Report From Italy

REPORT FROM ITALY

CARLO PERELLI

RACING LIGHTWEIGHTS produced by the Italian motorcycle industry right after the war were all powered by orthodox two-stroke engines, but at the end of 1949 Mondial introduced a double overhead cam 125cc four-stroke which was so successful that all other factories, notably MV and Morini, had to follow this example to compete.

For over ten years Italian engineers worked in the four-stroke vein in their 125cc, 175cc and 250cc Grand Prix bikes, two-strokes being considered a thing of the past, good at best for sporting machines. The 1963 Italian Senior Championship dohc Mondial traces its origin to that very 1949 engine.

But now for their official comeback to the sporting scene after withdrawing in 1957. Mondial has switched to the twostroke engine. They are pioneering again in Italy! Their new one-two-five will soon make its debut in the hands of Senior Italian Champion Francesco Villa who will ride the rotary inlet valve single. The engine is noteworthy for its water cooled light alloy (chrome bore), horizontal cylinder with an air-cooled cylinder head. This is a very functional arrangement also in the light of the decreased frontal area.

The rotary inlet valve disc is keyed as usual at the right-hand end of the crankshaft; opposite side carries the primary gears, which also actuate the contact breaker assembly for the coil and battery ignition, and the multiple plate clutch running in an oil bath.

While previous four-stroke Mondials were quite heavy, getting very near the 202 pound weight limit, the new model, which is reported to develop over 20 horsepower at the rear wheel after being transmitted through the seven-speed gear box. weighs only 187 pounds. Frame alterations are scheduled which should further lessen weight. 18 inch tires are mounted.

Tarquinio Provini,' the most famous Italian champion who in 1963. riding alone on his 250cc Morini single against the mighty Honda factory came second to Jim Redman in World Championship standing by only 2 points, has left Morini to join Benelli. He will ride the 250cc Benelli four-cylinder, huilt in Pesaro, in Italian and World Championship events. During the winter months Provini will lend assistance to the Benelli technicians since he is also skilled in mechanics. Benelli’s previous number one rider, Silvio Grassetti. was not a very good technician.

1964 will also see Provini on another machine new to him; the remarkable 50cc Kreidler from West Germany. Kreidler employs a double rotary disc single with a twelve-speed gearbox. They are determined to take the World crown from the Japanese and have alco encased Luigi Taveri and Hans Georg Anscheidt, the latter having been Kreidler’s works rider for many years. Provini will get a “made-tomeasure” machine and will soon start practicing with it.

Another Italian factory which is to make a serious hid in Italian and World Championship events is Bianchi. Remo Venturi and Renzo Rossi will challenge the 350cc and 500cc classes.

Güera is still undecided about racing in 1964, but it is believed they will limit their activity to Italian racing. John Hartle and Alan Shepherd, who had been contacted by Geoff Duke to ride on his team, have been released. MV will concentrate as usual in the “big” classes with World Champion Mike Hailwood and Silvio Grassetti, the latter for Italian events only.

Morini will compete in Italy only; they have no export interest so they are not too keen to compete again in Classic events. Young Giacomo Agostini will ride for them in 1964. •