Moto Guzzi Motorcycles

Today in Motorcycle History

Moto Guzzi Dondolino 1946-1951

Moteur monocylindre culbuté

500 cm3
Puissance: 35ch à 5.500 tr/min
Poids: 128 Kg
Vitesse: plus de 170 Km/H

La Dondolino (pour balançoire) est une évolution de la Condor lancée en 1939.

Elle représente parfaitement le concept de moto compétition-client.

En France, un futur grand champion automobile, Jean Behra, fit ses armes sur cette moto et remporta même un titre de champion de France.

Entre 1946 et 1954, la Dondolino remporta pas moins de 170 victoires !

French text: Thomas Bersy


500cc OHV horizontal single cylinder engine
88mm bore, 82mm stroke, 498.4cc
Power: 33 to 35hp at 5,500 rpm
Carburettor: Dell'Orto SS35
Weight: 128 Kg
Max. Speed: over 170 km/h

The Dondolino ("Rocking Chair") is an evolution of the Condor launched in 1939 and produced in limited numbers (about 54) between 1946 and 1951.

It perfectly represents the concept of a privateer racing motorcycle. It made use of extensive use of lightweight materials, for instance magnesium alloy crankcases and brakes, aluminium cylinder head and barrel, and alloy rims.

In France the future car racing champion Jean Behra campaigned one of these and took the French Championship. Another rider won the 1946 Spanish Grand Prix.

Between 1946 and 1954, the Dondolino won no fewer than 170 races.

Sources: Phil Aynsley, Thomas Bersy


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