Motobecane Serial Number Database
04-15-24 | 11:14 PM
#176
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2024
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
1978? Motobecane 27" frame
I have a black and red 27" frame Motobecane. I believe it to be a 1978 but could be a 1977. The serial number on the bottom between the pedals is 6182208 I believe.
Can you tell me anything about this bike based on the information I have given please?
Can you tell me anything about this bike based on the information I have given please?
04-16-24 | 02:58 AM
#177
Cyclotouriste
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 11,792
Likes: 7,017
From: South Holland, NL
Bikes: Yes, please.
1978 sounds about right. Have a look here as well: Motobecane Serial Number Database
There may be other codes, on the dropouts and the steerer, that may or may not reveal more information.
There may be other codes, on the dropouts and the steerer, that may or may not reveal more information.
06-08-24 | 06:14 PM
#178
Full Member
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 492
Likes: 531
From: Florida west coast
Bikes: Kestrel Legend SL, Motobecane Grand Record and Le Champion
I bought a Grand Record in spring of 1975 from a bike shop in Livingston, New Jersey, USA.
rear Campagnolo dropouts
inside DS: 77317
outside NDS: 25 * 5273
* = undecipherable number
Bottom bracket: R704
rear Campagnolo Nuovo Record derailleur
Patent-74
rear Campagnolo dropouts
inside DS: 77317
outside NDS: 25 * 5273
* = undecipherable number
Bottom bracket: R704
rear Campagnolo Nuovo Record derailleur
Patent-74
Last edited by Biker Pete; 06-09-24 at 08:25 AM.
06-08-24 | 08:42 PM
#179
Old age cyclist
Joined: Oct 2021
Posts: 195
Likes: 106
From: Great Falls Virginia
Bikes: Motobecane Grand Record, Motobecane Super Mirage (3x5 speeds), Motobecane Mirage, Atala (unknown model), Peugeot mixte frame Tourist. A bunch more kids bikes. Most recently a Trek Verve One, tricked up for semi-serious touring.
My 1976 still gets some touring. It did Georgetown (DC) to Shepardstown, WV to Front Royal, VA along the Skyline Drive in 1984. I hardly remember how hard it was to climb mountains now! All Campy since just before that trip. Great bike.
03-16-25 | 11:12 AM
#180
Disco Infiltrator
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 15,345
Likes: 3,542
From: Folsom CA
Bikes: Stormchaser, Paramount, Tilt, Samba tandem
This is from a Grand Jubilé with a d and acute-e, 1977 based on catalog component match and has 76 i on the crank arm
3992872 707
3992872 707
__________________
Genesis 49:16-17
"Well, well!" said Holmes, impatiently. "A good cyclist does not need a high road. The moor is intersected with paths and the moon is at the full."
Genesis 49:16-17
"Well, well!" said Holmes, impatiently. "A good cyclist does not need a high road. The moor is intersected with paths and the moon is at the full."
03-16-25 | 12:44 PM
#181
Peace on Earth
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 695
Likes: 749
From: WNY
After looking at a few Motobecanes, it appears that the three number stamping on the bottom bracket separate from the 7 digit serial number is a YMM date code.
My Gr. Jubile is stamped 605 and I believe is a 1976
The Gr. Jubile above is stamped 707 and fits the 1977 catalog specs
My 1978 Gr. Record is stamped -803 after the main serial number
In post 90 of this thread, rancho66 suggests this started sometime in 1976. Also mentions a pattern in the stamppings on the inside of the rear dropouts: Post 90
In post 158 of this thread, Hummer posted a link to a French site where Motobecane serial numbers have been logged.
My Gr. Jubile is stamped 605 and I believe is a 1976
The Gr. Jubile above is stamped 707 and fits the 1977 catalog specs
My 1978 Gr. Record is stamped -803 after the main serial number
In post 90 of this thread, rancho66 suggests this started sometime in 1976. Also mentions a pattern in the stamppings on the inside of the rear dropouts: Post 90
In post 158 of this thread, Hummer posted a link to a French site where Motobecane serial numbers have been logged.
