Moto Guzzi Cardellino 1955

Moto Guzzi Cardellino 65cc from 1955. Cardellino was a small single-cylinder, 2-stroke, 3-speed motorcycle produced by Moto Guzzi from 1954 to 1965 (the 65cc version was produced in years 1954-1956 only).

The first small motorcycle manufactured by Moto Guzzi was the 65cc Motoleggera Guzzino (Little Guzzi), introduced in 1946 and manufactured until 1954. It was a very succesful model: over 200 000 units were sold. The Cardellino 65 took over in 1954 and was produced for two years. It was 10 kg heavier and 5 km per hour faster then Guzzino. Rear calipers shock absorbers were introduced, together with a new Dell'Orto MU14B2 carburator. The rack was relocated from the tank to the rear wheel, wheels were enlarged and mudguard's supports became an integrated part of the chassis. The shape of the mudguard was changed, too. The motorcycle used 2-cycle oil mixed in a 20:1 ratio with regular gasoline. Gears were changed by hand, with a lever next to the tank. The price of Cardellino model was 99.000 ITL. In 1956 Cardellino was redesigned again. It got a telescopic front forks, 8 liters bigger petrol tank, wider mudguards, and light alloy hub with central brakes. In the end of 1956 Cardellino 65cc was superceded by the 73cc model, and in 1962 Cardellino 73cc was replaced by Cardellino 83cc. This last version was in production for three years.