According to the seller, there are less than 5 of these little Aermacchi scoots in the United States. I have no idea if that’s true, but what I do know is that what looks like the gas tank is actually a storage unit, and you can shift it to make the bike look like a small motorcycle or a step-through scooter. It’s fantastic as a concept though I suspect the actual styling might be polarizing. What do you say?
The actual fuel tank is under the seat. Up top is how it looks with the “tank” up…here’s what it looks like with the tank down:
The tank isn’t the only cool design feature: the exhaust pipes also function as the swingarm! The motor is a 123cc two-stroke and the transmission is controlled by a hand shifter. The bike was designed by Lino Tonti and it was offered in three versions. “U” was the base model, “M” was a “sports roadster” where the fuel tank was where you’d actually expect, and this “N” model was a “deluxe” variant, per Bonhams. All three models were also branded as the Cigno, which is Italian for Swan.
This example has a clear US title and the seller has had it in his house for two decades. Find this rare Aermacchi for sale here on Craigslist for $6,500 in Rapid City, South Dakota.
This bike-uriousity brought to you by Bob K!