We’ve seen some interesting catalog motorcycles here on Barn Finds recently, thanks to the eagle-eyed readers sending in tips. The seller of this 1969 Gilera 106 SS says that it’s not a model sold for Sears but a European model, and I tend to believe that. They have it posted here on craigslist in Tarzana, California, and they’re asking $1,500. Here is the original listing, and thanks to Tony P. for the tip!
Giuseppe Gilera was only 15 when he worked for Bianchi, learning everything he could about motorcycles and the motorcycle business. In 1909, he started his company in Milan, Italy, with an engine almost exactly three times this size, a 317cc OHV model. The company got into racing in the 1930s, and the sporting intentions can be seen in this model. Sadly, Piaggio bought the company and closed the factory in the early 1990s.
Most of you know that Gilera motorcycles were sold by Sears both in stores and through their catalogs from 1966 through 1969. We’ve seen a few here over the years. The seller says this isn’t a Sears model but a European bike, as can be seen by the cafe-style handlebars and the longer seat. Sears 106 SS (Speciale Strada, or “Road Special”) versions typically had a shorter seat and higher handlebars. I love the look of the handlebars but wouldn’t mind a smaller seat for a sleeker look, and I’d never have a passenger anyway.
This example looks great in the photos, and the seller knocked it out of the park with nice photos and plenty of them. Very rare for a craigslist ad, so well done! They show closeup photos, and you can see that this 106 SS isn’t as perfect as it looks in the overall photos. Then again, parts of it, like this tool box, do look almost like new, so it’s either ride and enjoy as is without worrying about it or restore a few areas to make it a show-stopper. A bright color would have been nicer than silver for me; they came in black, blue, red, and silver.
This is Gilera’s 106cc OHV four-stroke single with around 9 horsepower. It has a four-speed transmission, and this motorcycle weighs about 180 pounds. The seller says this one is in good running and good riding condition, and it looks great to me. If this was local to me, I’d already own it, but shipping would more than double the price. Have any of you owned a Gilera but not a Sears version?
You cover some truly interesting stuff, Scotty-especially in the bike department.
In another direction isn’t it interesting that an inordinate number of bikes started as firearms manufacturers-Bianchi, Benelli, Husqvarna, Royal Enfield, Springfield, and FN to name just a very few..
BSA = Birmingham Small Arms
That’s well worth the money!
It’s great the staff opened up the “flood gates” on the authors submissions. I heard of Gilera, but more because of Sears than anything. Aside from the tank badge, I can’t find any difference, and Sears sold this bike for $329( or $20/mo) and was advertised as the “BIG ” bike compared to the scooters.( for $70 less) A friend had a Cimatti 150 with very similar styling, and smoked like a chimney. This sure looks like a 2 stroke, but sure enough, it is an OHV with an odd cylinder/valve arrangement. Aside from the no air filter, it looks like a fun bike to ride with no obnoxious smoke screen.
Oh, and this may jinx it, but it appears the staff has resolved the commenting issue,,,for now, thanks.
These are little Italian gems I am fortunate to own a 1957 150 Sport.
Wow another Cafe Racer candidate!!
I saw lots of ads for these bikes back in the day but I don’t think I ever saw one in the flesh. I always looked for the odd balls; the mainstream bikes started to get monotonous…