__________________
72 Fuji Finest 76 Super Course, 72 Gitane Tours de France, 74 P-10 & 79 Tandem Paramounts, 75 Grand Record, 76 Grand Jubile, 84 Voyageur SP, 85 Miyata Sport 10 mixte 89 Cannondale ST400 and a queue
72 Fuji Finest 76 Super Course, 72 Gitane Tours de France, 74 P-10 & 79 Tandem Paramounts, 75 Grand Record, 76 Grand Jubile, 84 Voyageur SP, 85 Miyata Sport 10 mixte 89 Cannondale ST400 and a queue
Last edited by Schreck83; 03-18-25 at 11:20 AM. Reason: Links to other posts
03-17-25 | 08:25 AM
#182
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 761
Likes: 1,022
From: Winnipeg Canada
Bikes: '84 Raleigh Vector Mixte, '83 Motobecane Super Sprint, '71 Glider (Raleigh)
OK, the frame arrived today. Paint and decal look original (brilliant blue, it's more brilliant in real life than in the photos) - tubing decals are not applied perfectly, I think if this was done as part of repaint job, they would be immaculate, but that's a speculation on my side. Even if this was a repaint, I don't think I would mind, it's a quality job. The frame and paint are in fabulous condition, there are just some minor signs it was built up at some point, but looks like an ex-shop display (as seller described it). There are some tyre marks on the chainstays, so it was ridden at some point, but that will be a minor touch up. Few scuff marks which should come off with some detergent and then perhaps a bit of buffing. I was hoping it will be a bit bigger as it's on the shorter end of my size, but perhaps I will be able to compensate a bit with a longer stem and seatpost. Still minimally heavier then B. Carre Super Vitus 971 frame I'm currently working on, despite that one being taller.
The biggest surprise is the BB shell threading. It's French, I was totally nit expecting that. I'd rather it was Swiss, because I have Swiss-threaded Stronglight Competition BB I was planning to use. Thankfully, I've just received a set of French cups, thanks to generosity of Mad Honk, so I will just have to figure out some spindle with ISO taper and the correct length and hopefully find something suitable in my parts box.
Other than numbers visible in the photos, lugs are stamped with BCM (Bocama). Seat lug has 72 stamped on it (angle). 28's stamped on the BB shell signify all tubes are metric. Huret stamped fork dropouts. NERVOR stamped on the steerer is still a puzzle. A78? Would that be the production year? Looks possible, comparing with the catalogs.
The biggest surprise is the BB shell threading. It's French, I was totally nit expecting that. I'd rather it was Swiss, because I have Swiss-threaded Stronglight Competition BB I was planning to use. Thankfully, I've just received a set of French cups, thanks to generosity of Mad Honk, so I will just have to figure out some spindle with ISO taper and the correct length and hopefully find something suitable in my parts box.
Other than numbers visible in the photos, lugs are stamped with BCM (Bocama). Seat lug has 72 stamped on it (angle). 28's stamped on the BB shell signify all tubes are metric. Huret stamped fork dropouts. NERVOR stamped on the steerer is still a puzzle. A78? Would that be the production year? Looks possible, comparing with the catalogs.
If the poster of these photo's would uncover the frame, and show a drive-side photo, it may help.
Paint, decals, and braze-on guides on the top tube all suggest post '80 to me, probably '83-'84.
-D.S.
03-21-25 | 06:15 PM
#183
Disco Infiltrator
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 15,345
Likes: 3,542
From: Folsom CA
Bikes: Stormchaser, Paramount, Tilt, Samba tandem
Some more photos of bike 3992872 707 above
"D" ? on BB shell drive side top
N7 on left dropout exterior
96216 on left dropout interior
96216 on right dropout interior too - you have to really squint for the 96
Nothing of note on right dropout exterior
Suntour dropouts fwiw and the eyelets got used for something somewhen in the last 5 decades
"D" ? on BB shell drive side top
N7 on left dropout exterior
96216 on left dropout interior
96216 on right dropout interior too - you have to really squint for the 96
Nothing of note on right dropout exterior
Suntour dropouts fwiw and the eyelets got used for something somewhen in the last 5 decades
__________________
Genesis 49:16-17
"Well, well!" said Holmes, impatiently. "A good cyclist does not need a high road. The moor is intersected with paths and the moon is at the full."
