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Gilera

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Moto Gilera S.p.A, later Gilera-Piaggio S.p.A. and Piaggio & Co., Stabilimento Gilera, Arcore, Milano.

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The first Gilera

In 1909 the farmer's son Giuseppe Gilera built his first motorcycle, a 317 cc single cylinder. He started a factory where good 499, 508 and 569 cc side tappets were built, both single and V-twins. Until 1909 he had some experience in the Bucher factory in Milan.

Even before the First World War the company was expanded and there was a great demand for Gilera's motorcycles. After the war, unlike most companies that had made war production, it still went better with the Gilera brand.

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The growth

Gilera was from the twenties one of the big brands in the road race. In the thirties, exports started. About 700 employees were employed at that time. In 1933, the Rondine factory in Rome was taken over, as a result of which Gilera became the owner of CNA's four-cylinder engines. This was the beginning of a series of big race successes.

During the Second World War, only war production was run. Among other things, "motocarros" were made, three-wheeled transport scooters, which had also been produced before the war. A factory, which was still existing in 2006, was built in Argentina. The Gilera Quattro became famous for its victories in the 500 cc world championships.

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Taking over Gilera

After the death of Giuseppes son there was no successor and in 1970 Gilera went into the Piaggioconcern. From that moment on, mainly light two-strokes were built. In 1990, under the name Gilera, a series of sporty single-cylinder fourths was launched on the market, the Saturno and the Nordwest, but in 1994 the Gilera brand disappeared from the market. In 2001, however, it came back with a 600 cc Supersport with a Suzuki GSX-R block. Also again GP race in the lighter classes was participated. This resulted in a world championship for Manuel Poggiali in 2001.

Under the name Gilera, Piaggio now builds light scooters, mopeds, off-road engines and sports models. Some names; Gilera Citta, Gilera Runner, Gilera DNA, Gilera Typhoon.