Maserati 50cc Motorcycles
The Guido Borri designed 'Rospo' decal
50/T2/S
Two
sporty 50cc models, the 50/T2/S (Sport) and the 50/T2/SS (Super
Sport). The latter, with a
dual-beam back-bone frame, wrap-around front mudguard, race number
carriers in front of the headlamp and at the rear, and a dummy megaphone
exhaust pipe. These features made this model particularly popular among
the younger enthusiasts as it gave the impression of being a larger
engined bike.
The
unusual 'back-bone' design of the 50/T2/SS gave rise to its nickname which
originated in the premises of Lina and Guido Borri at Via Mazzini 54 in
Bologna; the Borris were formerly dealers for Italmoto but now Maserati.
When they took delivery of the new model, Lina took one look at the it and
exclaimed: "Ma cos'è questo brutto rospo? ("What is this ugly
toad?"). From then on, the 50/T2/SS was nicknamed 'Rospo' (toad) and
Guido even attached specially designed decals to his bikes depicting a
toad 'ready to pounce'.
MaseratiTipo50-T2-SS'Rospo'
Years of production: 1956-1959
Two-stroke single cylinder 49.635 cc engine
Bore 40mm and stroke 39.5mm
Compression ratio 12.0:1
Power output 2.82 bhp @ 6700 rpm
Maximum revs 7300 rpm
Dell'Orto UA 16 S carburettor
3-speed gearbox
Maximum speed 70/75 kph
Dry weight 49 kg
Maserati did not have its own motorcycle racing team, even though
this route was proven to have a positive effect on sales, but it did,
however, encourage some of its retailers to organise races for its
customers. Those races include the ' Giro d'Italia Motociclistico'
(The Motorcycle Tour of Italy), the 'Milano-Taranto' (The Milan to
Taranto race) and many other local races.