A 1919 Ultima Lyon, and the quiet art of learning as you go.
Words: Aitor Berroeta and Rich Orriss
Photos: Aitor Berroeta
The French marque Ultima traces its roots to the workshops of Lyon, where Eugène Billion produced engines and components for other manufacturers.
In 1907, Billion caught a glimpse of what independence might look like when he acquired the patent of Deronziere, a motorcycle maker that had fallen on hard times and had entered receivership. By 1914, he had launched his own machine – a 282cc model – and with it, the Ultima name.
Early Ultimas naturally bore similarities to the Deronziere bikes, and over the years the company produced a wide range of machines powered by engines from Aubier-Dunne, J.A.P., and Zürcher, among others. Ultima Lyon motorcycles became a familiar sight through the 1920s and 1930s. Production continued until 1958, after which the firm turned its attention to manufacturing components for household appliances.
This is the story of a 1919 Ultima Lyon that refused to remain silent, and how it found its way back to life through curiosity, patience, and a motivation to learn the hard way. It is in the hands of a great chap – Aitor Berroeta – and in this article he provides us with a bit of an insight into this wonderful old motorcycle.
New Hands, Old Lessons
“My story with vintage motorcycles began in 2012, when I was just 14 years old,” says Aitor. This statement already tells you a lot about Aitor – anyone who has succumbed to the old-bike-disease will know that it never really fades, and at 14, there is plenty of time for that to blossom.
The first project was a 1968 Mobylette 50cc. “I had the intention of taking its engine and using it to build a replica of the very first Harley-Davidson. I fell in love with the bike and eventually decided to restore it.” The replica idea was quietly replaced with something far more dangerous: a genuine enthusiasm for old machines.
Over the years, several motorcycles passed through Aitor’s hands. Then, in the summer of 2025, he came across something special. “I found this gem… a 1919 ‘Ultima Lyon’ 400cc motorcycle.” Remarkably, it wasn’t hidden in a far-off barn or a private collection, but in a town close to home – Barakaldo.
Farm Find to First Fire-Up
The Ultima’s recent history was somewhat elusive. “The previous owner told me he bought it in 2019 in Toulouse, where it had been on a farm for who knows how many years.” Farm storage can go either way, but this one came up trumps.
“It’s very complete for its age; the only thing we had to replace was the magneto, as the original one was dead.” Easier said than done… “We had to modify the holes in the engine block so the magneto would fit, since it wasn’t the right size.”
Starting the Ultima was less a procedure and more an education. “We started the motorcycle, probably after decades. It was very difficult to get the ignition timing right, since we hadn’t done it before and were learning as we went along.” Adjustments were made, reversed, reconsidered, and eventually understood.
Short Ride, Big Reward
When the Ultima finally moved under its own power, the first ride came quickly. “The first trip on the motorcycle was short but intense.” Early belt-drive machines are honest to a fault. “The belt drive I’d installed was too narrow and didn’t work perfectly.”
The Ultima made its feelings known.
Still, the fundamentals were sound. “Otherwise, the motorcycle ran wonderfully.” And with that came the moment every vintage motorcyclist recognises instantly. “I felt incredibly satisfied – happier than a kid on Christmas morning.”
Carried Forward
Today, the only thing keeping the Ultima from the open road is paperwork. “I’m currently in the process of registering it, so I can drive it wherever I want!” Soon, the 1919 Ultima Lyon will return to doing exactly what it was built to do – moving, working, and putting confused but fascinated looks on the faces of people that it passes.
At The Girder Club, we don’t believe motorcycles like this survive because they are delicate. They survive because people keep having a go. This Ultima Lyon survived a farm and decades of silence, and in the capable hands of Aitor Berroeta, the old girl is awake again – and that’s exactly what it is all about, isn’t it?
an article by The Girder Club
— the home of vintage motorcycles, tall tales, and machines that refuse to behave —
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