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Moto Guzzi 500 Four 1954
In the field of 500-cc. racing motorcycles, Moto Guzzi always
tried for something technically new, if not altogether different. In 1930 the
company had built a four-cylinder transverse model with supercharger. In 1933 it
came up with the fine two-cylinder 120° V, and in 1940 it produced the
three-cylinder model with supercharging. Late in 1951 the company developed a
500 with four longitudinal cylinders to replace the outmoded two-cylinder
version. The Guzzi four-cylinder engine was similar in design to an automobile
engine, and Guzzi's technicians were not sure whether it would work properly on
a two-wheeler.
The Moto Guzzi four-cylinder made its racing debut at Siracusa
in 1953. It was soon withdrawn from the race because of mechanical problems, but
it was in the race long enough to provoke controversy over its "mechanical
carburetor" feed, which—at least theoretically—looked a lot like a supercharging
system.
During the 1953 season the Guzzi 500 failed to shine, but it
did win a race on the world's fastest track, Hockenheim, and also turned in a
good performance at Monza. In 1954 the Guzzi 500 won an international race at
the beginning of the season at Mettet, Belgium. But since the vehicle had
difficulties on mixed circuits, it was gradually withdrawn.
Motorcycle: Moto Guzzi 500 Four-cylinder
Manufacturer: Moto Guzzi, Mandello del
Lario Type: Racing Year: 1953
Engine: Guzzi four-cylinder in-line, longitudinal, four-stroke, with two-shaft
overhead geared distribution. Displacement 492.6 cc. (56 mm. x 50 mm.)
Cooling: Water
Transmission: Four-speed block Power: 56 h.p. at 9,800 r.p.m. Maximum speed:
Over 140 m.p.h. Chassis: Open, tubular. Front and rear,
telescopic suspension Brakes: Front, central drum, four shoes;
rear, central drum
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