Posts published in “Gilera”

Featured Listing: Pristine 1990 Gilera Saturno Bialbero with 72kms!

Published December 2, 2019 by Tad Diemer

Update 12.2.2019: This bike is now on eBay. -dc

This is the second of four motorcycles being offered from the Stuart Parr Collection. Thank you for supporting the site and good luck to buyers and seller! -dc

Looking very 80s, the Gilera Saturno Bialbero could be mistaken for some sort of custom Ducati. But Gilera, of course, should be held in the highest regard by fans of this site, as they were the first company to slot an inline four into a frame transversely, solving in one fell swoop the difficult cooling issues that previously faced four-cylinder motorcycles. This bike has just one cylinder like the original Saturno and embodies the company’s racing ethos, stressing light-weight and handling.

In the 80s, Gilera was mostly producing a line of offroad-biased singles with a 350cc capacity that were obviously a far cry from their road-racing bikes of the 1950s. At the urging of a Japanese marketing company, they developed a retro-styled sportbike, and that updated Saturno sparked some minor interest worldwide.

In most markets, the Nuovo Saturno was motivated by a liquid-cooled, 491cc version of the company’s four-valve, dual-overhead cam single, although a smaller 350 was available in Japan. In fact, the “Bialbero” designation helps to differentiate the bike from the earlier Saturno and refers to the number of camshafts: two. That engine put out a seemingly unimpressive 44hp, but the complete trellis-framed machine weighted in at a claimed 302lbs dry. That’s 250cc two-stroke territory, with the same claimed peak output and a much broader powerband. Suspension was simple but modern, with 17” Marvic wheels front and rear and a set of Brembo brakes to slow things down. The ‘box has just five speeds, owing to the package’s off-road roots, but the torquey engine should make any gaps easy to ride around.

With just 72 kilometers on the clock, this may be the lowest-mileage Saturno on the planet, and you may be waiting a long time for an example this nice, regardless of miles: these very rarely come up for sale, as Gilera collectors aren’t flavor-of-the-week types. It helps that the Nuovo Saturno was intended for collectors in Japan, and only a few made it to other countries: in 1990, just 50 were imported to the UK. However, in spite of their rarity, they don’t sell for huge money, making them a reasonable proposition for regular folks who want something out-of-the-ordinary.

From the seller:

Imported in 2016 from Germany. Comes with original German registration and U.S. Customs and Border Protection entry form (Form 7501). This one can be registered and ridden. It is in out of the crate perfect condition.

The Gilera Saturno Bialbero 500 is a motorcycle road made the motorcycle manufacturer Gilera and marketed between 1987 and 1991.

If you’re looking for something rare, affordable, and very fun: these are extremely nimble bikes that would make perfectly lightweight track or racing machines. Iinquiries can be directed to Gregory Johnston on (631) 537-1486 or via email – here -.

-tad

3 Responses.

Days of Future Past: 1991 Gilera CX125 for Sale

Published May 4, 2018 by Tad Diemer

It’s always fun to see older cars and bikes that were meant at the time to embody the designs of tomorrow, even if that future never actually came to pass. Somehow, even though the world this wild Gilera CX125 embodied only exists in some sort of alternate reality, at least it doesn’t rely on vaporware to actually function: radical styling aside, the underpinnings were the tried-and-true two-stroke engine and six-speed transmission from their existing Crono, and that single-sided front end is really just a conventional telescopic fork with one leg…

The single-sided front end matches the ELF-designed single-sided swingarm and makes it look like the bike is simply floating above its wheels when viewed from the right, like an artist’s sketch made real. Developed by Paioli, it’s not actually an alternative swingarm front end like Yamaha’s RADD or the Bimota Tesi, but there’s no downside to it in terms of function. In fact, that’s really the biggest disappointment here: the radical styling that was clearly inspired by the ELF racing machines is just that, styling. There’s no futuristic technology or exotic powerplant. It’s just a sporty, economical two-stroke dressed up with stylish bodywork.

