Highlights
- A close relative of Cimatti’s 50cc racing bikes
- Fitted with alloy wheel rims, large carburettor, rev counter and speedometer
- Correct Moto Morini engine
The Appeal
Perhaps if you think of 50cc motorbikes, your first inclination is to picture some rickety old moped, its impoverished rider frantically pedalling away, trying to coax the engine sputtering into life.
If that’s what springs to mind, you’d better think again, because an entire series of Grand Prix motorcycle racing positively thrived from the 1950s to 1983, and some 50cc machines were extremely quick and rather glamorous.
If that’s what springs to mind, you’d better think again, because an entire series of Grand Prix motorcycle racing positively thrived from the 1950s to 1983, and some 50cc machines were extremely quick and rather glamorous.
Look no further than the products of Cimatti, originally a bicycle-maker which turned to mopeds, and then to small but very racy motorcycles.
Perhaps its most notable achievements in motorsport were in the Italian 50cc Trials Championship, which it won every year from 1966 to 1968, but some were to be found in Grand Prix racing, too, and the dashing Sagittario has more than a hint of the racer about it.
Perhaps its most notable achievements in motorsport were in the Italian 50cc Trials Championship, which it won every year from 1966 to 1968, but some were to be found in Grand Prix racing, too, and the dashing Sagittario has more than a hint of the racer about it.
Possibly the sleekest and most exciting-looking 50cc bike you will ever see, this Sagittario S5 has evidently benefitted from a past restoration and looks absolutely splendid.
Since being imported from Italy, it has seen little use as it has spent the past few years in a large motorcycle collection.
It would, of course, make a great addition to another collection, but it would also be wonderful to see it UK-registered and getting out and about to shows and rallies.
Since being imported from Italy, it has seen little use as it has spent the past few years in a large motorcycle collection.
It would, of course, make a great addition to another collection, but it would also be wonderful to see it UK-registered and getting out and about to shows and rallies.
The History and Paperwork
- Imported into Britain from Italy at some point prior to 2018
- Acquired by the vendor, a prominent motorcycle collector, at auction in 2018
- Never UK-registered
The Condition
- Believed to have been restored in Italy
- Delightful condition all-round
- Metallic paint and half-suede seat
Looking wonderful in its metallic tangerine paint, a vivid colour wonderfully reminiscent of the late 1960s and early 1970s, this Cimatti really looks like it would be at home in the pit lane at Monza in 1970.
It is all in such good condition that we believe the bike to have been restored in the fairly recent past, presumably while still in Italy.
It is all in such good condition that we believe the bike to have been restored in the fairly recent past, presumably while still in Italy.
While there are a few minor blemishes in the paint on the tank and some very small marks on the seat, the bike remains highly presentable and it would certainly be well-received at any show you might wish to take it to.
The slim, lightweight frame is in visibly good condition and all the bare-metal components look especially good, thanks to the light layer of patina which use and the passage of time has bestowed upon them.
The polished mudguards are as bright as the metallic paint, and complete the brilliantly vibrant look of the bike.
The slim, lightweight frame is in visibly good condition and all the bare-metal components look especially good, thanks to the light layer of patina which use and the passage of time has bestowed upon them.
The polished mudguards are as bright as the metallic paint, and complete the brilliantly vibrant look of the bike.
Of course, if you are serious about using a bike, you don’t want to be fussily clean and concours standard. If we were looking out for something to use and enjoy, this Cimatti would be just right.
The Mechanics
- 49cc Moto Morini engine with large carburettor and twin exhausts
- Double-sided front brakes
- Requires only light recommissioning
Having joined a large collection in 2018, it has been some time since the Cimatti was last run, so we are unable to comment on exactly how well it starts, runs and rides.
However, from the appearance of the engine and the rest of the bike, it is plain to see that it has all been well cared-for and has not suffered from neglect.
However, from the appearance of the engine and the rest of the bike, it is plain to see that it has all been well cared-for and has not suffered from neglect.
We do not believe that it should require anything more than the most straightforward recommissioning before it is up and running again, and then you’re looking at something which will really fly.
While the most basic mopeds can be good fun in themselves, the lightweight, streamlined construction of the Sagittario and its racing bloodline place it in another league.
When it’s all running and tuned-up right, it should whizz along with the speed, energy and agility of a wasp in flight.
While the most basic mopeds can be good fun in themselves, the lightweight, streamlined construction of the Sagittario and its racing bloodline place it in another league.
When it’s all running and tuned-up right, it should whizz along with the speed, energy and agility of a wasp in flight.
Summary
Rare, speedy, nimble and ever so good-looking, Cimatti’s 50cc sports bikes are unjustly overlooked and underrated.
Being quite an obscure marque, Cimattis remain unfamiliar even to people who have been around motorcycles all their life and, frankly, they don’t know what they’re missing.
We can only recommend that anyone who may be curious goes right ahead and gets bidding on this one so that they can find out.
Being quite an obscure marque, Cimattis remain unfamiliar even to people who have been around motorcycles all their life and, frankly, they don’t know what they’re missing.
We can only recommend that anyone who may be curious goes right ahead and gets bidding on this one so that they can find out.
You can see for yourself what a nice condition it’s in cosmetically, and it really shouldn’t need much to get it running and riding like a dream.
At the moment, Cimattis still offer an affordable route into owning a classic sporting motorcycle, but that may not always be the case, so place your bids while you can!
At the moment, Cimattis still offer an affordable route into owning a classic sporting motorcycle, but that may not always be the case, so place your bids while you can!
Notice to bidders
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