Background on the Moto Guzzi Alce and Super Alce
Introduced in 1938, the Regio Esercito utilized the Moto Guzzi Alce (Elk) for use in areas such as reconnaissance and convoy escort. The Super Alce replaced the Alce in 1943 and obtained much more success with new features.
Alce and Super Alce were highly maneuverable and difficult to intercept. Besides the Regio Esercito, the Milizia della Strada and the Polizia dell’Africa Italiana utilized the Alce. The Alce saw service on all fronts.
The Alce with a Breda Mod. 30. mounted on the handlebar.
Handlebar Mounter Breda 30 Light Machine Gun
An introduction of a handlebar-mounted Breda 30 light machine gun was adopted by Bersaglieri motorcyclist in 1940. Obviously, this machine gun could only be operated when the motorcycle was idle.
Bersaglieri riding Moto Guzzi motorcycles in North Africa.
Alce vs Super Alce
Alce had a single-cylinder, 12.5 hp motor and attained a top speed of 90 km/h with a range of 300 km. The Super Alce 18.5 hp motor achieved a top speed of 110 km/h (with one rider).
Production
Production totaled 6,390 one and two-seaters and 669 sidecars e 669. This motorcycle remained in service until 1955 and replaced with the Moto Guzzi Falcone.
Bersaglieri on their Moto Guzzi’s in North Africa.
Specifications
| Model | Alce | Super Alce | TriAlce |
|---|---|---|---|
| Length | 7 ft 3 in (2.22 m) | 7 ft 3 in (2.22 m) | 9 ft 3 in (2.825 m) |
| Width | 2 ft 7 in (.79 m) | 2 ft 7 in (.79 m) | 4 ft 1 in (1.24 m) |
| Height | 3 ft 6 in (1.065 m) | 3 ft 6 in (1.065 m) | 3 ft 5 in (1.05 m) |
| Weight | 412 lbs (187 kg) | 412 lbs (187 kg) | 741 lbs (336 kg) |
| Motor | 498 CC, 13.2 hp at 4,000 RPM | 498 cc, 18.5 hp at 4,300 RPM | 498 CC, 13.2 hp at 4,000 RPM |
| Speed | 90 km/h | 110 km/h | 73.5 km/h |
| Range | 300 km | 230 km | 230 km |
Additional Reference
Moto Guzzi Super Alce 500 cc – Instruzioni per l’uso e la manutenzione, VI Edizione
