Just A Zigolo: 1960 Moto Guzzi Zigolo 110
Mmmm.. Moto Guzzi.. This is a 1960 Moto Guzzi Zigolo 110 and it’s in, hey wait, it’s in St. Paul, Minnesota! Oh oh, that could be dangerous, if I come home with another oddball motorcycle I’m in trouble. This one is listed on eBay with a Buy It Now price of $2,500 or make an offer. There’s only a day and a half left on the auction, unless someone makes a silly offer.. Maybe I’d better stick with this 1/24 model for $10. Here’s what it looks like under the silver side cover.
The Zigolo was Moto Guzzi’s first attempt at making a partially-enclosed motorcycle and they were made from 1953 to 1966. This is a “Zigolo 110” made from 1960 to ’66, the last of the Zigolo models. The Zigolo 110 was an upgraded model from the Zigolo Mk II which had 98 cc and about 4 hp. This type of small, styled, “covered” motorcycle really turns my crank when they’re either nice originals or restored to perfection. The Zigolo 110 had a telescopic front fork and better, if maybe a bit-too-visible, rear shocks. Here’s what this side looks like without the side cover, from one for sale in Poland.
This particular bike looks like it may have been restored at some point, some of the paint looks a bit of lesser quality than what the factory would have put out, but I could be wrong. If it’s original I want it even more. The speedometer is in kilometers, of course, but I would plan on a top speed of around 50 mph depending on your weight; maybe 55 mph with me on it.. This bike weighs about 10 pounds more than I do at 172 pounds. I have no clue what the switch is on the left side grip; does anyone know? A horn button and kill switch?
Here’s the power behind, or in front of, the Zigolo 110: it’s a 110 cc, two-stroke, rotary-valve single-cylinder engine, or part of it. A good portion of it is hidden under the styled steel bodywork. This bike has a 3-speed transmission and those Moto Guzzi white grips are such a cool feature. NADA lists the “value” of a fair to good condition Zigolo 110 as being between $930 and $1,405, that gives me hope. Are there any other fans of these small, “styled” motorcycles out there?
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Comments
This looks ridiculously cool. Different counties had their own distinct styling. So different than a Big Twin H-D or a “Limey”. Never cared for the swoopy Italian styling. Clearly designed for narrow cobblestone alley’s and not 6 lane interstates. Even main drags in cities, you take your life in your hands on a bike like this. Be great for a collection, but riding it would be a different matter. I’d pass.(it in 2nd gear with a Kaw 900!)
I’d like to see someone take it to school.
Maybe a nerdy professor type.
The zigolo – gigolo.
Talk about environmentally responsible.
Vintage Italiano is HUGELY popular in certain circles, Look up Moto Giro in Italy, Epic ride and party for small bikes like this. I cant think of a more fun adventure than to the Moto Giro. So popular people are replicating these rides in California and elsewhere.
I know some of the west coast scooter and moped clubs, and they would line the streets with palm fronds and rose petals and cheer you on, drinks purchased in your honor if you showed up at some of their events. (Mods & Rockers, etc) I live out in the country NEAR Portland and we have a lot of parks out near me. Its fun when there clubs host rides nearby. (hint. LOTS of cute girls) Sounds like herds of swarming bumble bees when they come down the road past our place.
Cool little bike. The switch is a version of the Tri-con switch. One Limey bikes a typical tricon would be kill, horn and headlight Hi-low. Domi racer and other catalog shops sold these. I have old catalogs that feature many manuf switchs and geat like this. (W.E Wassell, Domi, Bates, Tricor, Nicholson Bros, etc etc)
50 mph with a good tailwind perhaps.