In fact, the most futuristic technology found on the CX125 was the engine counterbalancer that contributed to the bike’s exceptionally smooth-running character and the electric starter. The simple bones underpinning the sleek body mean the CX125 works pretty well, taking into account the minuscule displacement of the tiny two-stroke. The 300lb wet weight meant the 125’s 28 rear-wheel horses could push the little machine up to a top speed of around 100mph, but the question really is: at whom was this machine really aimed? 125 two-strokes are, even in Europe, learner bikes or commuters. And although the technology of the CX125 was decidedly modern, the futuristic styling wouldn’t really have been a priority for practical types, and 16-year-olds looking for sportbikes were probably interested in something much more race-replica-y.

Although it wasn’t priced much higher than its much more conventionally-styled stablemate, performance was slightly less and the bike didn’t sell very well at the time. This particular example is complete and appears to be in decent condition, although some cracks in the bodywork are visible and there is some plastic discoloration, as well as a bit of rust and the usual cosmetic issues that arise when a bike sits for any length of time. The biggest issue is the lack of a title.

From the original eBay listing: 1991 Gilera CX125 for Sale

1991 Gilera CX125 located in Santa Ana, California. This bike is in very good condition for it’s age. Gauge shows 3684 KM = 2210 miles. There are a few cracks in the plastic body parts, “see pictures”. This is a very common problem with these bike. Engine runs great, no problems. The CX125 is a very rare bike here in the USA. More info is available on our website. Bike is sold with a bill of sale only. I don’t have a title for the bike and can’t get one here in California.

There are no takers yet at the starting bid of $7,995. These aren’t exactly cheap for the performance they offer, but a CX125 would make a hilarious weekend ride in Southern California, where originality is at a premium. Honestly, I love these, so it’s a shame that it wouldn’t be easy to legally register one here.

-tad

11 Responses.

Slippery Stroker: 1991 Gilera CX125 for Sale

Published March 31, 2016 by Tad Diemer

The impossibly exotic Gilera CX125 still looks futuristic today but, while the fully-enclosed bodywork and unusual suspension appeared radical when new, the underlying mechanical bits are surprisingly pedestrian. Sure the bike handled well, but the 125cc two-stroke single powering the CX is far from the exciting, sophisticated engine you’d expect, considering the bike’s striking design. The bike does have an electric start to get the bike snap, crackle, and popping so there’s at least a nod to sophistication…

At 300lbs wet, the modest 28 rear-wheel horses certainly moves the bike along, but performance couldn’t be considered much more than “brisk,” with a top speed hovering around 100mph. Of course, straight-line performance wasn’t really the point.

Single sided front and rear suspension mean that the bike appears to have no suspension at all when viewed from the right-hand side: the wheels just seem to float in space. The design of the front isn’t as ambitious as something like the Tesi or GTS1000. It’s basically just a telescopic fork with one leg missing and was developed by suspension specialists Paioli. It handles well, but that’s likely due to the bike’s light weight and sporty frame geometry: the advantages of this setup are mainly cosmetic, aside from the fact it should make for easy tire changes.

From the original eBay listing: 1991 Gilera CX125 for Sale

Located in Santa Ana, California. This bike has 3432 KM = 2059 Miles. I believe this bike is all original, but not 100% sure. I’m not a expert on these CX125s. Engine runs good, no problems. I think the bike is in good condition for it’s age. This bike is being sold with a bill of sale only. I don’t have a title for the bike and can not get one, so don’t ask. All stupid questions will not be answered. More info is available on our website. If you overseas or Canadian buyer, you will have to make your own shipping arrangements. I can help USA buyers with the shipping, or you can arrange your own shipper. Bike is being sold as is, no returns. Ask questions and look at the pictures carefully before you bid. Again, this bike is being sold with a bill of sale only, NO TITLE.

Oh god, right there at the end: “no title”! Such a shame, since a CX125 certainly isn’t much good for track work. Aside from some very minor imperfections, the bike appears to be in beautiful shape which is great because, unless you live in a state with a very permissive DMV, this bike is going to be on display in your home, not down at the local bike hang out…

At a starting bid of $5,900 there are no takers yet. Certainly, you’re not buying performance here, but that price does seem like a pretty fair price for such a rare and interesting machine. Even if you’re forced to just look at it.

