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Motorcycle of the Week: 1939 Gilera Saturno

bigtom13Posted for Everyone to comment on, 5 years ago3 min read

Never heard of it? Don’t be discouraged, I hadn’t either until I saw one for sale. My research shows that I probably should have at least heard of them. Gilera was an Italian motorcycle company that was in business from 1909 to 1969 when it was acquired by Piaggio. By 1939 the company had 3 500 cc models and would dominate the racing world with them right after the war. They had 2 four cylinder models (one a direct drive supercharged bike) and the Saturno Single. Piaggio brought the Gilera name back to GP racing (and showrooms) in 1989 and campaigned them until 1992. You can still buy a Gilera scooter if you live in Italy.


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In 1939 war was descending on Europe like a black cloud. The Saturno was introduced and won the only GP race it was entered in. It wouldn’t really leave a mark until right after the war when it dominated the open class GP for a couple of years until other manufacturers caught up with the radical design.


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What a design it was. Gilera didn’t change the girder front front end for two years after the war but it didn’t make any difference. It simply was dominant on the street and on the track. The 1939 Gilera Saturno was a 497cc single cam OHV single cylinder air cooled monster that made 36 HP right from the factory. A 4 speed transmission and chain drive pushed the top speed over 90 MPH. Sprung girder front suspension and a patented horizontal spring friction damper rear made for an impressive ride coupled with a 330 LB dry weight. Drum brakes on both ends completed the package.


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This rare Italian bike really moved the needle in performance motorcycles. If you ever get a chance to see one, you can give me a hearty ‘neenah neenah’ because the only Gilera I can remember seeing is the from the Piaggo racing era in the 1990s.

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