The Capriolo Cento 50 flat twin
With Phil Aynsley
The previous column talked about the Capriolo 75. This week an even more unusual Capriolo is featured.
![Capriolo PA Cento Capriolo PA Cento](https://www.mcnews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Capriolo-PA-2011_Cento50-001-1024x979.jpg)
The Cento 50 (150) was debuted at the Milan Show in 1953 and is a rare example of a non-BMW influenced flat twin and also the smallest capacity such design to make production.
![Capriolo PA Cento Capriolo PA Cento](https://www.mcnews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Capriolo-PA-2011_Cento50-003-1024x965.jpg)
The pressed steel frame was very similar to the 75’s and the motor also carried over some features, such as usage of face-cams. The pressed steel Earles fork of the prototype was replaced by a normal telescopic fork for production.
![Capriolo PA Cento Capriolo PA Cento](https://www.mcnews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Capriolo-PA-2011_Cento50-009-1024x614.jpg)
Notable advanced features included indicators within the tail light and a neutral indicator light. A single carburettor was used, partially housed within the rear of the engine unit for a very clean appearance. Output was 8 hp and top speed was 95 km/h.
![Capriolo PA Cento Capriolo PA Cento](https://www.mcnews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Capriolo-PA-2011_Cento50-005-1024x683.jpg)
Two versions were produced, with the later (coming in 1955) being easily distinguished by the full width brakes.
![Capriolo PA Cento Capriolo PA Cento](https://www.mcnews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Capriolo-PA-2011_Cento50-008-1024x683.jpg)
Production ceased in 1956. Only some 500 were built making this sophisticated motorcycle highly collectable.
![Capriolo PA Cento Capriolo PA Cento](https://www.mcnews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Capriolo-PA-2011_Cento50-006-1024x727.jpg)
![Capriolo PA Cento Capriolo PA Cento](https://www.mcnews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/Capriolo-PA-2011_Cento50-007-683x1024.jpg)