Aermacchi · 1955–1961
Aermacchi Zeffiro 125 and 150: history and buying advice
The Zeffiro came as a 125 and a 150, and stayed in production until 1961.
History
In December 1955 the Zeffiro 125 replaced the Ghibli. It got a telescopic fork and the headlamp on the handlebar. The open frame of tube and pressed steel kept Tonti’s idea: the steel tubes of the swingarm were also the exhausts. A 150 with a bigger bore followed.
The first series ran until 1958, the second from 1959 to 1961. The 125 was simple and economical: according to Scooter d’Epoca it cost 142,500 lire in 1956. In 1955 Aermacchi also showed the Corsaro 150, a four-speed prototype that never went into production.
According to Scooter d’Epoca 29,860 of the first 125 (1955–1958) were built, with frame numbers from 550001. Jaap de Jong gives frame numbers from 580001 for the Zeffiro 125. So the sources disagree; if in doubt ask the club.
Key data
| Engine 125 | Single-cylinder two-stroke, 123 cc (52 × 58 mm), 4.5 hp at 4500 rpm |
|---|---|
| Engine 150 | Single-cylinder two-stroke, c. 150 cc (57 × 58 mm) |
| Carburettor | Dell’Orto UA 17 BS (125) |
| Gears | 3, hand change on the left of the handlebar |
| Suspension | front telescopic fork; rear swingarms with friction dampers |
| Tyres | 2.75 × 17 |
| Weight 125 | 66 kg |
| Top speed 125 | c. 75 km/h |
| Lubrication | premix, 6% oil |
| Production Zeffiro 125U/55 | 1955–1961; number: unknown (29,860 of the first series according to Scooter d’Epoca); frame numbers from: 580001 (Scooter d’Epoca: 550001) |
| Production Zeffiro 150 MB9 | 1955–1961; number: unknown; frame numbers from: 500001 (Italian sources; Jaap de Jong’s example starts with 90) |
| Production Corsaro 150 MB10 | 1955; number: prototype; frame numbers from: n/a |
| 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.
- Check whether it is a first series (gaiters on the front fork) or a second series.
SourcesScooter d’Epoca: Zeffiro 125E (Italian)Cybermotorcycle: Aermacchi scooters (English)Aermacchimoto.com: model list (Italian)Cycle World 1971: History of Aermacchi (English)