1955 Moto Guzzi Falcone Sport 500 (D301) … 2024 Quail Award Winner 2nd Place Italian Vintage
This fantastic Moto Guzzi has just won a prestigious award at the Quail Motorcycle Gathering 2024 : 2nd Place Italian Vintage Class.
Stunning Restoration of Iconic Italian Sport Bike Classic A superb example of a great motorcycle with legendary engineering. On offer an exceptional restoration of one of the most legendary motorcycles ever designed, the Moto Guzzi Falcone Sport 500. Starting with one of the best model years and fitted with all the “right” components, this Falcone is truly exceptional. Makes an awesome impression. No detail has been overlooked in the comprehensive restoration by a noted marque specialist shop in Italy. The bike retains a light patina overall that looks right and avoids being overrestored. The Falcone fires right up and delivers a very thrilling and intimate riding experience.
Starting at the front we see the characteristic telescopic fork accented by polished cast fender mounts. Flat “racing” handlebars and controls are correct and in perfect order. The shapely fuel tank offers distinctive black insets set off with a perfect Rosso Corsa paint finish to an exceptional standard. The complex engine and mechanicals have been comprehensively restored and belie the vintage appearance with remarkably good manners, easy starting and solid torque. Clutch and gearbox operate as new and the delightful external flywheel provides endless fascination and smooth running.
Rear suspension is by a spring set beneath the transmission, damped by artful friction units. All aspects of the complex machinery have been detailed, polished, painted and perfected to a very high standard. A period correct fishtail silencer adds the crowning glory to this immaculate restoration.
Solid Performance, Ride and roadholding are very good for a vintage machine and the relaxed power delivery provides a friendly character. One of the most “romantic” motorcycles ever built, this Falcone is certainly ready to enjoy in motion as well as dazzle on display. A superb example of one great motorcycle.
This machine has a clean California title, ready to ride and show.
This classic Moto Guzzi was one of several we purchased from a specialized Guzzi workshop in the Verona area. Very faithful to the original, fully reviewed and verified. Features a conservative restoration done over the last few years. Engine, electrical, chassis and braking systems checked and refreshed as needed. the Astore has been road tested and fully checked out. This vintage Moto Guzzi comes with copies of the original documents and an Italian license plate of the time period.
This machine has a clean California title, ready to ride and show.
1955 Moto Guzzi Falcone Sport 500
#D301
Offered at $24,750
MODEL HISTORY : Moto Guzzi 500 Falcone Sport
Moto Guzzi has a remarkable history of innovation and racing success. The Falcone Sport is one of the most iconic of their designs and truly a legendary motorcycle. The history and lineage is fascinating. Carlo Guzzi's first prototype motorcycle of 1919 featured its single-cylinder engine installed horizontally and this unique design became a Guzzi hall mark. Many pre-war models were based on this original design which proved to be very successful in the marketplace for decades to come.
Post-war Guzzi restarted production with updated pre-war designs and had significant racing success with many of these. To capitalize on this performance reputation, Moto Guzzi introduced the 500cc Falcone in 1950 as their premier road-going sports bike. Ultimately three models were produced, the Turismo, Military/Police and the Sport. The Sport was the ultimate expression of the Guzzi classic aesthetic with a unique fully exposed mechanical anatomy - the finned horizontal cylinder, complex head castings, external flywheel, upside down tele fork, rear friction dampers and more - all in glorious display.
The Sport also was fitted with alloy rims, dual finned front brake drums, rearset pegs and a racing style handlebar.
The tuneable engine was closely related to that of the Dondolino racer and delivered very potent performance for the period with a long-legged 23 hp providing a top speed above 85 mph. Despite the antique appearance, the Falcone Sport offered contemporary handling and exciting speed.
The dazzling looks and excellent character allowed the Falcone to remain in series production from 1950 through 1963, a remarkable record of longevity.
Price (plus tax and DMV): $24,750
Year: 1955
Make: Moto Guzzi
Model: Falcone Sport
Odometer: 2.777 km TMU
Inventory number: D301
SPECIFICATIONS
1955 Moto Guzzi 500 Falcone Sport
498 cc OHV Single
23 HP
4 Speed, Chain Drive
Top Speed : 85 mph
Dimensions :
Wheelbase - 59 in
Fuel Capacity : 4.6 gal
Curb weight - 367 lb
Production : 1950 - 63 7,680 units