Signature Components of the MSDS models

As mentioned elsewhere on this site replicas of MSDS/GS models abound but seldom do they have the signature items that can only be found on the genuine article. There is no guarantee that reproductions of these parts will never be made but some are so difficult to replicate exactly that it would be commercially impossible to justify their reproduction....until MSDS/GS values increase further of course!

Clip on handlebars

Two types of bars are fitted. Both fit below a plain steel topyoke with no drillings for handlebar clamps.

The type fitted to the last frame (Tourist style) are typical Italian bars with welded on lever perches & dagger-like levers with no ball ends. The clamp around the fork leg is pressed steel with two bolt locations formed into it . The killer touch is the Moto Parilla text & dog logo stamped into the front face of the clamp. Replicas have been made but the clamps & logo are quite difficult to create exactly as OE.

Close up of the lever perch & logo,last type.

Earlier type clipon with single fixing bolt. Not so sure the chrome steel capped lever on the brake lever perch is correct? I usually associate all-aluminium versions with Parillas. 

Late type clipon with all-aluminium choke lever & ball ended brake lever.

The clutch side of a late model GS/MSDS again with all-alloy ign advance lever.

Rearset footrests

Different frame types again have differing designs. I will deal with the type I have on my bike - the later "Tourist" framed version.

These rearsets must be the heaviest ever made with cast steel footrests & gearlever. The gearlever is the notorious "heel n toe" which neither the heel nor the toe seem to be suited to operating. Don't look too closely at the pic for many items - such as the shocks - are non original. It was set up to be used in the Motogiro D'Italia in this picture.

These types of footrests are very difficult to replicate successfully as the dimensions are such that an alloy or bronze replica casting would not be strong enough. Only a steel casting will do (SG iron to be exact). They have been cast in steel in the UK, in very limited numbers, but when finishing & chroming is completed they will be horrendously expensive.

Silencer

Despite all the pictures showing "straight piped" MSDS 175s most were supplied with a huge cigar shaped silencer which seemed most out of place on a sports bike. All frame types used the same body shape with different bracketry fitted.

The centre silencer is a genuine unit fitted to  a mid 50s MSDS, the ones either side are replicas made here in the UK in stainless steel

A replica fitted to my 175MSDS gear drive bike.

A very original looking GS in the USA with the huge silencer in place.

Note also the original (& very heavy) race seat.

A comparison of the original MSDS/GS silencer with a standard 175SS or similar. Note also the early type OE footrests