Moto Guzzi Motorcycles Falcone Sport 1950-1963
The 499cc Falcone was introduced by Moto Guzzi in 1950 to replace the GTV500 as the company’s premier road sports bike although the GTV500 remained in production as the Astore until 1953.
1963 Moto Guzzi Falcone Sport
Years produced: 1950-1963
Claimed power: 23hp @ 4,500rpm
Top speed: 85mph (est.)
Engine type: 499cc air-cooled OHV single
Weight (dry): 162kg (367lb)
Price then: US$900 (approx.)
Price now: $4,000-$12,000
MPG: 50 (approx.)
The Falcone was produced until 1963. Its single-cylinder, overhead-valve, horizontal engine developed 23hp at 4,500rpm and had its flywheel, oil pump, clutch actuator and gearshift mechanism all mounted externally. It was connected via primary gears to a constant-mesh gearbox derived from the Dondolino road racer and was capable of 137kph (85mph). It had telescopic front forks and the swinging arm rear suspension featured two springs located in a box beneath the engine and externally-mounted, chrome-plated, scissor-type friction dampers. The Sport model had alloy wheel rims whereas the Tourismo had steel.
This 1952 example fitted with a DeLonghi sidecar was imported into the US around 1980 and fully restored to Concourse standard. In 2003, it won the Concours Italiano and the Del Mar Concourse, both in California. It has had very little use since its restoration and had recorded only 201 miles since then when purchased for the NZ Classic Motorcycles collection from a private vendor in California via a US auction house in January, 2009.
