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History of FB Mondial


History of FB Mondial 

The year was 1929, in the heart of Italy, when the Boselli siblings decided to carve a niche for themselves on the racing circuits.


Through the formation of FB Mondial, their love for speed culminated in groundbreaking innovations, racing success, and a loyal fan base. 


Now let's get into the rich history of FB Mondial — discovering how it moved from success to disappearing for almost 20 years, and its rebirth.


Origin Story

The legacy of FB Mondial can be traced back to 1929, set to life by the collective vision of former competitive motorcyclist Giuseppe Boselli and his brothers — Luigi, Carlo, Ettore, and Ada. 

The initials 'FB' were drawn from their familial roots, dubbed as 'Fratelli Boselli', which translates to 'Boselli Brothers'. The Boselli family or Conti (Counts) Boselli belonged to the landed aristocracy of Piacenza and originally came from Ancarano, Italy. 


Fratelli Boselli had initially opened a Milan motorcycle shop — El Negusiet. Here, they sold GD and CM's two-stroke machines. They then bought a building in Bologna — owned by Oreste and Alfonso Drusiani — to manufacture moto furgoncino (three-wheeled utility vehicles) and light trucks for transporting goods.


However, WWII bombings damaged their production site, leading to military commandeering of their machines and a pause in production.



In 1946, due to Boselli's resources, they were able to resume production. In 1948, they started a new business in Milan to cater to the transportation needs that arose after the war — building small-capacity motorbikes called Mondial (Mondial is a French word meaning worldwide).

1960 FB Mondial Mondialino Super Sport 50cc
1960 FB Mondial 88 Sport

History

Due to his history as a competitive racer, Giuseppe Boselli understood the importance of racing success in the company's (FB Mondial) recognition. He had actually been awarded a gold medal at the 1935 International Six Days Trial (ISDT) in Oberstdorf, Germany. And the motorcycle he rode to victory was fitted with an FB 4-stroke CM model engine.


Giuseppe Boselli therefore reached out to chief engineer Alfonso Drusiani to create a good speedster.


The 125cc four-stroke single-cylinder engine with dual overhead camshafts had immediate success in competitive racing. FB Mondial clinched their first of several World Championships within just two years of production.


End of a Racing Legend

Despite their prosperous racing performance, FB Mondial decided to withdraw from the Grand Prix competition in 1957 in response to increasing costs and diminishing sales. However, their popularity and in turn sales were greatly affected as a result.



The following years saw a distinct shift in motor manufacturing. While other companies predominantly produced lightweight two-stroke motorcycles, Mondial maintained its 'boutique' manufacturer label —specializing in high-performance, small-displacement motorcycles often crafted by hand.

1957 FB Mondial Gran Prix

Key Milestones



Mondial's Quick Leap to Track Triumphs

Over this period, Mondial turned heads as a leading manufacturer of some of the most advanced and successful Grand Prix road racers of the era.

Early Innovations and Technological Leadership

Mondial distinguished itself through a commitment to high-performance, small-displacement motorcycles. This was a stark contrast to the economic, lightweight, two-stroke models offered by companies like MV Agusta and Ducati in the mid-20th century.

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2015: Rebirth and Continued Innovation

Marking its return, F.B. Mondial presented the HPS 125 at the EICMA show, reintroducing the brand to the modern motorcycle market.

1959 FB Mondial Lusso Serie d'Oro 125cc

Legacy and Impact

Influencing the Giants: A testament to Mondial's impact on the industry was the gesture by Soichiro Honda, the founder of Honda Motor Company. After Mondial's remarkable achievements in the 1957 Grand Prix season, Honda acquired a Mondial race bike, which then served as a benchmark for Honda's future motorcycles.


A Source of Inspiration: The Mondial 125 cc race bike, a symbol of the brand's racing success and technological excellence, proudly sits as the first exhibit at Honda's Motegi Collection Hall. This positioning not only honors Mondial's historic significance but also serves as a bridge connecting the past with the present, inspiring future generations of engineers and designers.


Noteworthy Statistics

Here are some key statistics that mark FB Mondial's journey and achievements:

  • FB Mondial distinguished itself by manufacturing its motorcycles largely by hand. This dedication to craftsmanship ensured that production volumes remained limited, with yearly outputs ranging between 1,000 and 2,000 units. It also established Mondial's boutique status in the motorcycle industry and made the motorcycles more appealing to bike lovers.
  • During FB Mondial's golden years of racing (1949-1957), it clinched an impressive tally of 10 World Championships. This included five rider championships and five manufacturer championships. This achievement highlighted the brand's engineering expertise and competitive spirit.

Models by Type

From the adrenaline-pumping Piega 452 designed for A2 license holders — to the compact, city-slick Imola 50 — every FB Mondial model promises style, performance, and comfort on every level.

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FB MONDIAL MOTORCYCLES FAQ

  • When did FB Mondial get back in business?

    FB Mondial, the Italian motorcycle brand with racing origins, initially ceased operations in 1979. It was first rejuvenated in 1999 by Roberto Ziletti but couldn’t maintain momentum. 


    A turning point came in 2014 when Count Pierluigi Boselli, a relative of the founders and brand owner, joined forces with Cesare Galli of Pelpi International. They began crafting plans to revive the brand. 


    This culminated in a 2015 relaunch, featuring bikes that paired high-specification Mondial chassis and styling with reliable Piaggio engines.

  • Who is the current owner of FB Mondial?

    The current owner of the brand/name 'Mondial' is Count Pierluigi Boselli, who is a descendant of one of the founders. 

    Boselli however licensed the rights to use it to Cesare Galli, holder of Pelpi International Italy in 2014 — kickstarting a project to revive the historical brand. 

  • Are FB Mondial motorcycles good for beginners?

    Absolutely. FB Mondial's Imola 50 model, for example, with a 50cc 4-stroke engine, is an ideal option for beginners who want to ease into the experience. 


    Its lightness, nimbleness, and convenience due to the keyless system make it a great choice for the urban streets.


    Visit a dealer, share your specifics, and they can guide you to a suitable model based on size, weight, and power output.


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