This page lists brands for which limited information is available. For a more complete listing visit the Italian Index.
See also Obscure Italian Marques.
Rebus
According to Mauro Colombo, the Rebus motorcycle was produced in Milan during the period 1908 to 1910.
Restelli was incorporated in Milan in 1909 to build aero engines (under the Rebus brand), and during the Great War also designed an economy four cylinder automobile. They later built a 1½ litre car which had some sporting successes, driven by its designer and builder, Enrico Restelli.
Sources: aisastoryauto.it, Mauro Colombo
Ricordi
Giuseppe Ricordi was not a manufacturer, and actually had little to do with motorcycles specifically. However, he was instrumental in the development of the sport in Italy.
Ricordi accompanied the bicycle up to its latest transformation: the automobile, passing through other passions such as the photo-camera and the steam-boat. He became a photography entrepreneur even before an automotive one, and the name of the Pagliano & Ricordi Company, founded by him, remains one of the most respected of its time.
Automobilism had in Ricordi one of its pioneers, and in 1893 Milan saw the first noisy and shaky steam coach built by him. From 1895 he was the general distributor for Benz, and later he introduced to Italy the new names of the foreign industry: Décauville, De Dion, De Dietrich, Stanley, Rochet, Panhard, Cottereau, all the foreign makes which were successful in Italy passed through the Ricordi Garage in Milano. Even the first and main exhibitions and meetings of the new sport had in Ricordi a powerful leader and co-operator..."
His story is told by Gianni Cancellieri here: Giuseppe Ricordi: he was the first
Source: aisastoryauto.it
Ribetti
Recorded as being the first motorcycle to exceed 10,000 rpm, only one example of the 1925 125cc machine survives and is displayed at the Bassella Museum in Spain.
Rocca
Manufactured by Amedeo Rocca in Bolgna.
From 1956 to 1960 Rocca supplied two-stroke engines to the Boselli Brothers of Mondial of up to 175 cc. Rocca entered bankruptcy for the fourth and last time in 1960, adding to the serious woes Mondial was experiencing.
Source: Nunzia Manicardi.
Rondine Motor 2000-2023, (Rome)
Royal Prince
Built by Prati, the Italian importer of Royal Enfield, in the years 1933-1934, the Royal Prince was powered by New Imperial engines of 175cc and 250cc OHV engines inclined at 20°. The 175 was built specifically for the Italian market and was fitted with a Lucas ignition system and a 3-speed gearbox.
Source: Museo Nicolas
Rarer Italian Marques
