Capriolo 75 | MotorCycle News

The Capriolo Cento 50 flat twin

With Phil Aynsley

The previous column talked about the Capriolo 75. This week an even more unusual Capriolo is featured.

Capriolo PA Cento — A rare Capriolo is this Cento 50

The Cento 50 (150) was debuted at the Milan Show in 1953 and is a rare example of a non-BMW influenced flat twin and also the smallest capacity such design to make production.

The pressed steel frame was very similar to the 75’s and the motor also carried over some features, such as usage of face-cams. The pressed steel Earles fork of the prototype was replaced by a normal telescopic fork for production.

Notable advanced features included indicators within the tail light and a neutral indicator light. A single carburettor was used, partially housed within the rear of the engine unit for a very clean appearance. Output was 8 hp and top speed was 95 km/h.

Two versions were produced, with the later (coming in 1955) being easily distinguished by the full width brakes.

Production ceased in 1956. Only some 500 were built making this sophisticated motorcycle highly collectable.

Source: MCNews.com.au

With Phil Aynsley

Capriolo was the motorcycle division of the famous Italian aircraft manufacturer Caproni (and named after the local alpine deer).

When Italy was barred from producing aircraft after WW II, Count Caproni turned to motorcycles (as did Aermacchi). In fact among their first projects was producing the frame for the first Ducati motorcycle, the 60.

The 75 was introduced in 1951 and production continued until 1958.

This 75 Normale is the second version (circa. 1957) of the 75, which featured revised engine parts (mainly the clutch) and hydraulic rear shocks in place of the earlier friction damper types. The front forks were also updated.

The motor was unusual in having a longitudinally mounted crankshaft with the flywheel at the front. To complete the weirdness a face-cam system was used instead of a normal lobe cam.