Mecatecno MR326
Mecatecno MR326 1983 - 1986 30 produced (CONFIRMED)
Mecatecno MR 326
This photo shows Gabino Renales competing on the MR326
The MR300 was Mecatecnos first production Trials bike. This was the blue print and main influence for all of thier future Trials models
It was the dream of the company to design and build thier own engine.At the time they greatly admired the Rotax engine and this influenced them in the rotary valve design that they chose.
The engine was designed mainly by Joan Ruiz who had the greatest engineering and mechanical background however Rabasa and Mira also infuenced the project .
The Engines
Rabasa initially opted for a longer stroked engine but Ruiz had other thoughts. He argued that ths 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 barrells and inner crank casings were cast in alloy whilst the outer Magneto casing and clutch casings were made from magnesium.The Barrell 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 kickstart swang forward and required a good effort as the engine had so much compression. The ignition was by the Spanish Motoplat company which supplied most manufacturers at the time.
The Chassis
The frame was unusual at the time has it held the engine from above via the cylinder head. There were no down tubes at the front of the engine. The engine did bolt back at the rear to the swinging arm and frame .The Sump guard was attached to the bottom of the engine and back to the frame.
The swinging arm was fabricated from aluminium. The exhaust was fabricated from bent steel piping. This 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 costs of a team attending.
The engines were assembled by Joan Ruiz and his small team at Mecatecno. The chasis was constructed locally by a fabricator. The engine casings, barrells and gearboxes were all contracted out. Noone but the biggest company ahs thier own Aluminium and Magnesium foundary.The fiberglass tanks and paintwork were again contracted out. A small filthy factory with sparks flying was no place to paint.
Here are some other photographs of the MR326
The MR300 was Mecatecnos first production Trials bike. This was the blue print and main influence for all of thier future Trials models
It was the dream of the company to design and build thier own engine.At the time they greatly admired the Rotax engine and this influenced them in the rotary valve design that they chose.
The engine was designed mainly by Joan Ruiz who had the greatest engineering and mechanical background however Rabasa and Mira also infuenced the project .
The Engines
Rabasa initially opted for a longer stroked engine but Ruiz had other thoughts. He argued that ths 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 barrells and inner crank casings were cast in alloy whilst the outer Magneto casing and clutch casings were made from magnesium.The Barrell 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 kickstart swang forward and required a good effort as the engine had so much compression. The ignition was by the Spanish Motoplat company which supplied most manufacturers at the time.
The Chassis
The frame was unusual at the time has it held the engine from above via the cylinder head. There were no down tubes at the front of the engine. The engine did bolt back at the rear to the swinging arm and frame .The Sump guard was attached to the bottom of the engine and back to the frame.
The swinging arm was fabricated from aluminium. The exhaust was fabricated from bent steel piping. This 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 costs of a team attending.
The engines were assembled by Joan Ruiz and his small team at Mecatecno. The chasis was constructed locally by a fabricator. The engine casings, barrells and gearboxes were all contracted out. Noone but the biggest company ahs thier own Aluminium and Magnesium foundary.The fiberglass tanks and paintwork were again contracted out. A small filthy factory with sparks flying was no place to paint.
Here are some other photographs of the MR326
An original and Immaculate Mecatecno MR326 at the Barcelona Motorcycle museum
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An original and Immaculate Mecatecno MR326 at the Barcelona Motorcycle museum
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An original and Immaculate Mecatecno MR326 at the Barcelona Motorcycle museum
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An original and Immaculate Mecatecno MR326 at the Barcelona Motorcycle museum
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An original and Immaculate Mecatecno MR326 at the Barcelona Motorcycle museum
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Salva García on the Mr326
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 Mecatecno MR 326 |
 Mecatecno MR 326 |
 Mecatecno MR 326 |
 Mecatecno MR 326 |