Report From Italy
REPORT FROM ITALY
CARLO PERELLI
How WOULD YOU LIKE a five-speeder able to climb slowly and safely up to the maximum limit, run in two feet of water for hours without even getting wet brakes, and offer excellent comfort to two people?
It sounds fascinating indeed, especially to the rough-going enthusiasts, but this appealing job is not on sale, at least for the moment. In fact it is built especially for the Italian Army in the Rovereto (Trento) works of the Bianchi factory. Designed by Ing. Lino Tonti, of racing engine fame, and chosen after severe comparative tests with many other models prepared by various Italian factories, the Bianchi MT-61 is the first machine, specifically built for the Army, ever to appear in Italy. Over 5000 units have already been delivered and many have reached the 70,000-mile mark without need of major overhauls. With minor modifications it could also go well for private use.
Tremendously sturdy (weight in running order is 418 pounds), it is powered by a pushrod-operated OHV 74 x 74 = 318.2cc engine developing 10.5 bhp at only 4750 rpm with a modest 6.2:1 compression ratio. It features terrific pulling power (maximum torque is 8.7 ft. lbs. at 2750 rpm), ignition by battery and coil, 21mm Dellorto carburetor and wet sump lubrication. Electrical system and wiring are well sealed to resist water action and extreme cold. To facilitate maintenance, the cylinder, head, gearbox, clutch, etc. can be dismantled without taking the crankcase off the tubular frame.
The five-speed unit gearbox utilizes such a low first gear (overall ratios are 38.6:1, 19.2:1, 12.8:1, 8.37:1, 6.20:1)
that very seldom is it employed in normal use, even for starting. The engine can be fired quite easily, thanks also to the valve lifter, with any gear engaged, by simply pulling in the clutch and pressing on the long folding kickstarter at the left. The main controls are well placed and functional while clutch and gearbox operate satisfactorily under any conditions.
Machine behavior is also reassuring in the rough: wheelbase is only 53.4" (consider that this is a real two-man machine) and suspension is quite good. The rear shocks can be adjusted for the passenger by simply lifting the saddle handle. Traction could be bettered by fitting a gripstertype tire to the rear wheel, instead of the car-type chain normally included in the kit. Handling, of course, cannot be child’s play in spite of the generous steering radius because the weight of the machine is unmistakably felt, especially at low speeds over the rough. For the same reason it is not possible to dash along rugged terrain as one would with the lighter, faster and more agile trials models. But, with a little bit of practice, the MT-61 can take two people nearly anywhere.
Riding position is good for both operator and passenger, except that the one in front would be more comfortable with a narrower tank. This could be remedied with proper cutaways on the sides. Brakes are 180 x 40 full width, progressive, powerful and absolutely waterproof. Mileage achieved is approximately 60 mpg, according to use. Although extremely strong, even at the lowest rpm ranges, the engine could be a little more powerful, especially in the proposed civilian version; in fact, top speed is a shade under 56 mph, but can be maintained with both riders in an upright position for as long as desired, without any sign of engine stress.
