175 Bicilindrica (Formula 2)

Destined for races such as the Italian Motorcycling Rally and the Juniors (Formula 2) championship, the 175 Bicilindrica (twin cylinder) was produced in 1957 to the specific standards of this kind of race (no fairing, and a precise carburettor diameter limit). At the world championship the motorcycle, equipped with fairing, passed 132 km/h from a standing start and over 208 km/h on the 100-km stretch and the hour. The mechanicals, designed by Franco Passoni, were very similar to those on the 125 Grand Prix version, and used the same telescopic fork, rear shock absorbers and brakes. The gearbox had a five-speed change. The frame had a single upper beam and an aerodynamic "tail" could house a toolkit and documents when the bike raced.