-tad

4 Responses.

Last gasp: 1992 Gilera CX125 in Australia

Published August 25, 2015 by Marty

Here is one that ticks all the collector bells for me (and I think a lot of other people), a 1992 Gilera CX125. Located in Queensland Australia, this is only the second Gilera CX125 to be posted on RSBFS. The first appeared last September and was quite popular which was interestingly since the little CX125 wasn’t a popular bike when it was produced.

The little Gilera was part of a wave of bikes with fully enclosed bodywork such as the Honda CBR Hurricane. However Gilera was also forced to comply with laws in Europe that limited the displacement of motorcycles that young riders/”learners” could get their hands on to no more than 15bhp. Unlike the larger firms which could use existing designs as the basis of their learner bikes (ex: Cagiva Mito based on the Ducati 748), Gilera gambled on producing a totally unique 125 design. The result was what was possibly the most outlandishly styled 125 sport bike of all time – the Gilera CX125.

1992 Gilera CX125 for sale on ebay australia

Unveiled at the 1989 Milan EICMA show the CX125 concept was a tiny sport machine with fully enveloping bodywork that looked like something straight out of a design studio, in large part due its having single sided suspension on both ends. But unlike a lot of concept bikes, the CX hit the market in 1991 as an honest-to-God working motorcycle that featured the same space-age styling and radical suspension as its prototype.

So what happened? Well even though the CX had a unique look the design was actually pretty conventional. Reviewers seemed to be disappointed in the bikes’ being merely competent/”ordinary” on the road. As one reviewer wrote, “It’s not that the CX was wasn’t a good bike, but it felt far more conventional than the styling suggested. It’s essentially a bike that looks like something from the future but rides like something from the present.”

It also probably didn’t help that popular opinion of the CX varied between “incredibly cool” and “tragically ugly”. Production of the CX125 was discontinued after a year with only 1000 examples being made and parent company Piaggio discontinued Gilera’s motorcycle production in 1993. The CX is often referred to as the last gasp for Gilera as a true motorcycle producer.

Note: The Gilera brand was continued by Piaggio but only as a scooter lineup.

Asking price is 8900 AUD/6500 USD. Is it worth that? Honestly, I think it is. The seller states it only has 5083 Km and condition certainly looks to be absolutely pristine. While no service info is offered and the number of pictures is less than I would like, only 1000 were made for a single model year, the technology of both front and read single sided swingarms has yet to be reproduced except for perhaps the Bimota Tesi/Vyrus and perhaps most importantly, the CX125 pretty much marked the end of Gilera as a serious motorcycle manufacturer.

I think this one is a good pickup for a collector located in Australia. To be honest, if I could figure out a sure fire way to get it into my living room I would be bidding.

-Marty

3 Responses.

Lightweight Italian: 1991 Gilera Saturno 350

Published April 8, 2015 by Tad Diemer

Although forgotten now, Gilera was one a famous manufacturer of serious racing hardware, and this “Nuovo” Saturno was an attempt to revitalize the marque in the late 1980’s. Now owed by Piaggio, Gilera was originally founded in 1909 and had a long history of high-performance motorcycles.

These sportbikes were often based around big singles, sort of like an Italian Norton Manx, although they were also famous for circumventing the significant cooling issues that surrounded multi-cylinder engines by producing a transverse four-cylinder that dominated 500cc GP racing through the 1950s.

The reborn Saturno was powered by a big, liquid-cooled four-valve single that put power through a five speed gearbox. Most markets got a 491cc engine, although a smaller 350 was available for Japanese customers. This simple, robust powerplant was suspended in a lightweight trellis frame with modern suspension and brakes front and rear, with lightweight Marvic wheels that provided an all-in weight of under 300lbs dry.

From the original eBay listing: 1991 Gilera Saturno 350 for Sale

In the mid 80s Gilera collaborated with a Japanese company, C. Itoh & Co. Itoh produced a frame design and Gilera the powerplant. The frame was very similar to that of Ikuzawa. Gilera put the project in the hands of a gentleman called Sandro Columbo, who in the 1950s had been in charge of their race team.In August 1987 the bike was ready as a prototype and in March 1988 started the production. Two versions were built: a 350cc model only for the Japanese market and sold by Itoh, and a 500cc model for the rest of the world, sold through the Gilera network. The bike was by all accounts very expensive in its day and few were sold.

