1972 Moto BM 50cc 'Yankee' Boss minibike

1972 Moto BM 50cc 'Yankee' Boss minibike
The firm of Baudo and Meldi of Bologna sold a JAP 500c-engined motorcycle in 1931 made by a Mario Bonvicini, a successful road racer, with a 3-speed gearbox and on at least one occasion an electric starter – the first in Italy. He re-launched in 1955 as Bonvicini Marino (in Rastignano Pianoro, near Bologna) the longer version of 'BM', a brand name sometimes used. First, he used ILO and, reportedly, NSU 2-stroke engines of 125cc and 160cc, and later 4-strokes of 75cc through 250cc, the last being a SOHC twin. In the 1970s he built various sports mopeds, scooters and minibikes, this time using Morini Franco or Minarelli 2-stroke motors, some with 6-speeds! Moto BM was a past master at choosing fantasy model names like Pokerino, Minotauro and Jaguarino! One of the firm's promotions offered just the two words, 'Ultra Bologna.'

The doors closed, reportedly, perhaps in 1988 but not before BM had hooked up with John Taylor's Yankee Motors of Schenectady, New York who was looking for a minibike in his offering – remember the Yankee Ossa Z500? – and thus it was Yankee that sourced this yellow Boss 50 complete with 12in wheels and a Motori Morini Franco 2-stroke 50cc engine. This now rare, original bike we're advised starts and runs but is in need of re-commissioning.