Rebirth
translated from Moto Youngtimer, Nov 2025
Laverda, Gilera, Mondial, Benelli… are glorious Italian brands; two are currently frozen. FB Mondial resumed operations in 2015, "with Mondial," the new management commendably declares. Benelli, after experiencing alternating periods, with motorcycle production peaking from 1995 to 2004 under the leadership of Andrea Meloni, finally passed to the Qianjiang Group and is currently enjoying a particularly profitable period. Then there are other important brands: Morbidelli, winner of four World Championships, companies attributable to the Qianjiang Group; Italijet, now producing the new generation of Dragsters, including the very recent 700. In these cases, the rebirth also brings with it a rebranding, a reconstruction of the brand's identity, to find space in the new market. Then there are companies that, at least for now, have been out of business for years, such as Laverda, acquired by Aprilia in 2000 and transferred to the Piaggio Group in 2004, but never resumed production. Gilera, acquired in 1969 by the Piaggio Group, also produced scooters after abandoning the motorcycle sector in the early 1990s, starting with the Runner, ending its history in 2020.
Italy is the home of mechanics, and there are many other motorcycle companies that unfortunately no longer exist. For these, no rebranding. At least for now...
AJ Cycles - Update
A-J Cycles ( 274 French King Highway, Rte. 2 ... the Scenic Mohawk Trail ... Gill, MA 01354) was founded in 1971 as a Norton dealership. Later that year BSA was added to the business. In 1973 the Triumph franchise was further included. All were quite desired British vintage machines.
In the early 1980's A-J Cycle, with the leadership of Bob Coy, started the USCRA, a vintage racing organization.
As the British motorcycle industry declined, A-J Cycle decided to take on the BMW franchise. As the new K-series started in 1985, they became an authorized BMW dealership. Finally, in 1993, the Moto Guzzi franchise was added.
Most recently, A-J's has dialed it back a bit and reverted to an independent service and used bike sales shop. The BMW franchise has been gone for a while, and they have now dropped the Moto Guzzi line, as well. Their remaining Moto Guzzi inventory has been absorbed by Hamlin Cycles in Bethel, CT and is available at a healthy discount.
A-J's can be reached at (413) 863-9543. Phone (203) 942-2232 for Hamlin's.
Allan and David wish everyone a Happy New Year!
