Gilera Gets Serious
GILERA GETS SERIOUS
Gilera, once a power to be reckoned with in world markets and on world racetracks, is on the verge of introducing a new line of motorcycles that the Italian company hopes will return it to its former prominence.
The new line will be powered by V-Twin engines of about 1000cc, and will include sport, touring and even custom models.
Founded in 1909, Gilera is Europe’s oldest surviving motorcycle manufacturer, and holds six 500cc world roadracing championships won in the 1950s. It now is owned by the giant Piaggio Group, which also owns Puch and Vespa, and produced 600,000 two-wheelers last year, making it the largest motorcycle manufacturer in Europe.
Though Güera recently has concentrated on 125cc two-stroke Singles and 600cc Thumpers (as well as an all-new 250cc GP racebike), the firm’s development of this new line of four-stroke Vee motors has been a poorly kept secret.
“We intend to reposition the Güera marque, and to produce a complete range of bikes from 500 to 1000CC,” proclaimed Piaggio spokesman Alessandro Pinelli, who added, “There will be many surprises from Güera in 1993, ’94 and ’95.” -Roland Brown
