Description
Here for sale in my 1978 Gilera Arcore 5V which I have owned since 2013 (the 5V indicates 5 speed gearbox). I will answer two of the most common questions about this bike, firstly it is not a two-stroke but is a four -stroke and secondly spares are readily available from Bob Wright Motorcycles and parts regularly appear on Ebay from Italy.
The Gilera has not been restored and is in good original condition which is a testament to the original build quality, it has a Power-dynamo electronic ignition with a high output 12 volt generator, so reliable running and good lights. It a very easy machine to look after, valve clearance checks/ adjustments take about 20 minutes and it even has as standard a “spin-off” oil filter, very surprising for an Italian motorcycle of this period.
It’s a very user friendly machine very light and responsive and will cruise at 50 to 60 mph on a flat road and will get up to around 80 mph in favourable conditions and returns around 100 mpg, which means the two and a quarter gallon tank takes you a long way.
My longest ride in one day was 335 miles on this Gilera on the VMCC Relay Rally a few years ago when I visited all the checkpoints in Devon and Cornwall. These Italian light-weights are much under rated and if you find your British 500 single or 650 twin is getting a bit heavy then this is a much easier to live with alternative.
Only negative points are that the fuel tank paint is a bit streaky on the top (see photo) though only noticeable close up and the clutch is a bit grabby when the engine is cold but no problem once the engine is warm. The Gilera is showing 27, 000 kilometres (approx 17, 000 miles) which I believe is genuine as I have several old MOT’s.
The Gilera is registered as “Historic” so free Road Tax and no MOT requirement, V5 present in my name.
