Description
1988 Gilera Saturno 350 made by Gilera for the Japanese market in limited numbers. In total 1200 machines were made in the 350 and 500cc formats. The majority if not all the 350 machines were sold in the Japanese market and these accounted for approximately 500 out of the total number of bikes made. The basis of the Saturno bike is the Bi4 4 valve double overhead cam balance shaft engine fed from a single carb. All fitted in a Ducati type trellis frame and weighing 135 kg. bike totally standard except the fitting of a k&n air filter instead of the complex airbox arrangement and folding rear mirrors.
This machine was imported in 2020 from japan by west coast imports. The machine needed quite a bit of work with faded paint but in fully running condition.
The machine was rebuilt over a two - year period with all new paint on fairing, wheels, tank and other bodywork. Frame and wheels are powder coated and all other paintwork is 2k epoxy paint, after which it was registered with the UK DVLA with an age related registration number.
New swing arm bearings, wheel bearings, disc pads and tyres. The radiator was replaced with a new one manufactured in the UK using the old radiator as a pattern (original was corroded beyond repair) quick release fittings for fuel and easy access fuel taps.
Engine paint was completely renewed in 2k black by taking the surface back to bare alloy and etch primed before final topcoat.
The original supplier grey coating was not the best with no etch primer beneath the paint.
The machine has a low mileage of only 15k km (9400 miles)
During rebuild all engine settings were checked and found to be ok, with no wear on the cams and the cambelt was changed. Bike is now in show condition.
Full rebuild article written and full cost spreadsheet available along with manuals etc.
Great handling bike with 32 hp and top speed of circa 90mph.
Unfortunately riding position is a bit extreme for my aging physique!
Machine was bought because I have an interest in Italian bikes and it was a limited edition production motorcycle. The epitome of an Italian cafe racer with light weight, excellent handling, unique design and hand built by a specialist team in Gilera.