Genesis 49:16-17
"Well, well!" said Holmes, impatiently. "A good cyclist does not need a high road. The moor is intersected with paths and the moon is at the full."
Last edited by Darth Lefty; 03-21-25 at 06:22 PM.
03-24-25 | 10:34 AM
#184
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,410
Likes: 282
From: Rupert's Land
Bikes: 1981 Raleigh GP, 1985 Norco Bush Pilot, . . .
Here's one for the Francophiles. It's a recent CL purchase and currently in full tear down mode. It's an uncommon model from what the innerwebs tells me is the second model down from the 'Tour de France' in Motobecane's 'atelier artisinale' lineup. Here are some pix including the bottom bracket serial and matching fork stamp.
Any information is very much appreciated!
Merci beaucoup!
Any information is very much appreciated!
Merci beaucoup!
The serial number, WKM955H, looks like a Danish VIN.
W = Import to Denmark.
KM = Motobcane as the importer.
H = year. 1949 or 1971.
03-26-25 | 08:31 AM
#185
Full Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 363
Likes: 60
From: So. California
Bikes: 20 in all, including: G. Fisher Advance (1993, heavily modded); Fuji Absolute 2.0 (2010; modded); 1989 Miyata 512 (58cm; $50, thrift buy); KHS Classic (63cm, 12-spd); Schwinn World Sport; Schwinn Voyageur; 1987 Centurion Ironman; etc.
Super Mirage (late 70s)
Here are some pix of a 58cm Super Mirage I just picked up for $45.
Suggest a year based on SN on bottom bracket, and maybe styling of lettering and badging. It has down-tube shifters which does not match any Super Mirage in late 70s USA/European catalogs.
Also the paint… It looks SILVER except for areas not exposed to sunlight. Should it be Champagne (I have a 78 Mirage in Champagne).
I have never seen original bike paint fade/change THIS WAY!
Suggest a year based on SN on bottom bracket, and maybe styling of lettering and badging. It has down-tube shifters which does not match any Super Mirage in late 70s USA/European catalogs.
Also the paint… It looks SILVER except for areas not exposed to sunlight. Should it be Champagne (I have a 78 Mirage in Champagne).
I have never seen original bike paint fade/change THIS WAY!
03-26-25 | 08:40 AM
#186
Full Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 363
Likes: 60
From: So. California
Bikes: 20 in all, including: G. Fisher Advance (1993, heavily modded); Fuji Absolute 2.0 (2010; modded); 1989 Miyata 512 (58cm; $50, thrift buy); KHS Classic (63cm, 12-spd); Schwinn World Sport; Schwinn Voyageur; 1987 Centurion Ironman; etc.
More photos…
Here are some pix of a 58cm Super Mirage I just picked up for $45.
Suggest a year based on SN on bottom bracket, and maybe styling of lettering and badging. It has down-tube shifters which does not match any Super Mirage in late 70s USA/European catalogs.
Also the paint… It looks SILVER except for areas not exposed to sunlight. Should it be Champagne (I have a 78 Mirage in Champagne).
I have never seen original bike paint fade/change …
Suggest a year based on SN on bottom bracket, and maybe styling of lettering and badging. It has down-tube shifters which does not match any Super Mirage in late 70s USA/European catalogs.
Also the paint… It looks SILVER except for areas not exposed to sunlight. Should it be Champagne (I have a 78 Mirage in Champagne).
I have never seen original bike paint fade/change …
03-26-25 | 10:01 AM
#187
Dedicated Detritus Dodger
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 485
Likes: 662
From: Fairfax, California
Bikes: Some mighty fine ones at that!
Cheers!
03-26-25 | 10:08 AM
#188
Disco Infiltrator
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 15,345
Likes: 3,542
From: Folsom CA
Bikes: Stormchaser, Paramount, Tilt, Samba tandem
Here are some pix of a 58cm Super Mirage I just picked up for $45.
Suggest a year based on SN on bottom bracket, and maybe styling of lettering and badging. It has down-tube shifters which does not match any Super Mirage in late 70s USA/European catalogs.
