Founded in 1909 by Giuseppe Gilera, the company concentrated on developing 4-cylinder racing motorcycles and dominated 500cc Grand Prix racing after the second world war.  However, due to a downturn in sales after the war, the company was sold to Piaggio in 1969 and lightweight competition-focussed bikes were designed and sold under the Gilera name.    

Famously ridden up Mount Kilimanjaro in 1971, the 50cc Gilera Trials bike soon became a popular choice with teenagers and trials competitors alike.    

51 years on, and the purposeful stance and nimble performance of this agile bike is still highly regarded and desirable today. This genuine Gilera represents a great opportunity to grab a freshly restored Italian motorcycle you can be proud of.

 

This Gilera was Imported in 2015 and registered in the UK on the 12th November 2015. It comes with it’s original Italian ‘Certificato Ciclomotore’ registration book confirming the model, Vin/frame number and year.

   

The first UK owner had the bike MOT’d and enjoyed riding it for a couple of years on local moped runs in the Torquay area and then stored it until the current owner acquired it in May 2022.

Originally white, the new owner, accomplished restorer and 2-wheel enthusiast has worked his magic and completely overhauled this bike cosmetically and ensured it is mechanically sound.

Accompanying paperwork includes the up to date V5, a Gilera handbook, two ‘Pass” MOT’s from 2015 and 2016 and four invoices for parts purchased from Bob Wright Motorcycles in 2015, 2016 and 2017.

Cosmetically speaking, this freshly restored 1970’s bike looks mint from every angle with it’s new coat of period-correct red paintwork. Smaller components have also been repainted and the correct decals applied. Detailing and homage to originality is impeccable.   

An Aprilia headlight (with stone guard) is attached, although the chrome is a little corroded. The Aprilia rear light/refector is spot-on and a working Veglia Borletti speedometer sits up front and is in reasonable condition.

The saddle is in good condition as are the rubber grips and polished alloy components and ancillaries. New chrome rims and spokes have been added - a 19” wheel at the front, and 17” at the rear. These have appropriate ‘knobbly’ tyres fitted which have plenty of tread.   

The heart of the Gilera 50 5V Trials machine is, of course, the 49.8cc, single-cylinder, 2-stroke engine which is fitted with a 14mm Dellorto carburettor, and as the name suggests, has five gears. 

The owner believes that this engine (number 010/3245) has an upgraded carburettor, intake and cylinder head, and produces a non-restricted power output of around 6-7hp, which should certainly propel you to around 50mph with ease.

Looking at the accompanying invoices from Bob Wright Motorcycles, it appears that a new piston has been installed along with new brake shoes, clutch cable, chain, and larger trials-specification, sprocket.     

Ceriani tele-hydraulic front forks and rear shocks’ are fitted and the drum brakes are standard. 

The owner has attended to any recent servicing requirements and assures us that this nippy little bike is ready to ride.   

This beautifully restored Gilera is a stunning example of Italian exotica and would make a fantastic addition to any bike collection. Being the first year of production, it is also rare, and with just 11.567 km (around 7,000 miles) on the clock, should also be fun to ride for many years.     

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