1985 Mecatecno MR 326 325 cc
Mecatecno MR 326 325 cc 1985
Martorelles (Barselona)
Exhibit: Francisco Paya
Engine capacity - 325.9 cc
Piston diameter x stroke (77 x 70) mm
Compression - 8.5: 1
Engine power - 16 hp at 6000 rev / min
Carburetor - Bing 84 or 28 mm Dell'Orto
Brakes: front and rear - drum
Tires: Front - 2,75 x 21, rear 4,00 x 18
Shock absorbers front - Ideal
Rear - Monoamortiguador Rolling
Gearbox - 6-speed
Tank capacity - 4.5 l
Weight -96 kg
Number of units - about 100 pieces.
The MR300 was the first trial bike produced by Mecatecno. It had a major impact on all prospective trial models. It was the dream of the company to design and build their own engine. At that time everyone greatly admired the Rotax engine and that influenced their choice of the engine construction.
The engine was designed mainly by Joan Ruiz who had the greatest engineering and mechanical background however Rabasa and Mira were also involved in the project.
The Engines
Rabasa initially opted for a long-stroke engine but Ruiz had other thoughts. He argued that the short stroke engine would allow the engine to rev easier and the large capacity would still offer the torque at lower engine speeds. Rabasa gave way and a shorter stroke was agreed. The barrels and inner crank casings were cast in alloy whilst the outer Magneto casing and clutch casings were made from magnesium. The barrel had a steel liner and was fitted with a tapered Gandini (GPM) piston from Italy. It was in fact the same piston that was fitted to early Maico motocrossers. The kick-start swung forward and required a good effort as the engine had so much compression. The ignition was made by the Spanish Motoplat company which supplied most manufacturers at the time.
The Chassis
The frame was unusual for that time as it held the engine from above via the cylinder head. There were no down tubes at the front of the engine. The engine was bolted at the rear to the swinging arm and frame. The sump guard was attached to the bottom of the engine and to the frame.
The swinging arm was fabricated from aluminum. The exhaust system was fabricated from bent steel pipes. It was coupled to a pressed and welded centre box and rear steel can.
The MR326 did compete in the hands of Gabino Renales in Spanish national rounds in addition to selective World rounds, due to the team attending.
The engines were assembled by Joan Ruiz and his small team at Mecatecno. The chassis was constructed by a local fabricator. The engine casings, barrels and gearboxes were all made by subcontractors. Here are some other photographs of the MR326
The company Mecatecno was established primarily to design and manufacture children’s motorcycles as there was a demand for them in Spain.
Mecatecno produced a few different children motorcycles in different styles which were demanded for well. It was the time when Rabasa and Ruiz created the prototype of 180cc trial motorcycle ridden by Marcelino Corchs.
Business was so good that in 1982 Mecatecno moved to their industrial unit in Els Xops in Barcelona. It consisted of one large work room and one small office.
The work room was divided horizontally !!. This doubled the work space. Mecatecno expanded the workforce to a total of 13 people.
Martorelles (Barselona)
Exhibit: Francisco Paya
Engine capacity - 325.9 cc
Piston diameter x stroke (77 x 70) mm
Compression - 8.5: 1
Engine power - 16 hp at 6000 rev / min
Carburetor - Bing 84 or 28 mm Dell'Orto
Brakes: front and rear - drum
Tires: Front - 2,75 x 21, rear 4,00 x 18
Shock absorbers front - Ideal
Rear - Monoamortiguador Rolling
Gearbox - 6-speed
Tank capacity - 4.5 l
Weight -96 kg
Number of units - about 100 pieces.
The MR300 was the first trial bike produced by Mecatecno. It had a major impact on all prospective trial models. It was the dream of the company to design and build their own engine. At that time everyone greatly admired the Rotax engine and that influenced their choice of the engine construction.
The engine was designed mainly by Joan Ruiz who had the greatest engineering and mechanical background however Rabasa and Mira were also involved in the project.
The Engines
Rabasa initially opted for a long-stroke engine but Ruiz had other thoughts. He argued that the short stroke engine would allow the engine to rev easier and the large capacity would still offer the torque at lower engine speeds. Rabasa gave way and a shorter stroke was agreed. The barrels and inner crank casings were cast in alloy whilst the outer Magneto casing and clutch casings were made from magnesium. The barrel had a steel liner and was fitted with a tapered Gandini (GPM) piston from Italy. It was in fact the same piston that was fitted to early Maico motocrossers. The kick-start swung forward and required a good effort as the engine had so much compression. The ignition was made by the Spanish Motoplat company which supplied most manufacturers at the time.
The Chassis
The frame was unusual for that time as it held the engine from above via the cylinder head. There were no down tubes at the front of the engine. The engine was bolted at the rear to the swinging arm and frame. The sump guard was attached to the bottom of the engine and to the frame.
The swinging arm was fabricated from aluminum. The exhaust system was fabricated from bent steel pipes. It was coupled to a pressed and welded centre box and rear steel can.
The MR326 did compete in the hands of Gabino Renales in Spanish national rounds in addition to selective World rounds, due to the team attending.
The engines were assembled by Joan Ruiz and his small team at Mecatecno. The chassis was constructed by a local fabricator. The engine casings, barrels and gearboxes were all made by subcontractors. Here are some other photographs of the MR326
The company Mecatecno was established primarily to design and manufacture children’s motorcycles as there was a demand for them in Spain.
Mecatecno produced a few different children motorcycles in different styles which were demanded for well. It was the time when Rabasa and Ruiz created the prototype of 180cc trial motorcycle ridden by Marcelino Corchs.
Business was so good that in 1982 Mecatecno moved to their industrial unit in Els Xops in Barcelona. It consisted of one large work room and one small office.
The work room was divided horizontally !!. This doubled the work space. Mecatecno expanded the workforce to a total of 13 people.
