Moto Guzzi Motorcycles

Today in Motorcycle History

Moto Guzzi 500cc Inline Four 1952-1954

Moteur 4 cylindres 2 ACT
500 cm3
Puissance: 56ch à 9.800 tr/min
Poids: 145 Kg
Vitesse: plus de 230 Km/H

Cette Guzzi fut dessinée par l'ingénieur Carlo Gianini. Elle est équipée d'un moteur 4 cylindres en ligne longitudinal avec transmission par arbre à cardans.

Ce système qui en rend la conduite difficile, ne lui permettra pas d'acquérir un palmarès important.

En fin 1954, elle est retirée des compétitions.

Il s'agit de la seule Guzzi créée et fabriquée hors des usines de Mandello del Lario où elle était peu appréciée.

French text: Thomas Bersy


500cc DOHC 4 cylinder engine
Power: 56hp at 9,800 rpm
Weight: 145 Kg
Max. Speed: over 230 km/h

This Guzzi was designed by the engineer Carlo Gianini of Rondine fame. Equipped with an inline longitudinal 4-cylinder engine with cardan shaft transmission , it first appeared at the end of the 1952 racing season.

The machine was unloved by the riders due to a relatively high C of G and a rather clumsy gear change, although it did achieve some results, notably a win by Fergus Anderson in Belgium.

In late 1954 it was withdrawn from competition in favour of the soon to be legendary V8.

It is the only Moto Guzzi racer to have been produced outside of the Mandello del Lario factory.

Sources: Phil Aynsley, Thomas Bersy


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