Cimatti

Year of foundation 1937-1984

Cimatti was an Italian motorcycle manufacturer active from 1937 to 1984. It is now a defunct brand.

History
It was founded in Bologna by Olympic cyclist Marco Cimatti, who began producing bicycles in 1937. Between 1948 and 1950, he also organized a professional cycling team.[1][2][3]

In 1950, leveraging its experience in frame construction, it began producing lightweight mopeds, eventually offering a wide range of models. The engines used included Franco Morini, Minarelli, and, starting in 1982, Garelli.

During the 1960s, numerous smaller motorcycle manufacturers disappeared globally, and Cimatti was one of the small Italian companies that managed to survive. Indeed, it even expanded and moved to an old but spacious factory (still damaged by wartime bombing) in Pioppe di Salvaro. Alongside small mopeds, larger-displacement motorcycles were also produced: in the 1960s, two road models stood out, the 100 and 175 cc Sport Lusso, and the racing Kaiman Cross. The following decade saw the arrival of two 125 cc models: a motocross bike with a 5-speed gearbox, and the 15 hp Ariete 5/M road bike.

From 1966 to 1968, Cimatti won the Italian 50 cc Regularity Championship three times.

During these years, Marco's son Enrico took over the company, opening the company to foreign markets: France, Norway, Tunisia, and the USA.

In the late 1970s, production focused solely on 50cc mopeds, thanks in part to the growing market demand for fuel-efficient vehicles following the recent oil crises. The main models of this period were the "Mini Chic", a single-speed automatic clutch, and the "86", a four-speed transmission with light-alloy wheels. These models were later joined by the Oasi and the Gringo. Mini-mopeds aimed at younger riders and children were also produced: the Mini Prix, the Bat Boy, and the Bat Baby.

Cimatti Enrico s.p.a. and its closure
In 1980, the company changed its name to Cimatti Enrico Spa, launching a series of new low-displacement models.

In 1984, the company entered a crisis and closed its historic factory.