Though Cimatti Motorcycles was founded in 1937, it would be well over a decade before it produced its first motorized two-wheeler. The marque was started by Marco Cimatti, who won a Gold Medal in cycling at the 1932 Olympics. Despite the company starting up in a turbulent period economically, the bicycle manufacturer managed to beat the odds and remain profitable. In the 1950’s, Cimatti would begin production on small displacement mopeds before finally producing bonafide motorcycles in the 1960’s.
Cimatti would only ever produce small-displacement machines, with its largest ever offering being a 175cc model. The Italian brand would experience some success in 1960’s trials events, most notably at the Italian 50cc Championships. The Bologna-based scoot purveyor would later expand under the direction of Marco’s son Enrico who would be responsible for the company tapping into foreign markets including the US, France, Norway, and Tunisia. In the States, Cimattis were first marketed under the name of City-Bike. Sales were generally going well until a recession in the early 1980’s that would ultimately result in Cimatti closing its doors in ’84 after almost half-a-century of producing two-wheelers.
Cimatti built a handful of (motorized) models over the years, though it always outsourced engines from various Italian manufacturers. Moto Morini, HMW, and Moto Minarelli all provided two-strokes that Cimatti would use to power its bikes. In ’57, a 50cc scooter under the awesome name of “Scooterino” would go into production where it would remain until 1960. From 1963 to 1966 the 50cc Pinguino scooter would be produced by Cimatti. In ’66 Cimatti would also debut a myriad of new 48cc scooters and mopeds including the S-50, C-5, C100, and C150, as they were known in the US.
In 1968, Cimatti would unveil an array of new models featuring 48cc, 50cc, and 100cc scoots. Though the company managed to successfully sell a decent amount of units and stay in business for several decades of motorcycle production, there were a couple major factors that prevented Cimatti from remaining in operation. As other companies began to adapt to the western market that wanted increasingly larger displaced machines, Cimatti stayed in its own lane, kept its head down, and continued producing smaller scoots. Cimatti’s failure to tap into foreign markets that heavily utilized scooters was another major downfall. While scooter and moped sales in southeast Asia around this time were booming, Cimatti went on trying to move product in Norway, the US, and France.
This particular Cimatti example is from 1968 and I believe it’s a C100. It was bought new by the current owner’s uncle in Texas. Using only original parts, renowned restoration expert Perry Bushong brought this example back to life in recent years. Since then this example supposedly won a Best In Show Award. It is powered by a 100cc two-stroke Morini motor that has only had 1,756 miles put on it in its half-century since leaving the factory in Bologna. The engine is said to run strong and be in great condition, though there is some weird issue with the kickstarter on this example. The seller says it’s an easy fix. [Ed’s Note: So why hasn’t he/she fixed it yet?]
The Cimatti example currently being sold is said to be “As it was when it left the factory”, though it has been restored as previously mentioned. The seller also mentions that a small air-pump that sits under the gas tank is missing but that’s the only part needed to bring the bike back to 100% stock form. For a 50 year-old, clean, running, European bike, this is a pretty good deal. Though Cimatti isn’t a hugely sought after marque, these machines are nonetheless pretty rare.
Everything on this example is said to work, including all lights, buttons, and the horn. The clutch and transmission on this Cimatti are reportedly in solid condition and the clutch cable was recently replaced with a “Lifetime” cable. A particularly cool feature found on this example is its nifty heel/toe shifter that adds a lot of character to this old Italian bike. The ad claims this example boasts a top-speed of 50-55mph. The seller says it has been garage-kept in a climate-controlled room, and it’s registered, plated, and has current Texas registration.
You can find this beautifully restored 1968 100cc two-stroke Cimatti example (VIN: 30907P) – that I think is a C100 – for sale here on Craigslist in the Dallas, Texas area with a price of $2,998.