Motom Club Zurich: A Surprise in Switzerland Amid Friendship, Motom, and Passion

There are journeys that begin before you set out

There are journeys that begin long before you turn the key.

My story began in front of a newly built industrial facility. I had an important test run on Friday, and I knew that my entire weekend would depend on it. If everything went well, I would have left for Switzerland; otherwise, I would have had to spend Saturday morning at the company finishing up the work, turning down the invitation from Martin Pfrunder—Manon’s dad and a member of the Motom Club Zurich—who had organized a special day with his friends from the club.

That's exactly why I hadn't said anything to anyone. I don't like leaving people hanging or giving them hope that might turn into a "I'm sorry, I can't make it anymore." I prefer to say yes only when I'm certain I can keep my word.

In the afternoon, we turned on the system. As is often the case, the first few minutes weren't perfect, but, one by one, the problems began to be resolved. When I realized that they could all be fixed quickly, I picked up the phone and called Massimo Prata.

"I'm almost done… but it's getting late. I still have four hours to drive, and then there's customs…"

The answer came without hesitation.

"Luca, don't worry about the time. The important thing is that you show up!"

That was exactly what I needed to hear.

I emptied the gas tank, drained the oil from Trottolino’s engine, loaded it into the trunk of the Volvo, and set off. The van I used during the Milan-Taranto trip is still showing the effects of the potholes on the roads of southern Italy, and its suspension needs a well-deserved break. Plus, I already had the Swiss highway vignette on the Volvo, so the choice was almost a given.

During the trip, a memory from many years ago came back to me. When I was very young, I set off for Interlaken to attend the Citroën World Rally. I was young, penniless, and determined to save even a few francs: to avoid buying the highway sticker, I crossed the entire country of Switzerland using only state roads. We were traveling in a Citroën 2CV without air conditioning, driving through the night amid thunderstorms and clear spells, with the windows open and our eyes struggling to stay open kilometer after kilometer. At the wheel was my Roman friend Giulietto, who had stopped by to pick me up as he was driving up through Italy from Rome. I still remember the sleepiness—so much sleepiness—but also the enthusiasm that kept us going.

This time, the trip was definitely more comfortable. The air conditioning was on, the Swiss vignette was already on the Volvo’s windshield, and I didn’t have to worry about the route. There was, however, one constant that hasn’t changed over the years: the unmistakable smell of gas from Trottolino, which accompanied me the whole way. There are certain smells that have the power to take you back in time in an instant.

Arrival in Lenzburg: A Surprise for Martin and Manon Pfrunder

The next morning, I left the car in a municipal parking lot, a few kilometers from Martin’s house. I topped off the engine oil, while Massimo had already gotten me some gas. A few minutes later, I was back on the bike, like a true Swiss motorcyclist heading to the meeting point.

The best part? No one knew I was coming.

Martin Pfrunder was in his backyard welcoming his friends from the club. He saw me arrive, heard the sound of the Motom, and noticed that figure that seemed familiar to him… but he couldn't figure out who it was.

I approached slowly. After a few seconds, I saw his expression change completely—from surprise to joy.

It was one of those moments that, on its own, made the whole trip worthwhile.

But the surprise wasn't over yet.

Manon was in the kitchen making coffee for everyone. I walked in as if it were the most normal thing in the world and simply said:

"Good morning, Manon."

She looked up, stood still for a few seconds, and then exclaimed:

"Crazy… Oh my God!"

I'd say the surprise was a complete success.

On the Road with the Zurich Motom Club

I was welcomed by Martin and his family, the Prata family, and many friends from the Motom Club Zurich. Among them were René—whom many know for having accompanied Manon during the Milan-Taranto ride—and Stephan, a highly experienced Motom tuner.

After coffee, the moment we'd all been waiting for finally arrived: starting up the Motoms.

There were about fifteen of us, and we headed for the hills around Lenzburg. Gentle climbs, perfectly maintained asphalt, ideal temperatures, and scenery that seemed tailor-made for motorcycles like ours.

Of course, there were a few unexpected hiccups. At one point, Manon lost her muffler and her chain guard as well. After retrieving everything, Stephan tucked the chain guard right into his leather jacket to take it home. These are scenes that only those who attend a classic motorcycle rally can understand.

A barbecue with friends and preparations for the International Gathering

When we got back from our trip, a barbecue was waiting for us with lots of Swiss specialties—all of them delicious.

During our conversation, we talked about the upcoming International Motom Club Zurich Rally. This year, part of the exhibition will be dedicated to agricultural machinery produced by Motom: hoes, rotary tillers, and other equipment that shed light on a little-known chapter in the company’s history.

Of course, the Motom Club was there as well. I had brought Motom stickers and pins for everyone—a small token that was received with enthusiasm and that symbolized the spirit of the project: bringing fans together without borders.

A Technical Discussion Among Motom Enthusiasts

Before setting off again, there was also the most technical part of the day.

I had Stephan, a very talented Swiss trainer, give Trottolino a try.

After a few kilometers, he came back smiling.

"The engine's fine. The transmission needs some work… but your Motom doesn't brake!"

I laughed and told him that, of all the ones I own, that was the one with the best brakes.

At that point, he invited me to try out his Motom, which was equipped with a modified brake hub that he had built entirely from scratch himself.

It took just a few meters to appreciate the quality of his work. The braking power was astonishing—almost comparable to that of a modern disc brake.

When a Passion Transcends Boundaries

Looking back on that day, I realized that the journey hadn't begun when I started the Volvo, but many hours earlier, in front of an industrial plant that was about to undergo its final testing.

It continued with every handshake, every piece of technical advice, every laugh, and every “Motom” exchanged over a few kilometers among friends who speak different languages but share the same passion.

Thinking back on the look in Martin's eyes when he saw me walk into the courtyard and Manon's astonishment in the kitchen, I realized that those four hours of travel were the least important part of the whole adventure.

Because the Motom isn't just a motorcycle.

It’s a key that can open doors, forge genuine friendships, and turn a simple invitation into a memory that will last forever.

And as I was heading home, one thing was now certain: in a few weeks, we would meet again, this time at the Zurich Motom Club International Rally.

After a day like that, the anticipation was bound to be even greater.

What about Trottolino?

Oh, I almost forgot… Trottolino stayed in Switzerland. I left him there to enjoy the fresh air and make friends with the Swiss-registered Motoms. We'll see each other again in a few weeks at the Zurich Motom Club International Rally.

About Club Zurich: Facebook Group