Ariete: From the Other Villa

ARIETE: FROM THE OTHER VILLA

First thing we wanted to know, was why someone would go and name an off-road bike after the Mexican banditrevolutionary.

Strange, you know?

Not really. Wrong Villa. Turns out it’s Francesco, Italian road race champion of the '60s, not Pancho, the scourge of the Rio Grande valley.

Retired from racing now, Francesco builds motorcycles, mostly for racing. His latest, though, is an off-road bike, the 560 Ariete. Or Ram, depending on which language you want to use.

The Ariete is powered by a 558cc, Four-Stroke Single, with dohc and four valves. Carburetion is by a 36mm Dell’Orto. Power is estimated at more than 45 hp at 8800 rpm.

There’s electronic ignition, electric start and a six-speed gearbox. The frame is a chrome-moly tubular double cradle type, with 42 mm Marzocchi forks and a single-shock swing arm. Braking is provided by a single 9-in. disc in the front and a 5.5-in. drum in back. The Ariete comes mounted with Pirellis the front tire is a 3.00-21; the rear is a 5.00-18.

The color is orange. Bright orange, and lots of it, splashing over the tank, fenders, seat and frame.

There's been no word on when, or if, the Ariete will be available in the States.