Mignon

Mignon dohc

1923 - 1932

Mignon (Moto Mignon Modena) was an Italian motorcycle manufacturer based in Modena founded by Vittorio Guerzoni. Initially they produced a 123 cc clip-on engine for bicycles, but also motorcycles in 1925 with a 246 cc parallel twin-side door with an electric sump. In 1932 Vittorio Guerzoni developed (see Taurus) a 498 cc racing bike with it's own OHC single cylinder blocks and 174 side valved models as well as an OHV.

The Founder, Vittorio Guerzoni

Vittorio Guerzoni

Vittorio Guerzoni was a creator of motorized bicycles, then of light motorcycles and finally motorcycle named Mignon (a perfectly fit name, indicating the initial production, which corresponds in practice to that of current and ubiquitous scooters, he was the first ever in Italy to equip a motorcycle with a four-stroke engine in a field then dominated by the two) that until the end of the legendary twenties will cry out to the wonder throughout Italy on two wheels and on which, no less than as their manufacturer, will then fall into oblivion.

Vittorio Guerzoni, a great character and builder, almost unknown to the majority of motorcycle enthusiasts. Vittorio, was born on 09/29/1886 in Solara, today a fraction of Bomporto, in the province of Modena. In 1906 Vittorio Guerzoni was working as repairman a young native of Solara di Bomporto but had an innate passion for mechanics. It is in his name that the first licensed internal combustion engine was released in Modena in 1904. This young man had such a thirst to learn that only a year later, in 1907, would go on to Turin to learn the art of engine mechanics where it was already widely practiced. He would return a few years later to become, with his motor bikes named 'Mignon', the first motor manufacturer from Modena.

DOHC Development

1933 Scuderia Ferrari Motorcycles, the fully complete Rudge motorcycle with a rear lenticular wheel. Enzo Ferrari is third from the right with the Basque Chiaro

First in Modena, Italy and built in 1921 was the famous motor "Mignon" which had great results in sales and sports (made news of the great victory at Mignon Parma-Poggio di Berceto in 1924) then went on to producing motorcycles including 175 TV and 250 twin. In 1932, Guerzoni wanted to develop, together with technician Bellentani, an expert in the field of large displacements engines, and in 1932 built a 500 cc DOHC* engine for racing . This engine was actually commissioned by Enzo Ferrari (when he led his team car and motorcycle racing) engine he would have to equip its race bikes, but the thing with great regret the Guerzoni she no longer followed.

• DOHC = Double overhead cam head. * OHC / SOHC = single overhead cam head. Vennero made comparative tests with Norton, but the Guerzoni engine, in both the DOHC version and the OHC, did not prove powerful enough against the British competitor.

Moto Mignon Colonial 175cc Restoration

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  Per-restoration condition

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  Restored Mignon

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  Mignon engine crank cover

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  head restoration

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  head restoration mold

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  175cc restored head

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