Post Listing Update: Despite 20 bids on eBay, this Bialbero did not meet reserve at $9,200.
12-4-2019 Update: Three years later, its seems that this Saturno has made its way into Stuart Parr’s collection and is now back on the market. Now it’s got with new photos and a description pulled from this old post. Find it with bidding up to $6,600 with the reserve not yet met in Wainscott, New York here on eBay.
Post Listing Update: Despite 28 bids on eBay, this Bialbero did not meet reserve at $8,655.55.
When Gilera introduced the Saturno in the 1940s, it was one of the best motorcycles you could buy. The problem for most riders is that the cost reflected it – Motorcycle Classics said they sold for the approximate price of a small Italian apartment in the day. The model name (and the iconic red color) were very special to Gilera, so when the firm decided to create the new Saturno (at the request of their Japanese importer), you can believe that they wanted it to be special. The original production figures were supposed to be 1,000 bikes in Japan and 100 bikes in Italy. While Gilera eventually ended up offering the bikes in more countries, none were officially sold in the US. But here’s an example that’s just made it to New York with only 45 miles on the clock.
In the 80s, Gilera had developed a 4-stroke water-cooled single that they used for their off-roader Dakota in 350cc and 500cc guises. The engine was quite advanced and featured dual overhead cams, which was part of the reason why the motor was named the Bi4. Gilera’s Japanese importer requested that the company use this engine in a road bike, so the idea for a modern cafe racer was born. The Bi4 engine was thrown in a trellis frame and paired with Marzocchi suspension, Brembo brakes, and Marvic wheels. 45 horsepower was plenty for a bike that weighed less than 320 pounds, yielding a top speed of 115 miles per hour. I think this bike is beautiful in a very 80s way, particularly thanks to the the half fairing, siamese exhaust, and 3-spoke wheels. For more on the Nuovo (New) Saturno, check out this review from Classic-Motorbikes.
This example (VIN: 222100678) shows just 45 miles on the odometer, and it’s claimed to be in “out of the crate perfect condition.” The seller kept this bike in Germany before he was able to legally import it this year. It comes with the original German registration and US customs paperwork. Find this Gilera Saturno 500 Bialbero for sale in New York, New York with bidding up to $1,225 and the reserve not yet met
This bike-uriousity brought to you by David N!