This is a 1991 example, which has travelled just over 5,100km or 3,100 miles and been very well cared for, and lightly modified with nice chrome high pipes and a bikini tail section. An rare opportunity not to be missed.

Very rare in any form, the Saturno is all about light weight and handling, with a look that, to me, is very purposeful and doesn’t appear “styled” at all. As the seller mentions, the dual exhaust on this one isn’t stock as they generally use a single exhaust on the right side of the bike, but it looks to be of high quality and does suit the bike.

This bike is currently located in New Zealand, although the seller claims they also have a location in Texas. If you happen to live in New Zealand, or are able to register it in your state here in the US, this would make a great back-road bike. If not, this might make a very

-tad

4 Responses.

I want it: Stock Gilera CX 125 in NorthWest Italy

Published September 13, 2014 by Marty

For a short time back in the 80’s, bikes with fully enclosed bodywork were all the rage. Bimota had the Tesi, Ducati had the Paso, BMW had the big K1, Honda had the CBR/Hurricane, etc. At the same time numerous european countries passed laws restricting the displacement of motorcycles that new riders could own. These “learner” models often had race-replica sport-bike styling to appeal to the 17 year old who had just gotten their license and wanted to look fast, even if their machine couldn’t have more than 15bhp by law. Also, most of these learner specials shared styling with their larger parent bikes so you could get a mini YZF-R, CBR, or even Ducati 916 (via the Cagiva Mito).

There was, however, one notable exception, one manufacturer that went all in and gambled on producing a totally unique 125 design. Gilera produced what was possibly the weirdest 125 sport bike of all time – the short lived and radically-styled Gilera CX125, which had some of the most futuristic design to ever grace a “beginner” bike.

1991 Gilera CX

The CX concept was unveiled at the 1989 Milan EICMA show but was scarcely believable as a potential production machine. Here was a tiny sport machine with fully enveloping bodywork that looked like something straight out of a sci-fi cartoon, with a remarkable single sided suspension on both ends. But unlike a lot of concept bikes, the CX hit the market in 1991 as an honest-to-God working motorcycle that featured the same space-age styling and bonkers suspension that the 1989 prototype had introduced.

However, even though the CX had a unique look the design is actually conventional. In the press the CX was well received but there was a strained quality to the reviews that showed the reviewer’s apparent disappointment with how ordinary the CX was on the road, like they were desperately trying to find a way to make it sound as cool as it looked. It’s not that the CX was wasn’t a good bike, but it felt far more conventional than the styling suggested.

While the CX garnered attention due to its radical styling, it performed like its sister bike (the Crono model) but was slightly slower and cost more money. It probably didn’t help that popular opinion of the CX varied between “incredibly cool” and “tragically ugly”. Thus production of the CX125 was discontinued after less than a year with only 1000 examples being made. Parent company Piaggio discontinued Gilera’s motorcycle production in 1993 so the only Gilera you can get now is a small displacement scooter.

Here is the listing translated from ebay.it via google translate.

ORIGINAL GILERA CX 125
KM 15163
THE MOTORCYCLE HAS NO PART REPLACED
MOTOR ENGINE/PERFECT, SILENT
NEED FOR CLEANING VALVE OUTLET/DISCHARGE TO BE PERFECT
TIRES AND SUSPENSION DATE AGE ‘AND INACTIVE’ HAVE TO BE REPLACED OR REVISE
MOTO TORINO BRANDED ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS
NOT RESTORED HAS SOME SIGN OF USE
MISSING REAR WHEEL COVERS

The bike is located in Northern Italy with about 15,000 KM . Asking price is a cool ~~4000~~ 3800 euro,which is about 5000 USD. Is it worth that? Well its a bit rough with no rear mudguard and the chain looks a bit slack. But the only other one I have ever seen is currently on display at the Barber museum in Alabama USA and only 1000 were made for a single model year. Therefore, the price may be about right. All I know is if I could figure out a sure fire way to get it into my living room I would be bidding.

