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CM 1956 OHV 175cc Francolini

CM-1956c-Centauro-175cc.jpg

CM 175cc Centauro OHV circa 1956

Manufactured: 1930-1957

Founded by Mario Cavedagna and Oreste Drusiani1, the CM firm of Via Aglebert 22 Bologna developed a reputation for very reliable motorcycles well suited to competition work. The first machine was an OHV 175cc with a three-speed Burman gearbox, with their first serious heavyweight appearing in 1933, an OHV 500cc model. This was followed by an OHC 250 in 1934. The year up until 1940 saw the range expanded with 350cc machines, and several of these remained in production throughout the war.

In 1936 Astra machines were entirely manufactured by CM Bologna, according to the page on Astra history2.

In the late 1930s the factory had around 40 employees, of whom 10 were apprentices.

Mario Cavedagni died on November 14, 1940 and was succeeded by his wife Irma Ginepri, who led the C.M. firm through the difficulties of the war years assisted by loyal collaborators. She saved the workers' jobs, and hid precious motorcycles, machinery and stock from the ravages of the fascists.

The firm was one of the few permitted to continue production during the war - their output was mainly motocarri and similar utility three-wheelers, but of course they maintained development of the machines they were passionate about whilst they awaited the end of the fascist curse.

As a result of the efforts of Irma Ginepri the company was well-placed to resume production once Mussolini had seen justice provided by those who reviled him, his long-suffering countrymen.

Production of pre-war models resumed in late 1945, and new range of machines was revealed in the early postwar period with the bevel-drive OHC four-speed Gheppio 250 of 1947 along with three OHV models; the Rampichino 250, and Sparviero and Grifone 500s, all with 4 speed gearboxes. 3

1949 saw the introduction of their first lightweight (motoleggera) 125cc two-stroke with rear suspension and telescopic forks.

This was followed in 1950 by a 500cc twin with a 180 degree crank.

The beautiful Francolini OHV 175 appeared in 1956 along with its less sporty Centauro sibling.

The final design was a 150cc two-stroke scooter which did not enter production. The Italian motorcycle industry was in turmoil with many factories closing. CM, unfortunately, was another victim.

The assets of the company were purchased by Mauro Negrini.

Alfonso, son of Oreste Drusiani, founded Comet.

CM Models include:

CM 175 Turismo 1932


  • Engine: OHV twin-port vertical single cylinder with cast iron body and head. Bore 58.8, stroke 64.0. Cylinder capacity cc 173.7.
    Ignition: magnet with Marelli
    Carburettor: Dell'Orto (Original Amac)
    Primary: chain drive protected by sheet crankcase
    Multiple dry disk clutch
    3-speed Burman, hand change
    Chain drive transmission
    Tubular chassis

CM 175 Turismo 1933


  • Engine: OHV twin-port vertical single with cast iron barrel and head. Bore 58.8, stroke 64.0. Cylinder capacity 173.7 cc.
    Ignition: Magneti Marelli
    Carburettor: Amac

    Heavy duty lubrication lubrication with gear pump
    Primary: chain drive
    Multiple dry disk clutch

    4-speed Burman, hand change
    Final drive: Roller chain
    Tyres: 3.00x19
    Brakes: Expansion lateral
    Electrical system: Lucas 6 Volt headlight, tail light, horn, dynamo, battery
    Maximum speed km/h 85

CM 250 Lusso 1934


  • Engine: OHV twin-port vertical single with cast iron barrel and head. Bore 64.8, stroke 74.0 mm. Displacement 244cc.
    Ignition: Magneti Marelli
    Carburettor: Amal
    Primary transmission: chain in alloy chaincase
    Multiple disc clutch
    4-speed Burman gearbox, hand change
    Final Drive: Chain Drive
    Frame: Cradle, steel
    Tyres: 3.00x19
    Brakes: Expansion lateral
    Electrics: Lucas 6v dynamo, headlight, tail light, horn, battery
    Maximum speed km/h 110

CM 250 Sport 1934


  • Engine: OHV twin-port vertical single with cast iron barrel and head. Bore 64.8, stroke 74.0 mm. Displacement 244.0 cc.
    Ignition: Magneti Marelli
    Amal carburetor
    Dry sump lubrication
    Primary: chain drive
    Multiple dry disk clutch
    Gearbox: 4-speed Burman, foot change
    Final drive: chain
    Chassis: tubular frame
    Tyres: 3.00x19
    Brakes: Expansion lateral
    Electrical system with Marelli light, tail light, horn, dynamo, battery 6 Volt
    Maximum speed km/h 115

CM 500 Lusso 1935


  • Engine: OHV twin-port vertical single with cast iron barrel and head. Bore 78.8, stroke 100.0 mm. Displacement 487.6 cc
    Exhaust: dual exhaust, raised (high pipes)
    Electrics: Bosch lighting and ignition
    Dry sump lubrication
    Primary: chain drive Multiple disk clutch
    4-speed Burman, foot change.

