Gilera The Complete Story

By: Mick Walker .

The Gilera story is one of the most fascinating in motorcycling. It not only encompasses almost the entire 20th century, but now looks certain to have an exiting future in the 21st century after a massive cash injection by a merchant bank into Piaggio, Gilera's owners, during 2000.

Much of the Gilera tale is the development history of the across-theframe dohc four-cylinder engine. Others, such as Honda and MV Agusta, may have done much to popularize the type, but it was Gilera who first brought it to the world's attention.

The Gilera story is not dust about four-cylinders, it is also one of achievement in almost every sphere of motorcycling: trials, enduro, motocross, record breaking, the Paris-Dakar Rally, the ISDT (International Six Days Trial) and, of course, Grand Prix road racing. All have seen Gilera triumphant.

The Italian factory has also built a huge range of series production models down through the years from tiny mopeds, scooters and ultra-lightweights right through to large capacity singles and twins. Even more exciting is the prospect of an entirely new range of Gilera superbikes for the new millennium.

Here, former racer, dealer and importer Mick Walker brings you the Gilera story as never told before.

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