Gilera VT 500 (Otto Bulloni)

Gilera · 1935–1941

Gilera VT 500 (Otto Bulloni): history and buying advice

The pre-war overhead-valve bike from which the Saturno grew.

Nederlandse versie

History

After trial models in 1933 and 1934 the VT engine went into series production in 1935. It was Gilera’s first overhead-valve engine in large numbers, a 500 cc single with pushrods and four gears with the gear lever on the right. The series ran until 1941, in versions such as VT, VTGS and VTE.

The nickname comes from the bolts that hold the cylinder on the crankcase: the touring version was called ‘Quattro Bulloni’ (four bolts), the sports version ‘Otto Bulloni’ (eight bolts). The sporting VTGS (Gran Sport) won many races, including the Milano-Taranto, and is one of the most sought-after pre-war Italians. It was the model for the 1939 Saturno.

Key data

EngineSingle-cylinder four-stroke, pushrod overhead valves
Capacity498.76 cc
Gearsfour, hand change on the right
Top speedapprox. 135 km/h (Otto Bulloni)
Production1935–1941

What to check when buying

  • Quattro or Otto Bulloni? Count the bolts at the base of the cylinder; the Otto Bulloni is worth more.
  • There are many machines assembled from different V models. Ask about the origin and compare frame and engine numbers.
  • Parts are scarce and expensive. A complete example is much better than a project.
  • Look at the rear suspension (the ‘boxed spring’) and the friction dampers: they wear and are hard to rebuild.
  • Have an expert look at it with you, for instance through a Gilera club.
To the workshop guide

SourcesMuseo Piaggio: 500 Otto BulloniMuseo Nicolis: Gilera 500 VTGS Otto BulloniWikipedia: Gilera (English)

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