Adalberto Garelli (July 10, 1886 – January 13, 1968) was an Italian engineer and entrepreneur who patented a gearbox and a Split-single engine.[1] Garelli founded the motorcycle company Garelli Motorcycles in 1919.[2]
Garelli graduated from college with a degree in engineering in 1909.[3]
After graduating with an engineering degree in 1909, Garelli went to work for Fiat. Garelli left Fiat in 1911 when they did not express interest in his ideas for a 2 stroke motor.[2] Between 1911 and 1919 Garelli worked for several motorcycle companies: Bianchi and Stucchi. During this time Garelli patented a 3 speed gearbox and a 2 stroke 2 cylinder engine.[3]
From 1911 to 1914, Garelli patented a split single engine which used a single connecting rod and long wrist pin which passed through both pistons. He produced a 350 cc (21 cu in) split-single motorcycle engine for road use and racing from 1918 to 1926.[1]
By 1919 Garelli started his own motorcycle engine company named Garelli.[3] In the 1960's and 1980's Garelli's motorcycle company won many awards for long distance and Grand Prix motorcycle racing.[4][5]
From 1930 to 1933 Garelli was the President of the Italian Cycling Federation.[6]