1965 Moto Guzzi Lodola GT (D230)

Classic Italian Lightweight Motorcycle In Superb Restored Condition Well preserved and cleanly restored example of the last Moto Guzzi designed by founder Carlo Guzzi. Our team in Italy located this bike in northern Italy in the Bergamo region in a private Moto Guzzi collection. The Lodola GT 235, introduced in 1959 was a development of the original 1956 Lodola 175. Primary upgrades aimed at lowering manufacturing cost and delivering more low end torque included a larger 235cc engine with simpler OHV cylinder head in place of the 175’s OHC layout. This example had been ridden very little prior to restoration with 22,951K kilometers (14.25K miles) showing on the unique faired in odometer. A perfect basis for a comprehensive restoration which was carried out several years ago. This Lodola GT was then added to the collection and ridden very little since. This machine is ASI certified for originality. Paint finish is excellent in the rare forest green shade with white pinstripes and model designation on the sidecovers. The twin saddles is are correct original items in excellent condition. The unique handlebar fairing is a characteristic detail and the controls are simple and straightforward. The gas tank is an attractive shape in excellent condition. Overall cosmetics and mechanicals are very good. Everything is there, in proper order, no dents, scuffs or rust, chrome and alloy in good condition. Overall this well designed bike shows the genuine appeal of an all purpose motorcycle with real Italian character. A great way to get around and enjoy the simple joys of a fun bike on a good road. The Lodola GT features a simple tube frame, conventional dual shock rear suspension and Guzzi’s unique upside down tele fork at the front. The OHV single starts readily, idles steadily and runs up thru the gears with a steady cadence. The sound is full and robust in the best Italian tradition. On the road all controls are smooth and direct and the Lodola GT offers ample torque and brisk performance aided by the fairly light weight of around 250 lbs. Brakes and handling are notable as being excellent for the period and this motorcycle is a joy to ride around town or on country lanes where one can cruise comfortably in the 50-60 mph range. Clean and correct example of an Italian classic, lightweight GT moto. pure and simple design, well regarded on all parameters, reliable and simple to maintain..

This motorcycle has a clean California title, and is ready to enjoy.

MODEL HISTORY : Moto Guzzi Lodola GT 235 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. The 175 CC engine was an elegant design with an overhead camshaft, forward slanted cylinder, artful finning and unitized crankcase and gearbox with all mechanicals enclosed. While very well regarded in general, the original Lodola 175 was not seen as a “proper” Moto Guzzi, whose traditional horizontal engine layout had become a brand trademark. The Lodola was also expensive and had significant competition in the marketplace from other Italian 250cc motocycles. In answer to these issues the Lodola GT 235 was introduced in 1959. A simpler OHV engine reduced maintenance and the added displacement provided a broader operating range and easier riding character. Despite the simpler design, the Lodola GT was still a relatively pricey motorcycle. Nonetheless the Lodola GT proved relatively popular and continued in production until 1965.