1951 Moto Guzzi Bicilindrica 500
In a previous column – GP 120º V-twin by Carlo Guzzi – I’ve been looking at the development of Guzzi’s famous 500 cc Moto Guzzi Bicilindrica up until 1946. Now it’s time to look at the final, 1951 version of this age-old racing design.
The bike was updated in 1948 with a new frame and telescopic fork that replaced the Brampton units. The bike was not competitive enough in most international events but was able to win the Italian championship.
1949 saw the newly formed World Championship and the excellent Bicilindrica won. A new lead fork replaces the previous year’s telescopic fork, and the fuel tank expands in front of the driver’s head for better aerodynamics.
The engine is fitted with a Dell’Orto remote float carburetor and produces 45 hp at 8,000 rpm (on low octane fuel). None of these changes were good enough to produce any good Grand Prix results, but the Italian championship was won back.
The factory produced the 500 cc in 1950 but the Bicilindrica returned for its final season in 1951. The carburetor was mounted on the long manifolds and the output went up to 47 hp, still at 8000. rpm.
The engine’s rear shock absorber is replaced by a friction damper. Body work has also been updated. The standout result of the season was Fergus Anderson’s victory in the Swiss GP, with teammate Lorenzetti finishing third.
From its debut in 1933 to its final season 18 years later, the Bicilindrica proved to be an outstanding example of the company’s elegant simplicity in racing car design.
