Ramon Mira Interview page 2
RT - What year did you start with Mecatecno
1978 . At the very start.
RT - Why did you go to Mecatecno and leave everything at Derbi?
Jordi say “Because he was very young and he don’t know what it is like to feel pain”.
1978 . At the very start.
RT - Why did you go to Mecatecno and leave everything at Derbi?
Jordi say “Because he was very young and he don’t know what it is like to feel pain”.
here ar e some of Ramon's designs
Marcel Corches with the one off - Derbi trial prototype
Ramons designed many children motorcycles , which sold well.
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Ramons designed many children motorcycles , which sold well.
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This one off prototype by Mecatecno featured a 180cc engine and was inspired by the Fantic 200. It was designed by Ramon Mira and Jordi Rabasa in addition to Joan Ruiz.
Ramon say I wanted to work for a small company and have more control over the motorcycles i was designing. There is much more control working for a small company. I also wanted to break free and become in control of my future.
Ramon then produced a portfolio carefully presented in a folder. Within the folder was the sales sheets of the many motorcycles that he designed at Mecatecno. It is clear that ramon is very proud of his work.
RT - Do you have any Mecatecnos as your home
No
RT - Do you ride motorcycles
No
RT - What is your favourite thing that you designed at Mecatecno ?
The trial engine of Mecatecno. This engine had many prototypes. It was built originally with a 5 speed gear box. This gear box also has a lever to change between 2 ratios. (a bit like the Landrover higher and lower ratios). The first engine in one of the prototype had a chain driven clutch. We change the engine many times. The air is sucked from the under the fuel tank .We change this as not enough air goes to the engine. The prototype at the Barcelona show had no engine internals.
RT - Do you have a full understanding of the working of a two stroke engine
Yes for sure
Ramon then produced a portfolio carefully presented in a folder. Within the folder was the sales sheets of the many motorcycles that he designed at Mecatecno. It is clear that ramon is very proud of his work.
RT - Do you have any Mecatecnos as your home
No
RT - Do you ride motorcycles
No
RT - What is your favourite thing that you designed at Mecatecno ?
The trial engine of Mecatecno. This engine had many prototypes. It was built originally with a 5 speed gear box. This gear box also has a lever to change between 2 ratios. (a bit like the Landrover higher and lower ratios). The first engine in one of the prototype had a chain driven clutch. We change the engine many times. The air is sucked from the under the fuel tank .We change this as not enough air goes to the engine. The prototype at the Barcelona show had no engine internals.
RT - Do you have a full understanding of the working of a two stroke engine
Yes for sure
A rare picture of the Mecatecno stand at the Barcelona motorcycle show showing the MR326 on the left
The MR326cc prototype was designed by Ramon. This bike was the pre production bike and did not run. Many design changes were made before production
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The production MR326. Very different from the prototype bike on the left
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The most gorgeous Trials bike ever produced .The 326cc Mecatecno Dragonfly. This was Ramon's joint favourite design.
Ramon designed the rotary valve engine as well. It was Mecatecno's own engine
The bike was colourful and striking and so was the riding gear
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Gallach in action on the Dragonfly, Sporting Garibaldi Mecatecno clothing
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The striking 326cc Skywalker was a success for Mecatecno
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One prototype design for the 1991 Skywalker , that never happened .Its a pity , it looked good
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Ramon designed the Mecatecno CR7 which was a financial success. they sold very well.
This was one of Ramon's favorite designs
This is the only picture of Mecatecno last motorcycle. It was designed and produced in the early 1990's and was another of Ramon's designs
The Els Xops factory of Mecatecno was small with only one office and it was a very busy place. Where abouts did you design and do your work?.
On the first floor halfway down the left hand side i have my office. The floor was created in about 1984. It was this floor where the welding and grinding would take place.
RT - Where abouts do you live now ?
In Vic near Barcelona
RT - Which was the motorcycle from Mecatecno that you are most proud of?
The adult Dragonfly and the CR7 road bike that was made in 1991
RT - What did you do after you leave Mecatecno when it closes?
I work for a large company designing municipal lighting. I am retied from work now.
Thank you Ramon for you contribution to a colourful to the world of trials design
On the first floor halfway down the left hand side i have my office. The floor was created in about 1984. It was this floor where the welding and grinding would take place.
RT - Where abouts do you live now ?
In Vic near Barcelona
RT - Which was the motorcycle from Mecatecno that you are most proud of?
The adult Dragonfly and the CR7 road bike that was made in 1991
RT - What did you do after you leave Mecatecno when it closes?
I work for a large company designing municipal lighting. I am retied from work now.
Thank you Ramon for you contribution to a colourful to the world of trials design
Joan Ruiz, Jordi Rabassa and Ramon Mira. The three men of Mecatecno