Green gladiator
In the early 1960s, Milan-based manufacturer Bianchi could see an opportunity to trump arch rival Moto Guzzi. The Italian Army required a special machine to suit its needs – so once again, larger capacity four-stroke machines rather than tiddlers were to leave the Bianchi factory in Lombardia. Perhaps not one for aesthetically sensitive riders, these machines – named the MT 61 – are unique, rugged beasts.
A steady chugging sound appears behind me, and I watch as two off-road tyres dig their way uphill, slowly but steadily.
“It definitely takes you anywhere,” says owner Dirk Faber, when he reaches me and stops. He certainly hadn’t been hindered by a blocked piece of road, which forced him to use the shortcut of a rather steep slope.
Distinctive but rather muted, the Italian single mumbles along on tickover, the trunk-like exhaust, ending close to the rear light, blows out its fumes quietly and unobtrusively.
