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MALAGUTI
Olympique 40 RS - 1976
Built for the boy racers
In the late 1950s, Italy gave motorcycling some fresh blood with the 50cc sports bike – it was a new discipline perfectly matched to the Latin temperament.
Filling a Niche
In the wake of Motom, Peripoli, Itom, Mondial, Garelli and Benelli, a host of lesser constructors rushed into this new niche market, with the willing aid of numerous accessory makers, most importantly the manufacturers of frames and engines. The leading engine makers were Franco Morini and F.B. Minarelli, while Malaguti of Bologna made pressed-steel frames, forks and tanks.
Major Step Forward
Changing from an accessory manufacturer to becoming a manufacturer of 50cc motorbikes took only one step, which Malaguti happily made in 1958 by ordering engines from Franco Morini. The Olympique of 1976 was part of a 15-strong range of 50cc machines that included four evocatively-named sports models – Maggiolino, Sportivo, Olympique 40 RS and 60 RS – and two motocross variants – Calvacone and Roncobilaccio. The Olympique 40 RS combined all the ingredients of motorcycle sport – red enamel, dropped handlebars ("grand touring" sit-up-and-beg bars were also available), twin down-pipes (coming from a single exhaust port) and an "Alpha Sculpto" 4.25 gallon tank specially shaped to receive the special saddle with its backrest and belly pad so that the rider could adopt a real "boy racer" speed crouch. All that spoiled the illusion was the necessary pedaling gear!
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine: 50cc (39x42mm) air-cooled single-cylinder
Power Rating: 1.5 hp @ 4300 rpm
Valves: two-stroke
Fuel System: carburetor
Transmission: 4-speed, chain final drive
Suspension: telescopic forks (front); swing arm (rear)
Brakes: drum (front & rear)
Wheels: 2.25x18 inch (front); 2.50x18 (rear)
Weight: 115 lb
Maximum Speed: 28 mph
The Olympique 40 RS was a real sheep in wolfs clothing: despite its glamorous dropped handlebars and racing tank, it was little more than a bicycle at heart!