Italian Motorcycles

TAU Motorcycles and Engines

A Brief History of the Marque

Manufactured in Binzago, Cesano Maderno, Milano, 1974-1986 and later

The company's first engine was designed by the engineer Dr. Aroldo Trivelli of Milan, an air-cooled disc valve 125cc two-stroke for go-karts. After thorough testing the Trivelli engine was fitted to a motorcycle.

In 1976 the Tau TVR (Tau Valvola Rotante) appeared with a six-speed gearbox. It had three transfer ports and electronic ignition. Fitted to a racing motorcycle it achieved 200 km/h, developing 27 bhp at 11,000 rpm. The TVR did not prove suitable for installation on a motocross bike and Trivelli agreed to modify it to achieve a naturally aspirated engine more suited to off-road.

The Tau, with a rotary valve water-cooled version of the engine, was shown at the Milan Motosalone in 1977.

In 1979 the company formed a business relationship with a British manufacturer that required engines from 100cc for enduro work. That year Tau released a 250cc engine which was fitted to the Cabrera - it produced 38 hp at 8000 rpm.

Tau reed-valve 125cc engines were fitted to HRD machines in 1985, Aspes in 1982, and to Ancillotti off-road bikes including the 1981 125RC.

The engines were also fitted to the Panda and Valenti trials machines, and to A.R.M. enduros of Spain.

A Tau engine of most unusual configuration was built for the Bimota V-Due. It has the appearance of a V-3, with the centre cylinder having four bores which are part of the fuel injection tract, which proved to be the Achilles heel of the V-due and led to financial disaster for the firm - through no fault of Dr Trivelli, it would appear.

List of manufacturers who fitted Tau engines:


Sources: MC Storico Conti, et al.


03-Nov-2020
charlesombui24 at gmail.com
Tau 125cc
How can I get crank case for the above make
Charles
Nairobi

    Perhaps keep an eye on the sales sites for the makes which use Tau engines, listed above. Someone may have a spare engine or cases.

If you have a query or information about TAU motorcycle engines please contact us


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