Also the paint… It looks SILVER except for areas not exposed to sunlight. Should it be Champagne (I have a 78 Mirage in Champagne).
I have never seen original bike paint fade/change THIS WAY!
Suggest a year based on SN on bottom bracket, and maybe styling of lettering and badging. It has down-tube shifters which does not match any Super Mirage in late 70s USA/European catalogs.
Also the paint… It looks SILVER except for areas not exposed to sunlight. Should it be Champagne (I have a 78 Mirage in Champagne).
I have never seen original bike paint fade/change THIS WAY!
The serial number is probably entirely sequential. Did one French company really make 3 million bikes by 1977? It's not impossible. Schwinn was doing more than a million a year at the peak. And the Moto's didn't all go to the US.
The model number decoder ring is back up thread as well and those stamps are on the dropouts.
__________________
Genesis 49:16-17
"Well, well!" said Holmes, impatiently. "A good cyclist does not need a high road. The moor is intersected with paths and the moon is at the full."
Genesis 49:16-17
"Well, well!" said Holmes, impatiently. "A good cyclist does not need a high road. The moor is intersected with paths and the moon is at the full."
03-26-25 | 11:07 AM
#189
Full Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 363
Likes: 60
From: So. California
Bikes: 20 in all, including: G. Fisher Advance (1993, heavily modded); Fuji Absolute 2.0 (2010; modded); 1989 Miyata 512 (58cm; $50, thrift buy); KHS Classic (63cm, 12-spd); Schwinn World Sport; Schwinn Voyageur; 1987 Centurion Ironman; etc.
1976 Super Mirage. VIN 3277973. 602 (February of 1976?) From looking at other postings and my other 3 Motobecane bicycles from 1976 to 1978 that is my guess what the 602 means. 1976 and 1977 frames had similar stampings. Why 1976? According to the Motobecane catalogue, there was no Super Mirage in 1975 and the 1977 Super Mirage was 2040 tubing. This is 1020 tubing which was the 1976 model. Plus the Silver Blue color of the 1976 model did not have the black stripings on the down tube. The 1977 model did. This is a 23 inch frame. Original tires are long gone. Missing wheel reflectors. Rear carrier has been added. Otherwise all is original.
The "silver" color in the above matches my Super Mirage, but I have no clue about my model's reverse champagne "tan lines" ; or it's downtube shifters (that were a feature of catalog touring and pro models, but not ??? MIRAGE).
10-09-25 | 08:30 PM
#190
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 595
Likes: 399
From: Central Massachusetts
Bikes: 1987 Miyata 615gt, 1980/81 Lotus Eclair, Trek 420, 1975 Motobecane Grand Jubile
I picked up two Motos today and finally figured out the dates so I’m adding them here.
1st is a 1972 Grand Record. Nothing on the BB. Outside of the NDS dropout (campagnolo) is stamped 1787077. Inside of the DS dropout is stamped 64216.
1st is a 1972 Grand Record. Nothing on the BB. Outside of the NDS dropout (campagnolo) is stamped 1787077. Inside of the DS dropout is stamped 64216.
10-09-25 | 08:37 PM
#191
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2022
Posts: 595
Likes: 399
From: Central Massachusetts
Bikes: 1987 Miyata 615gt, 1980/81 Lotus Eclair, Trek 420, 1975 Motobecane Grand Jubile
The second moto I picked up today is a 1978 Mirage mixte. Nothing in the dropouts from what I can tell but a lot of numbers on the BB.
Numbers on the BB are: 4689287 and below that 128 to the bottom left and 536 to the bottom right.
Numbers on the BB are: 4689287 and below that 128 to the bottom left and 536 to the bottom right.
01-15-26 | 02:27 PM
#192
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2026
Posts: 10
Likes: 19
From: Central Indiana
Bikes: 1977 Motobecane Grand Touring
1977 (?) Grand Touring
I just purchased this 23" Grand Touring today from the original owner. It's been sitting in a garage, untouched, for the last ~30 years. He said that he replaced the saddle and thought the wheels and *rims* might have been replaced, but otherwise the parts are stock. That seems to be the case, except for the pedals which are Atom 440s.
