Moto Guzzi scooter 150 cc Galletto
Guzzi’s first “scooter” was the 150 cc Galletto (Cockerel) that appeared to great acclaim at the 1950 Geneva Motor Show.
Designed by Carlo Guzzi himself, this bike is the company’s response to the huge success of Vespa & Lambretta scooters.
The most obvious feature of the design is the use of large 17-inch wheels, which sets the car apart from the multitude of small-wheel scooters hitting the market.
Stability is increased by larger diameter wheels coupled with ease of installation with a ‘step-through’ chassis plus torque from a single horizontal OHV 4-stroke (with external flywheel, very similar to the traditional Guzzi mold) has made bicycles popular with professionals such as lawyers, engineers, and most famously, priests.
It was also heavily used by the Italian Post – in fact, in many respects, it could be considered the earlier Italian version of the later Honda Super Cub.
Although not fitted to this 1952 162 cc machine, a spare wheel is usually mounted in front of the footplate. All three wheels are interchangeable.
Engine size gradually increased over the years from 150 to 162 to 175 and finally to 192 cc (electric starter). Approximately 71,000 units were produced by the time production was discontinued in 1965.
Depending on power output, power output ranges from 6 to 7.5 hp and top speed from 80 to 85 km/h.
An interesting story (although there is no proof) is that when Honda called Ducati to protest the 916’s use of a side swingarm (which Honda has patented), Ducati engineers simply simply take out a Galletto and point it at its side swing arm. swing arm!
