Model(s) covered: 2002 Mondial Piega 1000
Success came quickly for Italian bike builder Mondial. The boutique manufacturer claimed three consecutive 250cc world titles soon after opening its doors for business in 1949, and by 1957 the company had collected a total of 10 125cc and 250cc world championships. Halfway around the world, Shoichiro Honda eyed Mondial's dominance on the racetrack. Although success had not translated into showroom sales for the Italian concern, Honda believed a global racing presence would boost sales of his road bikes. In a gentleman's agreement—astonishing for the traditionally ruthless world of competitive racing—Mondial acceded to Honda's request for the loan of a 125cc Grand Prix race bike.
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