Post-Sale Update – This Caliente sold for the BIN of $2,600.
File this under ‘bikes I’ve never heard of before.’ According to a period review from Cycle Guide magazine, the Carabela Caliente was Mexico’s first MX bike. They said the engine power was competitive, acceleration was surprising, and the handling was excellent. Cycle World said “Mexico’s first small bore motocross export is light, well-finished, and capable of winning.” I say Caliente is a great tacky 70s name for a motorcycle.
Finding information on this bike was difficult, but it seems that the press really liked this bike – impressive for a first export attempt by Carabela. MSRP was $695 (optional Ceriani forks were available for $80) and the claimed dry weight was 183 pounds. The engine produced about 18 horsepower and it was fed by a 27mm Dell’Orto carb.
This example was “completely restored” with a veritable bevy of new parts, including a J&R exhaust (original is included, but it will need to be welded). Find this Carabela Caliente for sale in White Marsh, Maryland with an unmet opening bid of $2,950