    Tyres: 3.50x19
    Brakes: Expansion lateral
    Electrical system with Bosch headlight, tail light, horn, dynamo, ammeter, battery 6 Volt
    Maximum speed 130 km/h

CM 500 Sport 1935


  • Engine: OHV twin-port vertical single with cast iron barrel and head. Bore 78.8, stroke 100.0. Displacement cc 487.6.
    Ignition: Magneti Marelli
    Carburettor: Dell'Orto
    Dry sump lubrication
    Primary: chain
    Multiple disc clutch
    4-speed Burman gearbox, foot shift
    Tyres: 3.50x19
    Brakes: Expansion lateral
    Electrical system with headlight, tail light, horn, dynamo, ammeter, battery 6 Volt
    Maximum speed km/h 135 -140

CM 350 Super Sport 1935


  • 4-stroke vertical single cylinder engine with cast iron barrel and head. Bore 71.8, stroke 84.0, capacity cc 340.1. Valve Valve Distributed by Rods and Balancers
    Ignition: Magneti Marelli
    Carburettor: Dell'Orto
    Dry Sump Lubrication
    Primary: Chain transmission with alloy chaincase
    Multiple Disc Clutch
    4-speed Burman gearbox, foot shift
    Chain Transmission
    Tyres: 3.00x19
    Brakes: Expansion lateral
    Electrical system with Marelli light, tail light, horn, dynamo, battery 6 Volt
    Maximum speed km/h 115

CM 250 SZ 1935


  • Engine: OHV vertical single with cast iron barrel and head, single exhaust port. Bore 54.8, stroke mm 74.0. Displacement cc 244.0.
    Ignition: Magneti Marelli
    Carburettor: Dell'Orto
    Primary: chain drive under light alloy light oil seal
    3-speed Burman gearbox, hand change
    Chain-chain
    Chassis: tubular frame

CM 350 Turismo 1935


  • 4-stroke vertical single-cylinder engine with cast iron barrel and head. Bore 71.8. Stroke 84.0. Cylinder displacement cc 340.1. Valve Valve Distributed by Rods and Balancers
    Ignition: Magneti Marelli
    Carburettor: Amal
    Gearbox: 4-speed Burman, foot change
    Chain Transmission
    Tyres: 3.00x19
    Brakes: Expansion lateral
    Electrical system with Lucas headlight, tail light, horn, dynamo, battery 6 Volt
    Maximum speed km/h 110

CM 350 AB 1937


  • 4-stroke vertical single cylinder engine with cast iron barrel and head. Bore 71.8, stroke 84.0, capacity cc 340.1. Valve Valve Distributed by Rods and Balancers
    Ignition: Magneti Marelli
    Carburettor: Dell'Orto
    Primary: Chain Drive Under Lightweight Alloy Cover
    Clutch: Multiple plate
    Gearbox 4 - speed Burman, foot shift
    Frame: Cradle, parallelogram fork, CM rear suspension with swingarm
    Tyres: 3,25x19
    Brakes: Expansion lateral
    Electrical system with Marelli headlight, tail light, horn, dynamo, battery 6 Volt
    Maximum speed km/h 115

Other models:

  • 1931 175cc Type GD 70A Normale OHV.

    1932 175cc Turismo OHV twin-port.

    1933 175cc Turismo OHV single port 4 speed gearbox.

    1949-1955 125cc

    1949-1953 SS 250cc

    1950-1953 160cc

    1950-1953 250cc Bicilindrica 2T

    1956 Centauro 175cc Monoalbero 4T

    1956 175cc Francolini 4T

    1950s Motocarri

Sources: Henshaw, motoclub-tingavert.it, Musei Patrimonio Industriale

CM-Moto-Bolognesi.jpg
Moto Bolognesi C.M.

Enrico Ruffini and Antonio Campigotto have written a history of C.M., published by Giorgio Nada Editore. Moto Bolognesi C.M.

Notes
1. It is likely that CM also used Astra engines.
2. An article from Museo del Patrimonio Industriale speaks of the Laurenti brothers and Alfonso Drusiani, rather than Oreste Drusiani.
3. Gheppio 250 (Kestrel), Sparviero 500 (Sparrow Hawk), Grifone 500 (Griffon).

23-Nov-2018
k.engelen at gmail.com
Guzzi with CM motocarro 1943
Do hou have information about guzzi and CM working to make a motocarro ad the war?
Karel engelen
Joure netherlands

  • Can find no evidence of co-operation between the two marques. Ed.

Wed Jan 19 2011
cpabavon at aol.com
1955 francolino cm 175
hi we are in need of a wiring diagram for 1955 francolino cm175
massachusetts
Sat Aug 14 2010
abrantkoskimauricio<at>hotmaildot com
moto cm 500cc raice
mauricio cm
ola eu tenho 1 moto CM 500 cc raice 1947 para venda 1 abraço mauricio 18 . 97936599
brasil

Fri Dec 04 2009
lyndemotorsports at yahoodot com
CM Three Wheeler motocarro
CM Motocarro
Still needing any service manuals or books
Vermont

Tue Jun 28 2005
cofranzk1 at virgilio.it
CM italian motorcycles
devo restaurare una CM 125 del 49 cerco foto o letteratura

Wed Apr 20 2005
lyndemtc at sover.net
cm motorcycles
I have a CM motorcycle (actually a three wheeler) and need any service literature available.
Thanks Stan

December 18, 2002
CM Motorcycles And Literature Wanted: I am interested in finding anything on these bikes, especially the 125 and 250 two-strokes of the '50's. Also, I have a limited selection of literature which I will gladly share with others.

Bill Hooben, whh at post dot com

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