Highlights
- Very attractive older restoration
- Imported from Italy and never UK-registered
- Double-sided brakes and large dell’Orto UB20 carburettor
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 spluttering 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.
As a case in point, just look at this Testi Champion. It looks every bit as pretty and speedy as a Ducati 350 Sport, for example, but you still get the nimbleness and economy of a small bike. Testi had not been around long by 1968 – it was founded in Bologna in 1951 for the manufacture of 50cc mopeds and mini-scooters – and yet it managed to get everything just right. Of course, Italians have a natural flair for beauty, which explains a lot.
This example has been restored to a very high standard in the past and presents wonderfully today. 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
- Restored in the recent past
- Imported into Britain at some point prior to 2018
- Acquired by the vendor, a prominent motorcycle collector, at auction in 2018
- NOVA-registered with Italian documents included
The Condition
- Past restoration still looks wonderful
- Metallic paint
- Some light patina
Marvellously presented with the frame and tank in their eye-catching and tasteful combination of two complementary sky blues, the Testi really is a treat for the eyes. Its restorer evidently ensured that all the work on the bike was undertaken to a very high standard, hence it has endured so well.
Unfortunately, there is an area of paint damage on the fuel tank and a few smaller blemishes in places but the bike still presents supremely well and would be more than respectable if ridden onto a show field. The slim, lightweight frame is in visibly good condition and all the bare metal components have acquired a light patina which suits them very nicely. Unfortunately, a period of outdoor storage has resulted in some surface corrosion appearing on the front forks, but this is only superficial and should be straightforward to treat and remove.
Concours awards are all well and good, but we think the best bikes are the ones you can jump on and ride, and this is in just the right condition for regular use. It may not be immaculate, but it’s certainly not scruffy, and it’s combination of rarity and good looks is guaranteed to win it many admirers on the rally circuit.
The Mechanics
- Moto Minarelli 50cc engine
- dell’Orto UB20 carburettor
- Requires light recommissioning
Having joined a large collection in 2018, it has been some time since the Testi 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.
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 Champion puts it in another league. When it’s all running and tuned-up right, it’ll be so nimble and quick and so much fun that you won’t want to stop riding it.
The Summary
Because it restricted itself to only ever making 50cc machines, bar a couple of 125cc models, Testi has always remained somewhat obscure. We think that’s a pity, considering just how beautiful, exciting and well put-together its 50s were, which you can see to be the case with this Champion.
Still presenting well with its older restoration, these do not come for sale often so you’re unlikely to get a better opportunity to acquire such a nice bike. While it may need just a little bit of fettling before it’s ready to use, we’d be surprised if it takes more than a day to give it the necessary recommissioning. At the moment, Italian 50s 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!
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