Rigamonti Plinio SA (Lugano)

Plinio Rigamonti, 63, from Agra, is, moreover, a well-known figure to motorcycle enthusiasts, having begun his career as an apprentice in the workshop of an equally well-known Lugano "centaur," Bruno Besana. This was in the early 1950s - 1952 to be precise - when the motorcycle was still master of the roads and was intensely exploited as a means of transportation. Dirt roads, very few cars, pleasure of moving around and getting together for some expedition, the picnics on this or that pass, in the middle of a "outing" of friends.So be it: that passion has survived in the hearts of many and Rigamonti, who has always cultivated it, has never betrayed the profession. Having graduated as a motorcycle mechanic, after some experience at other stores, he decided to try his own luck in '66 and opened a small workshop on Via Lavizzari in Lugano. All a bit of everything to start with, then the hiring of the YAMAHA Agency, on the wave of new trends (it was at that time that Japanese manufacturers undertook the climb to the European market, challenging glorious brands such as Triumph, BSA, Guzzi, BMW, Condor ...!). A happy climb, which allowed the store to extend its circle of loyal customers, until - in 1982 - Plinio Rigamonti moved to 15 Sorengo Street, also in Lugano, where we still find him busy today among piston spokes, chains and motorcycle saddles.

With him, the new generation of his sons Stefano born in 1961 and Giorgio born in 1973, who also took up this professional career and graduated working in their father's employ.

A YAMAHA agency, as well as MBK and PIAGGIO - VESPA - GILERA, the center in Via Sorengo occupies 600 square meters of floor space and has, in addition to the workshop to the administrative rooms, a well-stocked warehouse-spares, as well as three exhibition areas (two indoor rooms and an outdoor motorcycle park). For road and home service, then, the family business keeps a fully equipped van at its disposal. Leading the way, however, are they, the two-wheelers: some 80 brand-new or second-hand motorcycles and scooters.