-Marty

7 Responses.

1988 Gilera Saturno 500 available in California

Published March 3, 2014 by Dan

Almost never seen in the US, and very desirable both here and abroad, the Gilera Saturno Bialbero 500 was part of an attempt by Piaggio to resurrect the famed marque in the 1980’s. The original Gilera Saturno’s sometimes show up on our sister site, Classic Sport Bikes for Sale, where their 1950’s singles can occasionally be found. The company began in 1909 and had a strong focus on racing, fielding one of the very first successful four-cylinder bikes that solved the traditional inline and square-four cylinder cooling problems by slinging the whole powertrain transversely across the frame. So all of you Japanese sportbike jockeys can take a moment to genuflect before this little long-lost child of the founder of the feast…

1988 Gilera Saturno 500 for sale on eBay

But they built their reputation for their Saturno singles, and battled it out on racetracks throughout the 40’s and 50’s. The resurrected Saturno 500 featured a thumping single like its ancestor, in this case a liquid-cooled, four-valve 491cc single making 45hp, but everything else is modern spec: a fully-floating Brembo Goldline brake disc/caliper up front, trellis frame, and lightweight Marvic wheels. There are only 5 speeds in the gearbox, although it does feature that very cool open clutch. This combination is enough to push the claimed sub-300lb machine north of 100mph, but that’s really beside the point here.

In the US at least, the market for lightweight bikes with small motors and high-spec parts is relatively small, but bikes like this have definite value to riders who realize that there’s more to track and back road riding than huge power, and bikes like the Saturno, Ducati’s Supermono, and Bimota’s BB1 always attract a great deal of attention when they come up for sale.

From the original eBay listing:

Very rare 1988? Gilera Saturno 500 Road Racer
I haven’t tried to start it so condition of the motor is unknown
This is an ex race bike so it is sold as seen
This has been stood unused for some time in a private collection
I have no idea of its history, please let me know if you have any info on it
Just in the same condition as the day it finished racing
I would recommend a complete recommission before use or just keep it in your collection
Has some spares for the motor and the clocks are in a box
Great opportunity to buy a valuable investment
Tank is a dummy cover over an alloy one
Has a carbon fibre seat & front fender
Custom built dual exhaust
Just a very cool rare bike
Bike is located in Sacramento CA

Accounts differ as to how many were imported, but these are very rare in the states. The seller seems to be unloading a couple of bikes at the same time, including a Wood-Rotax SJ676 and bidding for this one is VERY low so far. Parts for a Gilera may be difficult to source here in the US, but it might be worth the effort to contact the seller and find out exactly which “spares for the motor” he has.

This particular example is in slightly rough shape, but Bialbero’s are collectable enough that it should be well worth a look. While clearly not a road bike, hese machines are very focused anyway and suited for the track. I’d be tempted to snap this up in a hot minute if bidding stays low…

-tad

3 Responses.

Early Christmas ? Gilera Saturno 500 (Switzerland)

Published November 3, 2013 by claudio

Undecided about what to put below the Christmas tree this year ? Yes, I know, we are not even in December…but gifts need to bought when you come across them, right ?

So, how about this early 90’s true limited edition from Gilera ? The 500cc Bialbero is one of the most beautiful samples we have across so far. The bike was recently serviced (including a drive belt change). It has threaded brake lines, led turn lights, grey freshly painted rims (the original are red in color but fade into an almost pinkish tint pretty quickly as soon they see some sun) and brand new rubbers. With less than 17.000 km and at just 6200 CHF, this private sale is really a deal.

Saturno owners tend to treasure their possession, and Mr. Zurin just confirms it. Don’t expect much punch from the Gilera single cylinder. In addition to the obviously beautiful classic 60s’ aesthetics, you will appreciate the handling and thumping sound most of all. The Bialbero is super light, super thin, and the seating position and firm handling reminds me in a way of the 2 stroke 125 GP bike…long, narrow and providing huge lean angles.

Riding a Saturno 500 is a lot of fun even though, most of the time you will closer to the 100 km/h mark rather than the 150 km/h of more powerful models. In terms of pure joy and riding experience, this won’t play such a big role. If you look for something truly unique, with a timeless design and you like to corner and lean more than feel the acceleration on a straight line, than this could be for you.

Oh, yes, with its red hot paint, it will all look very well besides a Christmas tree…Dear wife, girlfriend, lover…here’s a hint for this year’s letter to Santa…

Gilera Saturno 500 Bialbero in Switzerland

Claudio

2 Responses.