Description
Moto Guzzi 1939 “GTS” 498 cc EOI single frame # 9958 engine # S 46026
In the thirties the 500cc Guzzi range consisted of sporty OHV models and touring EOI machines, with the typical Guzzi configuration of exhaust-over -inlet.
Moto Guzzi did well in that decade: by 1934 the company with its workforce of about 700 was the biggest motorcycle manufacturer in Italy and in the 1935 Isle of Man TT, Moto Guzzi factory rider Stanley Woods performed an impressive double victory with wins in the Lightweight TT as well as the Senior TT.
Moto Guzzis were favoured by government bodies; the GTS was a good seller and many were in use with the Italian traffic police.
The model “S” was designed as a practical machine for those ride-to-work customers who were concerned with fuel economy and robust construction.
It could be had with a rigid ( “S”) or sprung frame (“GTS”) and there was a choice of manual or foot-operated control for the four speed gearbox.
This machine has the pedal gearbox operation.
The S and GTS were produced from 1934 till 1940. After WW2 all of Guzzi’s large-capacity four-stroke roadsters would have overhead valves.
Fuel economy is very good at about 3.5 litres per 100 km.
Bore x stroke 88x82mm, compression ratio 4.6:1, max power 13.2 HP @4000 rpm, weight 147 kilos, top speed about 105 km/h. 4004 machines were sold of the “S“ and 2652 of the “GTS”.
This machine has been restored some time ago, she shows some signs of use but is in fine shape overall