain significant. The remaining companies continue to innovate and produce motorcycles for both domestic and international markets.
