1955 Moto Guzzi Airone Military Motorcycle Italian 250cc Bacon Slicer Classic

Very rare and well sorted 1955 Moto Guzzi Airone military model. This is a wonderful 250cc 4-stroke single-cylinder classic Italian motorcycle. It starts easily. idles well and runs strong. The Airone is quite rare in the US as they were never officially imported here. but these small Guzzi singles are very popular in Italy. It starts easily (usually 1st or 2nd kick) and runs strong through the engine range. Original paint with typical cosmetic damage and wear for a 60 year old motorcycle. Amazing machine with typical beautiful Italian sculpture like design. Elegent engine design. innovative inverted (upside down) front forks. and scissor rear suspension with dampers under the engine cradle. and large exposed externals flywheel. Easy kick start and everyone loves the sound and look of that big flywheel spinning with the engine running. This particular machine is totally stock. original and correct (including the military items - leg guards. luggage rack and more - which I have taken off but will go with the motorcycle to a new owner) other than the Mikuni carb and pod air filter. new battery. and replacement tires. A few years ago. after a long search for an Aitronme. I purchased this machine out of long term storage. I spent time and money going through it mechanically - while leaving as much of the original cosmetics as possible - to get it to run well. I replaced the broken Dellorto carb with a new properly jetted Mikuni and sorted out the electrics and charging system. It is possible this is only Moto Guzzi military Airone in America - making it an unusual machine for collector or rider. I replaced the badly damaged muffler with a correct one that looks right on this bike. installed a new clutch throwout bearing. a new battery and rewired the magneto kill switch to a small button on the handlebars. I added an in-line oil shut off valve to eliminate the notorious sumping issue. I unbolted the unnecessary military parts from the motorcycle to lesser the weight so I could compete with it in the Moto Giro USA. where it was a strong competitor. This classic Italian sport/touring machine features Clubman handlebars and Tomasselli-style levers (front brake and clutch) matched tool boxes and a handy center stand. Good usable tires with little wear. good battery. good charging system. light work. horn works. suspention works. STARTING PROCEDURE1. Open gas valves and oil line shut off. 2. Set the carb to choke3. With no more than 1/3 throttle kick the motorcycle over and it shoudl start on the 1st or 2nd kick. 4. Let it warm up for less than a minute and close the choke. 5. Ride off and have fun. NOTE: like some older European classic motorcycles. this Moto Guzzi shifts with right foot and heel. and the rear brake is operated with the left heel. Please do not bid on this motorcycle if you can not complete the transaction within 2 weeks. I make my photos and description as thorough and honest as I can. I expect the same from you. Please see my ebay feedback to know how I operate. I will help the winner as much as I reasonably can. but all pick up. crating. shipping and other transportation logistics are your responsibility. The motorcycle is in Stamford. CT and available for inspection before the auction ends.