The owner told me that he bought it in either 1975 or 1976 in Guthrie, Oklahoma. I think that it's a 1977 model based on the serial number (3773258) and the cable clips that match those shown in the 1977 catalogs, which lines up with the 1976 purchase year. I wasn't sure which 3-digit code to look at to determine the production year.
The owner told me that he bought it in either 1975 or 1976 in Guthrie, Oklahoma. I think that it's a 1977 model based on the serial number (3773258) and the cable clips that match those shown in the 1977 catalogs, which lines up with the 1976 purchase year. I wasn't sure which 3-digit code to look at to determine the production year.
Last edited by mudhollow; 01-15-26 at 03:10 PM.
01-16-26 | 05:14 AM
#193
Cyclotouriste
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 11,792
Likes: 7,017
From: South Holland, NL
Bikes: Yes, please.
Very nice! That should clean up beautifully. 
Have a look here, if you haven't done so already: Road Test/Bike Review (1977) MOTOBECANE Grand Touring
Have a look here, if you haven't done so already: Road Test/Bike Review (1977) MOTOBECANE Grand Touring
01-16-26 | 08:48 AM
#194
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2026
Posts: 10
Likes: 19
From: Central Indiana
Bikes: 1977 Motobecane Grand Touring
EDIT: Also, the review says that these bikes alternately came with Atom 440 pedals, so I guess those are stock. I wonder if they were an upgrade.
01-16-26 | 12:12 PM
#195
Cyclotouriste
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 11,792
Likes: 7,017
From: South Holland, NL
Bikes: Yes, please.
Interesting note in that review about the frame geometry. I bought this bike because I was looking for a sport touring bike; hopefully it isn’t too sporty. It’s going to be awhile before I find out, everything needs a good cleaning and oiling and this will be my first.
EDIT: Also, the review says that these bikes alternately came with Atom 440 pedals, so I guess those are stock. I wonder if they were an upgrade.
EDIT: Also, the review says that these bikes alternately came with Atom 440 pedals, so I guess those are stock. I wonder if they were an upgrade.
FWIW, it is a category I like a lot: not as nervous as a true racing machine, but more responsive than a touring rig.
01-16-26 | 02:15 PM
#196
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2026
Posts: 10
Likes: 19
From: Central Indiana
Bikes: 1977 Motobecane Grand Touring
"Sport touring" being a typical American designation, I'm not sure what it means exactly, but if you're looking for something between "racing" and "touring" this seems like a good candidate to me. If looked at a few European Motobécane catalogs, and this *might* be the equivalent of what is known as the TR2 on this side of the pond, which was marketed as a "training" bike. Anyway, it being a Motobécane, I would expect it to ride quite nicely.
FWIW, it is a category I like a lot: not as nervous as a true racing machine, but more responsive than a touring rig.
FWIW, it is a category I like a lot: not as nervous as a true racing machine, but more responsive than a touring rig.
01-16-26 | 03:37 PM
#197
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 5,847
Likes: 3,431
From: Los Angeles
Bikes: 82 Medici, 85 Ironman, 2011 Richard Sachs
‘74 l. C.
Matched the 74 USA catalogue when it came to me. My diy painting did not do justice to what I consider very fine brazing on this frame. ( not talking about my diy braze ons. ) I’m saving for a professional Imron paint job. It’s got a coat of BLO and will get one more before I build it, ride it 1000+ miles to make sure it is worthy of $800 single color and clear oat.
Main tubes all say Reynolds 531 double butted
What is this symbol?
Main tubes all say Reynolds 531 double butted
What is this symbol?
__________________
I don't do: disks, tubeless, e-shifting, or bead head nymphs. But I do hate all e-bikes.
I don't do: disks, tubeless, e-shifting, or bead head nymphs. But I do hate all e-bikes.
01-16-26 | 04:22 PM
#198
Cyclotouriste
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 11,792
Likes: 7,017
From: South Holland, NL
Bikes: Yes, please.
Not many things sound better than "randonneuse légère" (and naming the few that do will get me banned from this forum). 
