1958 Moto Guzzi Lodola Cross 175 (D283)
Vintage motocross machine, overall very original and ready for fun. A partial restoration of the rare scrambler model of what might fairly be called the first “modern” Moto Guzzi. A period correct version of the Lodola (Skylark in Italian) Cross. Very sought-after motorcycle for historic off road races. This classic is in remarkably good condition and very complete. The bike had been in storage for many years in the hands of a Moto Guzzi enthusiast. This Lodola Cross has been preserved in excellent mechanical and overall condition. It has recently been put back into operation by a highly experienced mechanic and is ready to enjoy.
Paint finish is excellent in Italian racing red. The Radelli saddle is a correct original item in very good condition. The braced handlebar is a characteristic detail and the controls are simple and straightforward. The gas tank is an attractive shape and finished in Italian racing red with a unique alloy gas cap. Cool details include the raised and braced front fender, the grille headlamp guard, the rally style clock and the quick change levers on both axles.
Overall condition is very good, especially so for a machine from 1958, now over 60 years old. Everything is there, in proper order, no dents, scuffs or rust, chrome and alloy in very clean condition. Overall shows the genuine appeal of a true classic with real Italian character.
The Lodola Cross was set up as a scrambler version of the popular Lodola and features a rugged tube frame, dual shock rear suspension and Guzzi’s unique upside down tele fork at the front. The Lodola Cross features a 5-speed gearbox, low overall gearing with a larger rear sprocket and semi knobby tires.
The overhead cam single starts readily, idles steadily and runs just great with a solid baritone note issuing from the raised muffler. Clutch action and shifting are clean and crisp and the Lodola Cross provides a fun ride and peppy acceleration. Brakes and handling are typical of the best of the period and this machine is certainly enjoyable on modest trails or for leisurely back road romps.
Comes with original booklet, Italian license plate and a workshop manual. A very special example of a classic, super fun to ride, lightweight sports scrambler. Essentially rugged and simple, easy to maintain and certainly no garage queen.
This motorcycle will come with a California title, and is ready to enjoy.
MODEL HISTORY : Moto Guzzi Lodola 175 Cross
Introduced in 1956, the Lodola 175 was the last motorcycle designed by Carlo Guzzi himself and represented a significant step forward in design and engineering from the exposed flywheel Airone 250 which preceded it. Guzzi had had a great success both in racing and in the marketplace with the flat single layout of the Airone and 500cc Falcone, but by the late 1950’s the competition such as Aermacchi, Ala Biancha, and the British marques had moved ahead with more modern and less expensive to produce motorcycles. The Lodola Sport introduced in 1958 offered more power and better brakes than the original Lodola and was Guzzi’s answer to these challengers.
The Lodola Cross was the scrambler version of the model fitted with the typical period off road modifications, raised fenders and exhaust, lower gearing and braced handlebars.
The 175 cc engine is an elegant design with an overhead camshaft, forward slanted cylinder, artful finning and unitized crankcase and gearbox with all mechanicals enclosed. The oversquare 174cc engine developed 9 horsepower at 6500 rpm and enjoyed being wound out to a top speed near 60 mph. While not the quickest contemporary lightweight, Lodola performance compared favorably to the preceding Airone 250.
Period reports described the Lodola as being “exceptionally fast with exquisitely fine handling, supremely beautiful and depressingly expensive”. Despite the simple design the Lodola was still a relatively pricey motorcycle. It remained in production into 1959, a modest sales success to be sure, but never produced in really big numbers, especially so for the Cross version. It was superseded by the Lodola GT 235, a more “touring” oriented model that was produced until 1965.
Specifications:
1958 Moto Guzzi Lodola 175 Cross
174 cc OHC Single
9 HP
5 Speed, Chain Drive
Top Speed : 60 mph
Dimensions :
Wheelbase - 51.7 in
Fuel Capacity : 3.17 gal
Curb weight - 240 lb