c.1988 Garelli 125cc Grand Prix Racing Motorcycle
Frame no. 005-1

When the FIM changed the rules for the 125cc class for 1988, restricting machines to one cylinder, it marked the end of the road for Garelli's outstanding twin-cylinder racer, which had reigned supreme for the preceding six years. Like their rivals, the Italian manufacturer had to start with a clean sheet of paper and should have found building a 125cc single a relatively simple matter, given the fact that it had been developing and racing a 250 twin for the past few years. The single-cylinder engine used the same disc valve induction and 56x50.6mm bore/stroke dimensions as the 250, and was carried in Garelli's trademark aluminium monocoque chassis, the latter sporting a White Power 'upside-down' front fork and mono-shock rear suspension for the first time. Just like that of the ill-starred 250, the 125's rigid monocoque was targeted for criticism and the team tried a stock Honda RS125 twin-spar chassis at Assen and also a Moretti frame that looked a lot like a Yamaha TZ250 Deltabox. It is the latter machine that is offered here. Nevertheless, No. 1 rider Fausto Gresini was still not satisfied and designer Jan Thiel refused to have anything to do with the hybrids, leaving the team in disarray. Previously forming part of the Garelli Grand Prix Collection, this unique racing motorcycle was purchased by the current vendor at Bonhams' sale at the Grand Palais, Paris in February 2013 (Lot 482).