With Phil Aynsley
This neat little machine was the first (more or less), fully enclosed motorcycle design to actually sell in large numbers, Moto Guzzi shifted just under 130,000 Zigolo scooters over its 13 year production span.
The Moto Guzzi Zigolo scooter offered a low cost alternative to the Guzzino Over 130,000 Zigolo models were produced
Introduced in 1953 the Zigolo was designed to be a low cost step up from the company’s original two-stroke, the 65 cc Guzzino. Again the motor was a Antonio Micucci creation – initially of 98 cc then enlarged to 110 cc in 1960.
The Zigolo offered an ideal entry point and the Vespa theme was obvious The lack of chrome helped keep pricing down on early models
When first produced the cost-cutting methods included completely grey paintwork with no chrome plating to be found. Friction damper rear suspension was also fitted – the last Guzzi to feature them. They were replaced by conventional telescopic shock absorbers for the 1960 models.
A central tube frame was still used under the bodywork
The influence of the Vespa scooter can be seen in the use of the pressed steel body-work which was only partly structural, a central tube frame was hidden underneath.
This was the last model before the Zigolo received shocks
The motor featured a horizontal cylinder with distinctive alloy head finning, a three-speed gearbox and made four horsepower at 5200 rpm. Top speed was 76 km/h.
The finned head was a distinctive feature
This is a 1958/59 second series model was the last to use the friction damper rear suspension.
The Zigolo offers an interesting glance into Moto Guzzi’s history
Source: MCNews.com.au