Moto Guzzi 1947 Astorino 250 rare & classic Italian motorcycle Airone single

RELISTED AFTER EBAY PULLED THE ORIGINAL LISTING BECAUSE IT WAS IN THE "WRONG" CATEGORY ON EBAY! Here is a very rare and quite desirable 1947 Moto Guzzi Astorino. It is a 250cc 4 stroke. single cylinder classic Italian motorcycle designed way before its time. It would make an amazing Christmas present for a collector of rare Italian or European classic motorcycles. or buy if for yourself!It features the external "bacon slicer" flywheel. exposed valve springs. inverted (upside down) telescopic front forks. and 2-year only external hydraulic rear shocks on a swingarm frame - all very advanced technology in 1947! ASTORINO vs AIRONE: As rare as they are here. more Americans recognize the Airone that the much more rare but similar Astorino. This rare Astorino model Moto Guzzi was very short lived before it was replaced by the similar Airone. Both are 250cc single-cylinder 4-stroke sporty motorcycles with similar frames and front ends. The main differences between the Astorino and the Airone was the Astorino had telescopic rear shocks. the Airone used scissor type external dampers and large springs mounted underneath the frame. The Astorino had exposed valve springs. the Airone's valvetrain was enclosed in the head. This particular machine is a true barn find showing all the scars and wear of time. It is a true "survivor" condition that all the collectors are hunting for these days. It still has virtually all the same parts. paint and metal finished that it rolled off the factory with. The only items I am aware of that are not correct are the headlight and the handlebars. and possibly the hand controls. I removed the stock luggage rack. passenger pegs and mounting hardware. tool boxes. and horn. all of which go to the new owner with the motorcycle. The previous owner reported swapping the original magneto for a slightly newer rebuilt unit. which is on the motorcycle now. I added the race plates for fun before bringing it to a local Italian motorcycle show a couple of years ago. It is NOT a racebike. but it could easily be pressed into competition service if necessary. There is no speedo or odometer so I made up a number to keep ebay happy.  CONDITION: You can readily see what cosmetic condition this classic Guzzi is in. Worn and chipped paint. flaking chrome and some rust. However. the engine has good compression and I have had it running briefly and it sounds strong. The previous owner claimed he rode it several  times. but I have not done anything more than kick it over and fire the engine a couple of times.  I did an oil change in the engine. and drained the clutch basket overflow. I also replaced the broken kicker spring. which now works fine. The center stand needs some attention as the bike is a bit wobbly when stored on it.  I would encourage the new owner to clean and possibly rebuild the old Dellorto carb. clean and set the ignition timing and mechanically check the bike thoroughly if you want to make this a regular rider. I have another Guzzi single and originally bought this bike as a project that I have not gotten around to. If I keep this bike. I plan to give it a mechanical rebuild and leave it cosmetically.   TERMS OF SALE: I am an ethical person and have described the bike as honestly and thoroughly as I can. If you have any questions please ask them before you bid. Please do not bid if you can't complete the transaction for any reason. I am happy to help in transportation. but this is something you need to arrange and pay for. The bike is available for pick up in Stamford. CT Monday to Thursday 9 am to 5 pm. I expect payment in full within 10 days of the end of the auction (no paypal unless you are willing to cover all the fees). and I am willing to store it free for up to 30 days once it is paid for. I leave positive feedback when earned (often). and report deadbeats to ebay if necessary (almost never).  There is a reserve price (which I will not reveal) to protect me. and I do not end my auctions early. So please bid what you feel this motorcycle is worth to you and good luck.  THERE IS NO TITLE OR OTHER PAPERWORK ON THIS MOTORCYCLE. If that is a deal breaker for you please do not bid.   Thanks for looking at this auction and good luck bidding. This might be a once in a lifetime opportunity to own an Astorino as these machines are that rare.

Also published at eBay.com