Aermacchi · 1952–1955
Aermacchi Monsone 125: history and buying advice
The Monsone (monsoon) built on the Cigno, but looked more like a real motorcycle.
History
The Monsone arrived in 1952 and, like the Cigno, was designed by Lino Tonti. The engine was the same horizontal 123 cc two-stroke, mounted under the seat as part of the rear suspension. At the front was an Earles-type leading-link fork, at the rear two shocks.
There were also sporty versions. According to Jaap de Jong’s book Aermacchi built a version for reliability trials in 1952 and a racing version in 1955. No production numbers are known for these special versions.
The Monsone stayed in production when the Ghibli arrived, and disappeared around 1955.
Key data
| Engine | Single-cylinder two-stroke, horizontal, 123 cc (52 × 58 mm) |
|---|---|
| Carburettor | Dell’Orto UA17 |
| Gears | 3 |
| Electrics | 6 volt, Marelli |
| Suspension | front: Earles type; rear: two shocks, engine moves with the wheel |
| Wheels | 17 inch |
| Designer | Lino Tonti |
| Production Monsone 125M | 1952–1955; number: unknown; frame numbers from: starting with 125 |
| 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
- Parts for these early two-strokes are rare. Above all check that the bike is complete; missing body parts are almost impossible to find.
- Compare the frame number with the papers. The old Italian numbering is not always clear; if in doubt ask the Aermacchi club for help.
- Turn the engine over with the kick-starter: it must have compression and turn freely, without a scraping sound.
- A premix two-stroke: ask which mixing ratio the owner used and whether the bike stood for a long time.
SourcesCybermotorcycle: Aermacchi scooters (English)Aermacchimoto.com: model list (Italian)Cycle World 1971: History of Aermacchi (English)