Moto Guzzi Alce and Superalce

Moto Guzzi · 1939–1958

Moto Guzzi Alce and Superalce: history and buying advice

The army bikes: simple, heavy and almost indestructible.

Nederlandse versie

Moto Guzzi Alce 500 from 1939
Moto Guzzi Alce 500 from 1939. Photo: Wikimedia Commons, free licence; author and licence are on that page.

History

The Alce (elk) arrived in 1939 as a military motorcycle for the Italian army. It was a horizontal 500 with 14 hp and a top speed of about 90 km/h. Just over 6,300 solo bikes and some 670 sidecar versions were built, plus the three-wheeled Trialce. The Alce was used on every front of the Second World War.

After the war came first the Alce V and in 1948 the Superalce, built until 1958. It had overhead valves with exposed valve springs and four gears. The army got them with a painted tank, the Carabinieri with a chromed one. Engine numbers start with AV or SA.

Key data

EngineHorizontal single, 498.4 cc
PowerAlce: 14 hp at 4,000 rpm
Top speedAlce: c. 90 km/h
ProductionAlce: c. 6,390 solo and 669 sidecar; Superalce 1948–1958

What to check when buying

  • Ex-army bikes sometimes have no normal registration papers. Check whether it can be (or is) registered in your country.
  • Check that the engine number (AV or SA) and frame number belong together.
  • Many Superalces were later ‘civilianised’. An original army example is worth more.
  • The engineering is simple and strong; parts are partly shared with the Falcone and Astore.
  • Check the exposed valve springs and the lubrication.
To the workshop guide NL

SourcesWikipedia: Moto Guzzi Alce (Italian)Wikipedia: Moto Guzzi Superalce (Italian)

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