RICK RIDES
Retro models that revive old names are often more refined, but lack the charm and energy of the original model. Is it a trap Gilera’s late ’80s namesake of its ’50s single falls into?
Words: RICK PARKINGTON Photography: GARY MARGERUM
Mention Gilera to me and my first thought is of Norton’s desperate efforts to spur their ancient cammy singles ahead of the smooth Italian fours. After that? There’s the Saturno, their purposeful-looking 1940s/50s 500 single hailed in its day as ‘the Italian BSA Gold Star’... but Isomehow missed Gilera’s Nuovo Saturno when it came out in 1988.
Seeing it for the first time today, it’s hard to believe this is a 34-year-old bike. The Gilera’s timelessly classic-influenced styling, enhanced by a striking black and gold limited edition ‘anniversary’ paint job makes it difficult to age – the stylish Marvic wheels, the white clocks, the neat frame and rear suspension, and even the upswept exhaust haven’t dated like others from that era of colourful full-cover bodywork and in-yer-face graphics.
The most amazing thing is how small it is for a 500. I’m more carthorse than Italian stallion, but even without me in the picture you could easily mistake it for a 125. It could almost pass for modern (to my eyes at least) and if the spindly forks give it away they still suit the Gilera’s lightweight looks. That’s the other thing – it’s like a short-circuit racer, pared down to basics – even down to the exposed battery – yet it has mirrors, indicators and an electric start.
It’s best described as a ‘supermono’ – a name made famous by Ducati, but essentially a revival of the lightweight sports single, partly inspired by the Sound of the Singles race series. On the road, it’s pure café racer – and there’s no need to live near a ‘best biking road’ to start enjoying it. Café racing evolved to make the most of whatever ‘track’ was available, scratching round local lanes or even a city in carefree defiance of responsible riding, and the Gilera’s perky motor and low weight make it ideal for that kind of spontaneous fun.
Leaving town, I filtered to the front at a red traffic light. Having jumped the queue, I like to make a smart getaway – but laughed aloud when the Saturno popped its front wheel in the air! This ‘chase me, chase me!’ attitude is what makes the Gilera so endearing. There’s not much room between tank and seat hump, the clip-on bars are a stretch and the pegs are high, so once aboard you get that same feeling of commitment and expectation that comes from being strapped into a rollercoaster seat – but in no way is this an intimidating bike to ride. There’s no drama getting moving; while first gear engagement is a bit noisy the Gilera pulls smoothly away. The low weight prevents the fairly extreme riding positon from feeling ungainly and once you get going it enhances the experience.