1950 In 1947 Aero-Caproni switched from aircraft to motorcycle production, beginning with a 48cc ciclomotore two-stroke. They also built frames for Ducati's "Cucciolo T3" and "Ducati 60". In 1950 they began building their own version of the machines, using the frame they supplied to Ducati and engine sourced from that company. The relationship with Ducati ended that same year.
In 1951 Caproni produced a machine entirely of their own manufacture, the Capriolo 75.
In 1951 Aero Caproni company released their Capriolo 75 in two versions, Normale and Tourismo.
By 1955 the Capriolo 75 had sold 25,000 units, and gained laurels in competition including the Motogiro and the Milan-Taranto.
Specifications
1952 75 Capriolo Sport
The 75 was first introduced in 1951 and the Sport model followed a year later. This interesting engine featured a longitudinally positioned crankshaft with the flywheel at the front. 4.5hp @ 7500rpm.
Phil Aynsley
The twin cylinder Capriolo Cento 50 (Cento = Hundred), designed and manufactured by Aero Caproni of Trento, was presented at the 1953 Salone di Milano and became the top model in the Capriolo range.
The 150cc horizontally opposed transverse flat twin (boxer) engine delivered 8 horsepower at 6000 rpm to the final drive via chain and was the only example of such a small engine in the motorcycle engineering world. German influence on the frame design is quite apparent.
The Cento 50 was produced until 1956 and fewer than 500 motorcycles left the factory.
Due to its rarity, originality, unusual technical characteristics and refined construction, this is one of the most appreciated and sought after 1950s Italian motorcycles of this class.
Specifications
1953 Caproni Vizzola
From 1953 to 1959 they also produced NSU engined machines under the Caproni Vizzola marque with models name Cavilux and Cavimax, the latter based on the NSU Max engine.
Having come to an agreement with the German NSU concern, Caproni presented the new 247cc NSU powered Max 250 at the Milan Show in November of 1953.
1955 Capriolo 125
Presented at Milan Show of 1955, the Capriolo 125 had a new OHC engine delivering 7.5 hp at 6000 rpm, with 4-speed gearbox and gear selector on the left. Weight was a mere 95 kg.
1957 75 Normale
The second version of the original 75cc design has revised engine parts (mainly the clutch) and hydraulic rear shocks instead of the earlier friction damper type. The front fork was also updated. Engine featured a longitudinally positioned crankshaft with the flywheel at the front. 3.5hp at 6,000rpm. 70kph top speed.
Phil Aynsley
1957 Aeromere
The Aerocaproni company was was renamed Aeromere in late 1957.
1958 Capriolo 75 Turismo Veloce & Turismo Normale
1959 Capriolo 125 Gran Turismo
Single cradle pressed-steel frame, solo seat, raised handlebars, gearchange the right and kickstarter on the left. Fitted with a face cam engine derived from new 75.
Released around the same time was the Capriolo 125 De Luxe with dual seat. Max speed 100 km/h.
1961 Capriolo 100
Capriolo 100 Turismo, and Capriolo 100 Bondone, a sporting model with a solo seat.
Based on the 75cc TV, these machines had a modified cylinder head, bore increased to 53 mm with the stroke remaining at 43 mm, power up to 6.2 hp. The frame had numerous modifications and the toolbox moved to the right-hand side.
1961 Capriolo Scooter 150
The Aeromere Scooter was presented at the Fiera Internazionale del Motociclo di Milano (Milan Fair) of 1961. It did not enter production.
N.B. Sources vary - it could have been the '62 Fiera.
1962 75 Capriolo Normale
This 75 is of the second type which was introduced in 1958.
Phil Aynsley
1962 Capriolo Trials 125
Built in England by the Rickman brothers.
