A Vintage Scooter-Like Moto Guzzi, Designed for the Masses
Motorcycles & ATVs
Motorcycles
Italy is known for exotic cars and motorcycles. But the charming Moto Guzzi Galletto recently listed for sale on eBay shows that Italians were also committed to style and innovation when building modestly priced machines for everyday riders.
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The Best of Both Worlds
In the wake of World War II, Moto Guzzi’s founder Carlo Guzzi - opens in new window or tab. wanted to build a full-size motorcycle that was as cheap and usable as a scooter. The result was the Moto Guzzi Galletto, introduced at the 1950 Geneva Motor Show.
The Galletto achieved Signore Guzzi’s goals. Buyers were won over by the model’s fairing and valanced front wheel arch, which protected riders and pillions from the weather. The extended footboards gave riders a place to rest their loafers. The new modest Moto Guzzi provided comfort for local journeys but could occasionally be taken on longer trips.
Ahead of Its Time
As the legend goes, in the 1990s, Honda argued that it deserved credit for inventing the single-sided rear swing arm. Moto Guzzi disagreed. When Honda approached the Italian bike maker with its argument, Moto Guzzi rolled out the 1948 Galletto prototype with its rear wheel carried by a single-sided arm. That settled the issue.
The innovation didn’t end there. The untraditional bike construction is a composite of several pressed-sheet steel sections welded together. Also, Moto Guzzi used 17-inch wheels instead of the 10-inch wheels typical on smaller bikes and scooters. Those smaller wheels, which couldn’t handle surface imperfections, gave a skittish ride.
The Moto Guzzi Galletto also carried a 17-inch spare wheel. Because its rear sprocket was mounted outside the swing arm, you could bolt the spare wheel on the front or back. That’s a neat idea.
The initial Galletto had just seven horsepower, but its engine evolved over the years. By 1966, when the final units were made, the single-cylinder, four-stroke motor grew from 160cc to 200cc. The model for sale on eBay has the 175cc engine offered in the early 1950s.
A new owner will appreciate having the original owner’s manual for this 70-year-old motorcycle. The Galletto's sale comes with that manual, a document of authenticity from the Italian Historical Vehicle Association, and a clear California title.
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