Capriolo 125

Glawster

New member
OK, I know this is a Ducati forum, but where the hell am I going to find information and advice on such an exotic machine as a Capriolo?
The bike belongs to a friend of mine who has literally dozens of bikes - dating back to 1915. He bought this little Italian Capriolo twenty years ago and put it in the back of his garage, thinking it would make a nice project one day. He invited me over to have a look at it with a view to helping him restore it - and it's arriving at my place tomorrow, so the Ducatis will have to move over.

Here she is in all her glory.
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As you can see, it's the "tradesman's" model with single seat and flatbed. It's all original and complete apart from a silencer. From the tax disc it's not been out and about for 33 years. As you can see, we had to move something red out of the way to get at it. What struck me is how well made it seems to be - I suppose that's because it came out of an aircraft factory.

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For those not in the know (like me until today), it is overhead cam, but has no camshaft! The cam mechanism is driven by a towershaft (lke a Ducati bevel), but it's a circular plate with little bumps on to open the valves. This is how it works - neat eh?

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The idea is to turn it into something like this..

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If anyone has any information / contacts / literature / spares for Capriolos please let me know.

Thanks,
Derek
 
When I was a teenager I was fascinated by the Capriola engine. As you know it operates with a face cam. I found out about one locally just too late it had gone for scrap a couple of weeks before :(
 
I just remembered Chater- Lea made an engine working with a similar face cam in the 1930's
 
Bob,
As usual you come up with the goods! Many thanks. Can I put you in charge of parts sourcing again on this project?
Derek
 
and maybe worth a chat to Pietro at Di Marino :) any paint left over from your Ducati - it looks almost the same colour :)
 
I won't keep posting the rebuild on this site, but I thought it might be interesting just to see the valve operating system.

The drive is from the crank to a worm geared shaft. Not sure if it's marked to keep the timing so I need to be careful here....

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The shaft goes up to the head like a bevel Ducati and on the top is the face plate with 2 circular routes for the rocker arms to follow. Here the nearest rocker arm has been fully opened by the cam.

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It all looks to be in good order, but better to get hold of the manual before going ahead with dismantling the engine.
 
I'm thinking to use this thread for general peculiar Italian things.
Regarding the Capriolo the manual has now arrived and Chris (the owner) is in charge of the engine. It'll be stripped down and inspected to see if it's good to go again. The signs don't look that good as the kickstart shaft and gear selector seem to be made of chocolate. I'm on cycle parts duty but we'll see if the engine can be saved first.

Anyway, Chris came round for the manual in one of his previous creations. It started life as a Guzzi Spada, but was converted into a JZR trike. Chris commented that it makes a far better car than it did a bike and it's hard to disagree. We went for a nice tootle round the Cotswolds on it and I was very impressed. It's pretty lively, it DOES handle, and the ride quality is excellent. Oh, and everyone has a good laugh as you rumble past. Maybe a Morgan is much better, but this really put a smile on my face. I was a bit disappointed though that he didn't offer me a drive...
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I'm thinking some of the parts are the same as used on Ducati singles. I'm needing a new 130mm peaked headlamp rim (Aprilia) and a new reflector as the silvering has gone. Also need a complet back light and number plate bracket. I think Barry Jones has the bits, but if anyone on here can supply these parts, please let me know.

And if anyone know ANYONE with a Capriolo, please put them in touch with me!

Thanks,
Derek

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Hi Derek. I have signed up to DUN because I wanted to say that I have a 125 engine . It's dissassembled and was something I was going to 'do something' with but I know I will never get around to doing it . Better that it go to someone who has a complete bike. You might like to pm me if that facility exists on this site.
English.
 
Hi English,
Thanks for the contact. I'll send you my contact details with a pm. However, to be honest I think the engine will be OK with the parts we have. It's been a frustratingly slow business to get this bike tidied up as the owner is in no hurry to get it sorted. I've done the rolling chassis, wiring etc and it's just waiting for him to rebuild the engine. I think all the parts are good though. If you are wanting a full Capriolo for restoration I know where there are 5 x early model 75s coming up for sale along with a large number of new spare parts. Probably not something you could make money on though.
Here's some photos of the "improvements" and the barn find Capriolos.

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That's an A1 job you're doing there :) . I have a bit of literature pertaining to the marque somewhere in my loft. That engine ( in 3 sizes) was so efficient that they were able to claim a phenomenal mpg.
English.
 
Glad to see another Capriolo on the internet. I have a few spares if you are in need of anything else and I am also in dire need of a head and the internals and valve cover. If anyone knows of these parts please let me know so that I can get this Capriolo back on the road!

-Cody
c.gordon2010@yahoo.com
1-502-six40-4three90(USA)

Added by a Mod.
Welcome to the Forum no Ducati reqd.only a interest in them post up on New Members Area --- BobC aka cp14bob
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Wiring diagram Capriolo

Hey there,
Would anyone have any info on the wiring diagram for a Capriolo 75cc TV model? I have a diagram, but it's very limited with information. No wire colours unfortunately.

Kind regards,
Ruairi
 
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