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Revision as of 00:29, 7 August 2005 by 81.57.248.133 (talk) (interwiki fr)(diff) ← Previous revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)Moto Guzzi is an Italian motorcycle manufacturer that was established in 1920. The company now specializes in 90° V twin engines.
The company has produced over fifty models since its inception. The most popular model was Moto Guzzi Le Mans. Four versions of the Le Mans (or LEMONS as they were colloquially known) were produced, designated I, II, III, IV, V and V11 Lemans. The I, II and III are 850cc, the IV and V are 1000cc and the V11 Lemans is 1064cc. The first two models had rounded barrels while the latter have squared barrels. All models have shaft drive and make use of Del Orto carburetors (36mm)with the late model V11 Lemans being Fuel Inj. The bikes were highly regarded for their styling and their performance. The torque of the engine and the frames rigidity meant the model was competitive at a time when Japanese manufacturers were taking over the European motorcycle market.
Recently the company has focused on the touring segment. The EV California series has been the biggest seller. The high quality suspension components and braking equipment keeps this machine out front of its competitors in this market.
Although many regard Guzzis as unreliable, it has been observed that a well maintained Guzzi engine is highly reliable. Several machines have clocked over 500,000 miles with basic maintance. The service interval of the older models is 3000 km and if this schedule this is achieved the engine, partly due to its simplicity, will last. Later model has improved greatly on the sevice intervals.
The company was taken over in 1972 by Alessandro De Tomaso, owner of Benelli motorcycles and formed part of De Tomaso Group. The actual owner is Aprilia that in August 2004 has been bought by Piaggio.
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