Throughout the early 1950s Gilera dominated the headlines in the motorcycle press, taking six individual World Championships and five manufacturers' titles. Although racing generated valuable publicity, it was sales of road-going motorcycles which paid the bills. The majority of machines sold were lightweights based on the overhead-valve 125 single that had first appeared in prototype form in 1948.
Developed and enlarged first to 150cc and then 175cc, these simple OHV singles were top sellers throughout the 1950s and into the 1960s, although their high price outside Italy made them a relatively rare sight abroad.
Specifications
Engine: Single cylinder four-stroke OHV
Bore & stroke: 60 x 61 mm
Engine Capacity: 172.5cc
Maximum power: 9.1 h.p.
Valves per cylinder: 2
Carburettor: Dell'Orto
Cooling system: Air cooled
Ignition type: Dry sump system, with gear-driven pump feed incorporation filter
Lubrication: Wet sump forced circulation with mechanical gear pump
Transmission: Engine/gearbox by gears, gearbox/wheel by chain
Clutch: Multi-plate dry clutch, with adjustable springs and special plates
Gearbox: 4-Speed foot-change
Starter: Kick-starter
Throttle: Cable operated
Frame type: Seamless steel tubing
Front Suspension: Telescopic fork and shock absorbers
Rear Suspension: Swingarm with hydraulic shock absorbers
Front Brake: Drum, internal expanding pattern Ø 150 mm (6 in)
Rear Brake: Drum Ø 150 mm (6 in)
Front tyre: 19 x 2.50"
Rear tyre: 19 x 2.50"
Seat: Duck-tail dual seat
Fuel tank capacity: 15 litre (3.5 gallons)
Fuel consumption: 1 litre per 50 km
Top speed: 115 km/h (72 mph)
Weight: 100 kg (220 lb)
Source: Hessink's NL
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