The Piaggio Ciao (''ciao'' means "hi" or "bye" in Italian) is a family of
moped
A moped ( ) is a type of small motorcycle, generally having a less stringent licensing requirement than full motorcycles or automobiles. The term used to mean a similar vehicle except with both bicycle pedals and a motorcycle engine. Mopeds typ ...
produced by
Piaggio
Piaggio & C. SpA (Piaggio ) is an Italian motor vehicle manufacturer, which produces a range of two-wheeled motor vehicles and compact commercial vehicles under seven brands: Piaggio, Vespa, Gilera, Aprilia, Moto Guzzi, Derbi, and Scarabeo ...
from 1967 through 2006.
Specification
It has a rigid rear, and a
leading-link front suspension. Some models include a sprung seat-post. The engine and drive-train are cleanly enclosed, similar to
Piaggio's scooters. The Ciao uses a
belt drive, unlike most other mopeds which are chain driven. Some models have an automatic
continuously variable transmission. Braking is by front and rear
drums. Power for the lamps, horn, and ignition is from a
magneto
A magneto is an electrical generator that uses permanent magnets to produce periodic pulses of alternating current. Unlike a dynamo, a magneto does not contain a commutator to produce direct current. It is categorized as a form of alternator, ...
; there is no battery. However, models with turning signal lights were equipped with a 6-volt battery for the blinkers to function. On newer models, the plastic fuel cap also serves as a measuring cup for the 2% oil-fuel mixture.
In some countries, such as Canada in the 1970s, it was branded as the Vespa Ciao.
Model variants include:
* Ciao SC ''(round saddle rack, saddle and suspension seatpost; light at the rear fender; racks are not removable; chrome fenders)''
* Ciao L ''(square saddle rack, and only semi-suspension; light at the rear fender; racks removable)''
* Ciao P ''(square saddle rack, and only semi-suspension; light at the rear rack; racks removable)''
* Ciao Px ''(round saddle rack, saddle and suspension seatpost; light at the rear rack; luggage racks are not removable)''
* Ciao Mix ''(round saddle rack, saddle and suspension seatpost; light at the rear rack; luggage racks are not removable; oil tank in the luggage racks) ''
Derivatives
Piaggio also produced some stablemates to the Ciao: The
Piaggio Si, with a
telescopic front fork suspension, the Piaggio Grillo, with 14-inch wheel,
Piaggio Boxer, the Si's ancestor, the Piaggio Boss, with kick starter, mass button and speedometer and the Piaggio Bravo with a telescopic front fork and a
shock absorber rear suspension.
References
* Infobox specifications from:
* Vintage Mode
Repair Manual - Ciao, Bravo, Si - Multiple Languages
External links
Gallery of 1967 - 1979 Ciao*
{{Piaggio motorcycles
Motorcycles introduced in 1967
Mopeds
Ciao