Gilera 5V Arcore 125 and 150

Gilera · 1972–1979

Gilera 5V Arcore 125 and 150: history and buying advice

The classic Gilera overhead-valve bike from the Piaggio era.

Nederlandse versie

Gilera 124 5V, the predecessor of the Arcore
Gilera 124 5V, the predecessor of the Arcore. Photo: Wikimedia Commons, free licence; author and licence are on that page.

History

After the takeover by Piaggio in 1969, Gilera came to the 1971 Milan show with the 5V Arcore, named after the factory town. It was a thoroughly renewed 125 and 150 with five gears, a slightly forward-leaning cylinder with square cooling fins, a light-alloy head and a double cradle frame.

It stayed in production until 1979 and received many small improvements over those years. The 125 sold well because sixteen-year-olds were allowed to ride it. According to Motociclismo d’Epoca about 5,100 of the 125 and 7,200 of the 150 were built.

Key data

EngineSingle-cylinder four-stroke, pushrod overhead valves
Capacity125 or 152.6 cc
Gearsfive
Top speed125: approx. 112 km/h; 150: approx. 117–120 km/h
Weight109 kg (125), 117 kg (150) dry
Productionapprox. 5,100 (125) and 7,200 (150)

What to check when buying

  • Early and late Arcores differ in details. Check whether parts belong to the year.
  • The engine is simple and strong. Listen to the valve clearance and look for smoke when opening the throttle.
  • Check the drum brakes and the rear dampers.
  • Colour schemes were red and light blue; an original colour scheme raises the value.
  • Compare the frame and engine numbers with the papers.
To the workshop guide

SourcesMuseo Piaggio: 150 5V ArcoreCybermotorcycle: Gilera 5V Arcore (English)

More Gilera

← Back to all motorcycles and guides