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Testi

by Bernard Soler-Thèbes

Before talking about the Testi, a short piece of history is required.

France, 1962.  Sports-mopeds have released an unimaginable enthusiasm among teenagers.  Then, as Paloma and Flandria fought one another for market supremacy, a third force arrived to stir things up: the Super VAP Special Monneret.  This beautiful racer had all the trumps in its hand: the excellent Sachs engine in elegant cycle parts that originated from Testi.  But these cycle parts, with the very characteristic bulbous fuel tank and the egg-shaped tool box, appeared to be exclusively reserved for the Super VAP.

However, as this article shows, Testi brought out two versions which it marketed well on its own account: the 'Grand Prix' and the 'Weekend'.  Naturally, the engine fitted wasn't a Sachs but a Minarelli P3N with a Lafranconi double exhaust system.  There we have it: a machine that is very interesting to restore, but finding one might prove to be a little more difficult...

Specification
Frame double cradle Engine Minarelli P3N, fan-cooled 2-stroke
Suspension telescopic fork at front, swinging arm at rear Capacity 47.6cc
Tyres 2.50×19, front & rear Bore & stroke 38mm×42mm
Brakes Grimeca 118mm dia steel drums Power 3.7hp
Fuel capacity 10 litres Gearbox 3-speed, selected by twistgrip
Handlebars dropped (Grand Prix) or raised (Weekend) Lighting coils 18W, 6V
Saddle dual seat (Grand Prix) or sprung single seat (Weekend) Starting by pedalling

English version first published - December 1994


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