1.

History of Italian motorcycles

The 1897 Bernardi is considered the birth of the Italian motorcycle. Designed and built by Carlo Bernardi in Turin, it was powered by a half-horsepower engine and featured a wooden frame and iron wheels. While the Bernardi was not a commercial success, it paved the way for the Italian motorcycle industry. Soon after, other Italian companies followed suit, such as Gilera, Bianchi and Moto Guzzi, each producing motorcycles with their own unique designs and features.

Today, Italian motorcycle manufacturers continue to push the boundaries of design and performance. Companies like Ducati, Aprilia, MV Agusta, Vespa and Moto Guzzi are known for producing some of the most advanced and visually stunning motorcycles on the market—from the iconic Vespa scooter to the latest Ducati superbike—leaving an indelible mark on the industry and inspiring motorcycle enthusiasts around the world.

Moto Guzzi, founded in 1921, was the first to use a longitudinal v-twin engine, which quickly became a hallmark of Italian motorcycle design. Their innovative approach to engine design, combined with the company's racing success, helped establish them as a prominent player in the motorcycle industry. One of the company's most famous models, the V7, was introduced in 1967 and remains in production today, with modern iterations.

MV Agusta has a storied history in motorcycle racing, having won multiple Grand Prix and World Championship titles in the 1950s, '60s and '70s, with riders like Giacomo Agostini and Phil Read mounted on MVs dominating the sport. Today, MV Agusta continues to produce outstanding motorcycles with, with machines like the F4 and Superveloce Serie Oro being instant classics.

Laverda, founded in 1873, initially produced farming equipment before producing motorcycles in the late 1940s. Their motorcycles quickly gained a reputation for speed and performance, with their 750 SFC model winning numerous endurance races throughout the 1970s. One of Laverda's most iconic models, the Jota, was introduced in 1976 and was one of the fastest bikes of its time, with a top speed of 146mph. From the powerful triple-cylinder engines to the sleek and stylish designs, Laverda motorcycles are built to inspire passion and excitement in riders who demand the best from their machines.

3.

On the track

In 1909, Giuseppe Gilera began manufacturing innovative high-performance motorcycles, quickly gaining a reputation for their racing prowess and winning countless championships—a key attribute that led to the ‘race on Sunday, sell on Monday’ principle.

In the 1950s and 60s, manufacturers such as Ducati and MV Agusta emerged as dominant forces in motorcycle racing. Ducati, in particular, made a name for itself in the world of motorsport by winning numerous races and championships with its innovative designs and cutting-edge technology.

Mike Hailwood, one of the greatest motorcycle racers of all time, had a strong connection with Italian motorcycles. He won several Grand Prix and World Championship races on Italian bikes, including MV Agusta and Ducati. Hailwood is also known for his incredible comeback at the 1978 Isle of Man TT, where he won on a Ducati after an 11-year hiatus from motorcycle racing. He took on and beat the might of the Honda works team to win the Formula 1 TT at record speed. Ducati lost little time in capitalising on this outstanding success, launching a road-going replica the following year.

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5.

Buying your first classic Italian motorcycle at auction

Buying a classic Italian motorcycle can be a rewarding experience for motorcycle enthusiasts and collectors. However, it is important to have in mind exactly what you would like to get out of motorcycle ownership before heading to the saleroom.

Price: Buying a motorcycle at auction requires careful research and consideration. Estimates generally range from as little as £2,000 but can extend above £150,000—such as the 1974 Ducati 750SS ‘Green Frame’, sold for £172,500 at Bonhams 2022 Autumn Stafford Sale.

Condition: Due to the complex technical nature associated with Italian motorcycles, these machines can be complicated and expensive to maintain. It is important to thoroughly inspect the motorcycle. Check for any signs of damage and general wear and tear, review any service and restoration records and, where possible, it is advisable to have a mechanic or expert review the motorcycle's condition. It is also important to consider the availability of spare parts and the cost of maintenance.

Authenticity: Researching a machine's history and provenance can also help to determine its authenticity and subsequent value—leading to a fully informed approach to bidding. For more advice on authenticity, condition or buying at auction, contact James Stensel on james.stensel@bonhams.com