If you found a Motom in your basement, inherited one, or just bought one and don’t know where to start—you’ve come to the right place. This page will walk you through the first steps you need to take and the basics you need to understand.
First step: figure out what kind of motorcycle you have
Motoms were manufactured from 1947 to 1972. Before you do anything, you need to know what you're dealing with.
The models are divided into two main categories: 4-stroke and 2-stroke.
Four-stroke motorcycles are the most common and are classified as follows:
- Mopeds: Series 12, Motom 48, Motom 51, and 60
- Motorcycles: Motom 92cc, 100cc, 98 (very rare), and 160 Delfino
- Three-wheeled truck
- Rotary tillers or cultivators
Two-stroke motorcycles are less common and are classified as follows:
- Nova — in gears
- Daina — single-speed, with or without a variator
- Daina Matic — the only one with a continuously variable transmission
To learn more about each model with photos and details → Go to the Models section
Step 2: Why won't it start?
The motorcycle won't start. Before taking everything apart, check these three things in this order:
- Is fuel coming through? — Check that the fuel valve is open and that fuel is reaching the carburetor. And of course, clean the carburetor!
- Is the spark plug firing? — Remove the spark plug, hold it against the engine, and turn the ignition: you should see a visible spark. If it doesn't fire, check the electrodes and the capacitor, as well as the timing!
- Are the valves adjusted? — Misaligned valves can prevent the engine from starting even if everything else is in order
To find out which candle to use → Read the complete guide to candles
Step 3: How do you start the Motom 48?
Starting the Motom 48 is a bit unusual and often confuses those who aren't familiar with it. There are two versions: one with a disengagement mechanism and one without.
No disengagement — this mainly applies to the latest models. They are easy to spot: the aluminum chain guard does not have a hole where the sprocket is located. In this case, disengagement is performed using the gear lever on the handlebar. Simply move the gear lever past third gear, start the engine, and then shift into first gear. If you shift into neutral when starting, you must shift into first gear to ensure the other gears function properly.
With a disengagement mechanism — older models have a physical disengagement mechanism on the engine. It must be engaged before starting the engine to allow the engine to start without putting a load on the transmission.
You can tell by the hole in the chain guard, near the sprocket. Put the gear lever in third gear, then pull out the disengagement "button."
From here on
Now that you have the basics, explore the site:
- 🔧 Technical Guides — Spark Plugs, Oil, Carburetors, and Everything Else
- 🏍️ Models — in-depth information on every Motom model
- 📄 Manuals and Downloads — original manuals available for download
- 📖 Stories — adventures and stories from other enthusiasts