1946 Moto Guzzi Dondolino

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David Roper says the 1946 Moto Guzzi Dondolino puts a smile on his face when he's riding it, and confesses sometimes he even breaks out laughing.
David Roper says the 1946 Moto Guzzi Dondolino puts a smile on his face when he's riding it, and confesses sometimes he even breaks out laughing.
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David Roper's 1946 Moto Guzzi Dondolino's claimed top speed is 110mph, with the fuel capacity of 5gal (19ltr).
David Roper's 1946 Moto Guzzi Dondolino's claimed top speed is 110mph, with the fuel capacity of 5gal (19ltr).
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The 1946 Moto Guzzi Dondolino's engine: 498.4cc OHV air-cooled horizontal single, 88mm x 82mm bore and stroke, 8.5:1 compression ratio and 33hp @ 5,500rpm.
The 1946 Moto Guzzi Dondolino's engine: 498.4cc OHV air-cooled horizontal single, 88mm x 82mm bore and stroke, 8.5:1 compression ratio and 33hp @ 5,500rpm.
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Dave Roper getting in some practice laps on the 1946 Moto Guzzi Dondolino at Cresson, Texas, last March.
Dave Roper getting in some practice laps on the 1946 Moto Guzzi Dondolino at Cresson, Texas, last March.
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The 1946 Moto Guzzi Dondolino carries its oil in a tank welded on top of the gas tank, a normal Moto Guzzi practice for years.
The 1946 Moto Guzzi Dondolino carries its oil in a tank welded on top of the gas tank, a normal Moto Guzzi practice for years.
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Choke lever for the 35mm Dell’Orto on David Roper's 1946 Moto Guzzi Dondolino.
Choke lever for the 35mm Dell’Orto on David Roper's 1946 Moto Guzzi Dondolino.

1946 Moto Guzzi Dondolino
Claimed power:
33hp @ 5,500rpm
Top speed: 110mph
Engine: 498.4cc OHV air-cooled horizontal single
Carburetion: 35mm Dell’Orto SSM
Transmission: 4-speed, chain final drive
Weight (dry): 279lbs (127kg)
Fuel capacity: 5gal (19ltr)

This is a landmark year for a couple of reasons. 2011 marks the 65th birthday of the exquisite 1946 Moto Guzzi Dondolino campaigned by veteran racer David Roper, and it’s also the 90th anniversary of the venerable Italian firm, based in Mandello del Lario on beautiful Lake Como.

Moto Guzzi is perhaps best known for the iconic, transverse V-twin engines that have powered its motorcycles since the late 1960s. It’s easy to forget that since 1921, when Carlo Guzzi and his partners began building and selling motorcycles, the factory has produced a wide variety of engines, including inline V-twins, inline fours, parallel twins, inline triples and the crown jewel of their inspired mechanical vision and skill, the Carcano-designed transverse mounted dual-overhead cam 500cc “Otto Cilindri” V8 masterpiece of the mid-Fifties.

The original Moto Guzzis were built around horizontal single cylinder engines. These machines distinguished themselves over several decades beginning in the 1920s, with many victories and a handful of World Championships. In addition to production machines, Moto Guzzi’s race shop designed and built bikes specifically for competition. Some were works racers for factory sponsored riders, others were sold to private racers.

  • Published on Oct 5, 2011
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