Zanella 100 Super Sport Turismo
ZANELLA 100 SUPER SPORT TURISMO
Road Impression
A NEW, BUT YF.T FAMILIAR look best describes the Zanella lOOcc Super Sport Turismo for the knowledgeable motorcycle enthusiast. Though it looks quite Italian, and does indeed employ a few Italian manufactured components, the Zanella is a product of the land of the Gauchos, Pampas. Beef and the Andes; Argentina. This colorful South American country has previously exported very few of their local commodities, hence our interest in obtaining the use of one as soon as we saw they were to be imported.
Available as the I25cc Super Sport also, the Zanella is propelled by a single-cylinder two-stroke of dubious distinction but most satisfying performance. We chose the lOOcc bike to test since it fills a most unusual demand and possesses a character all its own. To begin with, its price places it tidily in the middle of many 80cc to 90cc machines, yet it boasts a full lOOcc displacement; not a lot more but significant in relation to its fellow class members.
Zanella’s distributors claim, and rightfully so, that they have that something extra to offer the lightweight buyer who wants a wee bit more in displacement. We argue they do certainly have a point, but must point out the 100’s 4.5 horsepower rating puts it slightly under that of some of their competitors. We did prove, however, a few extra centimeters of engine displacement can by all means be a handy asset in a lightweight that is to be ridden in and among the fast moving automobile traffic of a modern city.
Packaging, or the exterior appearance, means a great deal in most things since that is the first thing a prospective buyer sees. In this area the Zanella excels in the extreme. A handsome metallic paint job, plenty of chrome plated parts and a suf-
ficient amount of polished alloy parts present a sparkling picture that is hard to resist. Few machines can boast a dressier appearance, whether they cost a great deal more, or a little less.
Each of us, speaking of CYCLE WORLD'S staff, reacted instantly to the huge gasoline tank; we couldn’t find the information concerning its specific capacity, but we put over 3Vi gallons into it and it didn’t fill. Considering the size of the engine it would seem impossible to run out of gas.
We must add a word concerning the company behind the Zanella. We were treated to photographic views of an immense manufacturing complex in Buenos Aires, and indisputable evidence of a firm with a sound foundation and a reputation of high standards in its native country. We will add to the evaluation of the Zanella 100, as a machine, an endorsement of what appears to be a highly reputable manufacturing concern that is anxious to expand its penetration of the motorcycle market into the U.S.
Argentina’s manufacturing industries are dominated by Argentines of Italian descent, and their products reflect this heritage. It is difficult, if not impossible, to detect a single difference between the Zanella and a dozen other bikes of similar nature whose origins lie far from Argentina.
Only one fly mars the ointment; we would prefer to see a four-speed gearbox in place of the three-speed unit that is standard. Delivering the relatively small amount of horsepower to the road in a usable and flexible form requires several multiplications of the engine’s revolutions, and three-speeds are not really enough. The shortage becomes obvious when the gap between second and third gears is
reached and while not a serious deficiency, performance would improve if the engine were not allowed to fall off of its power peak so rapidly; a minor complaint when viewed in the light of the amount of enjoyment gained from riding it.
In its native Argentina, Zanella fronts a very successful road racing team employing the services of two of that country’s most prominent riders; Jorge Kissling and Juan Carlos Salatino. They dominate in the 125cc class on extremely interesting Zanellas that might prove themselves formidable should they enter the International competition scene.
One Italian-like feature Zanella brought over with them was the traditional narrow and hard seat, but since few will spend many lengthy intervals seated upon it, it matters little. Two elements imported directly from Italy are the Perelli tires and Dellorto carburetor, a 16mm unit with a tidy little bug screen air cleaner.
Technical specifications as follows: bore and stroke 50mm x 50mm; 4.5 hp @ 4,700 rpm; 6:1 compression ratio; multidisc, oil bath clutch; flywheel magneto ignition; constant mesh, three-speed gearbox; front suspension by hydraulic telescopic forks, rear via swinging arms with hydraulic shock absorbers; total brake lining area 11.16 square inches; 19 inch tires front and rear; 56 miles per hour top speed; 130 miles per gallon (claimed); total weight 175 pounds; 48.8 inch wheel base; retail price; $359.95 plus freight as applicable and set up.
The last listed feature may in the long run be its most important asset; few machines with equal attributes can boast a more tempting price. Needless to say, few offer the attractive bargain the Zanella comprises. •
