Bianchi · 1910–1940
Bianchi Freccia d’Oro and pre-war Bianchis: history and buying advice
From the first 500 to the ‘Golden Arrow’: Bianchi before the war.
History
Edoardo Bianchi opened a small bicycle shop in Milan in 1885. In 1897 he built a bicycle with an engine and in 1910 a real motorcycle: a 498 cc single. V-twins of 650 and later 741 cc followed, and in the twenties overhead-valve singles of 173 and 348 cc.
On the race track Bianchi made its name with the famous racer Tazio Nuvolari, who rode for it in the twenties. In 1934 came the 250 Freccia d’Oro, the ‘Golden Arrow’, in a touring and a sports version with two exhausts and a little more power. It was built until 1940.
Key data
| 1910 | single 498 cc |
|---|---|
| 1916–1920 | V-twin 650 cc, later 741 cc |
| 1924–1925 | overhead-valve singles 173 and 348 cc |
| 1934–1940 | 250 Freccia d’Oro, touring and sport |
What to check when buying
- These are museum pieces. Have origin and numbers checked by an expert.
- Many pre-war bikes have been built up from parts of different years.
- Check the magneto ignition and the lubrication before you start it.
- With a Freccia d’Oro: check whether it is the touring or the sports version (two exhausts).
- Compare the frame and engine numbers with the papers.
SourcesWikipedia: Bianchi (motorcycles) (English)Cybermotorcycle: Bianchi (English)