Rare Moto Guzzi Astore Is an Exotic Parts Hauler
Motorcycles & ATVs
Motorcycles
Moto Guzzi isn’t the first brand you would associate with practicality and durability. But that’s what the fabled Italian marque achieved when it made a commercial sidecar for its Astore Grand Tourer. The example recently listed on eBay might be the only one on American soil.
Racing Heritage
A pair of Italian aircraft pilots and their mechanic formed Moto Guzzi in 1921. From the outset, the company aimed for big-time success in motorcycle racing. It didn’t take long for Moto Guzzi to rack up wins in the prestigious Isle of Man TT races - opens in new window or tab..
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When the machine you see here was built in the early 1950s, Moto Guzzi dominated the 350-cc World Championship class, scooping five back-to-back titles between 1953 and 1957. Then, to compete in the 500-cc class, it built an exquisite V-8 engine.
The hideously complex motor often failed to finish due to its complexity. By the time the firm withdrew from racing, it had racked up eight rider’s championships, six constructor’s titles, and 11 wins at the TT.
Less Haste, More Commercial Success
After proving itself as a master of speed, Moto Guzzi became interested in the needs of the Italian people in the wake of World War II. On-track performance gave way to lightness and affordability with entry-level machines like the Galetto - opens in new window or tab.. The bigger bike, called the Astore, was a more rugged, torquey Grand Tourer that could double as a workhorse.
The 500-cc motor traced back to the firm’s inception in 1921, but the new version featured an alloy cylinder and cylinder head with much-improved lubrication for the valvetrain. The result was a four-speed touring machine capable of 75 mph and with a reputation for solid torque and durability.
Evolution Not Revolution
Moto Guzzi developed the old GTV frame for the Astore. It had a similar twin-cradle frame with telescopic front forks and a really trick rear end, with the spring located beneath the engine. It was a pretty machine, with a gorgeous, tapered chrome fuel tank and substantial but fitting mudguards—all finished in that shade of red.
The tank is painted red. The front hydraulic forks - opens in new window or tab. were replaced with a pair of compass-type forks. In fact, this is entirely correct for this machine, which was built later in the run when chroming the tank and the hydraulic forks were dropped.
Parts Hauler
This Moto Guzzi Astore features a factory-fitted commercial sidecar, which is incredibly rare. Although various passenger sidecars - opens in new window or tab. were available at the time, commercial sidecars like this—especially on a Moto Guzzi Grand Tourer—were far less common. The vendor believes this could be the only one in the US.
This Astore is apparently fresh out of a collection. The vendor states that this is a “good running and riding” machine whose appearance could be enhanced by removing the odd imperfection.
There might be better ways for a modern business to lug goods through traffic. But we doubt there is a cooler way to collect your classic Italian motorcycle parts - opens in new window or tab. at the swap meet.
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