The first motorcycle design was pretty good, so the years following produced little change. In 1922, a 3 speed gearbox was mounted in the engine of the 616 cc V2. The model had no rear suspension.
The twenties were very interesting times in the development of vehicles, and also of motorcycles. The most important was technical development rather than marketing. One of the most remarkable designs comes from Friz Cockerel, who designed a motorcycle between 1921 and 1925 which has the engine in the front wheel. This was the Megola, of which about 2000 were sold.
In the seventies Laverda contributed to the increasing popularity of Italian motorcycles by selling a 750, 1000 and a 1200 cc motorcycle. The brothers Piero and Massimo Laverda where very ambitious, despite their financial problems. They instructed Giulio Alfieri, the designer of the famous V12 Maserati engine, to make a very complicated engine for a Laverda race model.
This motorcycle is known as one of the most beautiful French racing machines of all time. Only 13 of this type were built between 1927 and 1935. The model in the picture is from the racing motorist Georges Monneret and is a unique sample.
In the sixties, the Japanese manufacturers became more popular in Europe. In the world championships of the 125 cc class there was a big technological battle.
The engineers of Moto Guzzi have been some of the most creative in the motorcycle industry. The 500 cc V8 Grand Prix, designed by Giulio Carnaco, is evidence of this.
The Gilera Rondine was designed by Taruffi, and was very advanced for its time. The model was an inspiration for the next generation of Italian motorcycles, and for the Japanese.