Moto Guzzi Astore

Moto Guzzi · 1949–1953

Moto Guzzi Astore: history and buying advice

The last GTV and the forerunner of the Falcone.

Nederlandse versie

Moto Guzzi Astore from 1951
Moto Guzzi Astore from 1951. Photo: Wikimedia Commons, free licence; author and licence are on that page.

History

The Astore (goshawk) was presented at the 1949 Milan show as the modern successor to the GTV. It looked very similar, but got a light-alloy head and cylinder, an enclosed valve mechanism in an oil bath like the Airone, a telescopic fork and a swingarm with a spring under the engine and two hydraulic dampers.

It had four gears with foot change and 200 mm drum brakes. The tank was chromed; in 1952 a chrome shortage brought a red and black painted tank. In 1953 it got a Falcone-style tank and was replaced by the Falcone Turismo, which is almost identical.

Key data

EngineHorizontal single, overhead valves
Bore × stroke88 × 82 mm, 498.4 cc
Gearsfour, foot change
Top speedc. 120 km/h
Weightc. 180 kg

What to check when buying

  • The Astore and Falcone Turismo look alike. Check the engine and frame numbers to know what you are buying.
  • Look for oil leaks at the valve mechanism and the flywheel.
  • Check the rear dampers and the spring under the engine.
  • Many parts also fit the Falcone; that makes maintenance easier.
  • An original chromed tank is worth more than a resprayed one.
To the workshop guide NL

SourcesWikipedia: Moto Guzzi Astore (Italian)

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