Silvio Barison built a motorcycle of which little is known.
In 1903 he wrote from Germany where he was studying to his sister Emma "... I am now finishing a motorcycle engine that I intend to patent after having tested it for a few months. I won't waste time explaining it to you, because I will come home for Easter on my motorcycle (about 1000 km! - ed.) and you will be able to see it in action."
In 1920 he patented a 4-stroke internal combustion engine without valves, consisting of a conical chamber in place of a conventional cylinder head.
In Livorno in 1922 he established Società Anonima Fabbrica Automobili Barison & C. and began construction of automobiles which were exhibited at the Milan Fair in 1922, 1923 and 1924. In total some 20 or 25 were built, but only 10 were sold. The automobile factory closed in 1925, and he later designed engines for outboards and bicycles.
His bicycle attachment engine was similar to the Velosolex but had chain drive to the front wheel. It did not enter production. [1]
Silvio Barison was a man of considerable talent - he was also a skilled musician.
Sources: Moto di Lombardia, edizionicec.it, bergamoavvenimenti.it.
Further reading:
N.B. 1. A later version of the motodilomardia entry does not mention the bicycle engine.
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