bikedetails

Double sided Gilera Front Brakes

The 500cc Gilera was the dominant machine of the 1957 Grand Prix season, winning virtualy every race of note and, in the process, leaving the MV Augusta and V8 Moto Guzzis in their wake. Gilera retired from racing at the end 1957. Bob McIntyre, their star rider persuaded the factory to part with a pair of front brake drums which were used on his Manxes until his death. Francis Beart bought them and fitted them to his Manxes. They were clearly the best brake of their day.

We have conmmissioned patterns and expect to start manufacture early 2003. Externally the brakes will be indistinguishable from the original. However, in order to keep the price reasonable, brake shoes etc will be sourced from currently available items. The finished product will come with torque arms for fitting to standard Norton or Manx Norton sliders.

In order to finalise pirces, we would like feedback from interested parties in the form of Expressions of Interest. Our aim is to produce aluminium brakes for under $AUD2000. Magnesium may be up to 20% more expensive.