Gilera Arcore 150

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Think Gilera and the mind immediately conjures up memories of their battles with the mighty MV motorcycles of the 1950s and 60s and the exotic multi-cylinder racers of that period.

In order to fund the expense of these mighty beasts, a range of scooters and small capacity road bikes were produced for the general public, no doubt swayed in the direction of these manufacturers by the exploits of their heroes on machines that they could never afford.

One such offering was the 1970s Arcore range, consisting of various 98cc to 202cc OHV four-stroke models and the more common 50cc two-stroke moped that was a popular choice amongst 16-year-olds in the 70s. Imported to the UK for the British market by Douglas of Bristol, the first Gilera Arcore 152cc machine was displayed at the 1972 Motorcycle Show to gauge interest alongside the smaller moped for the ‘sixteener’ market. The response was positive enough for Douglas to begin importing them for sale in the UK from September 1973 with a retail price of £295.

While the 152cc engine appears at first glance to be a two-stroke, the finned top cover neatly covers the valve gear of a four-stroke unit developing 14.5bhp and transmitting its power to the rear wheel via a 5-speed gearbox. Top speed was stated to be 72mph, but road tests showed 70mph sitting upright with 75mph possible in a crouched position.

First UK-registered in April 1975, this machine was probably built the year before that, JYC 125N being a Somerset issue number, not far from importers Douglas Motorcycles in Oak Lane, Fishponds, Bristol. As a photo of the bike in an unrestored condition demonstrates, it has been beautifully restored at some point, the file also containing a comprehensive selection of parts books, manuals and correspondence.