Aermacchi · 1952–1956
Aermacchi Bicilindrica 250: history and buying advice
Two Cigno cylinders side by side: Aermacchi’s first real motorcycle.
History
Lino Tonti turned the Cigno’s single into a twin of almost 250 cc. So in 1952 the Bicilindrica was born: the make’s first real motorcycle, with a double cradle frame and a tube through the tank for extra stiffness.
The unusual idea of the Cigno remained: engine and gearbox pivoted with the rear suspension, and the exhaust pipes formed the swingarm. At the front was an Earles fork with hydraulic dampers.
It was not a success. According to Jaap de Jong only about 150 were built. Tonti later returned to the idea of joining two singles, in the Linto 500 with two Aermacchi four-stroke cylinders.
Key data
| Engine | Twin-cylinder two-stroke, air-cooled, 246 cc (2 × 52 × 58 mm) |
|---|---|
| Power | 10 hp at 5000 rpm |
| Carburettor | one Dell’Orto 22 mm |
| Gears | 4 |
| Frame | tubular double cradle frame |
| Tyres | 3.50 × 15, aluminium rims |
| Weight | 107 kg |
| Top speed | c. 102 km/h |
| Designer | Lino Tonti |
| Production Bicilindrica 250B | 1952–1956; number: c. 150; frame numbers from: 2500001 |
| Production source | With thanks to the late Jaap de Jong, Aermacchi de gevleugelde (1912–1972), Weesp 2003. The author himself warns that not all data are certain. |
What to check when buying
- This is a very rare motorcycle. Always have an example assessed by an Aermacchi expert.
- Many parts no longer exist and have to be made. Check that the bike is complete.
- Check that both cylinders have compression.
- Ask about provenance and compare the frame number with the papers.
SourcesMoto Collection F-M. Dumas: Bicilindrica (French)Aermacchimoto.com: model list (Italian)Cybermotorcycle: Aermacchi scooters (English)
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