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Moto Guzzi

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Moto Guzzi is an Italian motorcycle manufacturer that was established in 1921. Untill the sixties it was the dominant, and the biggest, marque among italian manufacturers. The engineer, and co-founder, Carlo Guzzi's first design was a horisontal single, that in a number of disguises and layuouts dominated the first 45 years of the companys history. From the beginning the company used racing to promote their brand. Moto Guzzi won during the years 3,329 official races , 14 World Championships and 11 times the Tourist Trophy.

The company now specializes in 90° V twin engines, developed from a prototype made by ingenere Giulio Cesare Carcano for a Fiat 500 project in the start sixties. The air-cooled, transverse V twin, pushrod engine started out as a 700 c.c. 45hp engine designed to win the favour of state as the new motorcycle for the police in Italy. From its debut in the late sixties the engine has been continously develloped in to the 1200 cc 80 hp versions on sale today (2006).

The company has produced over fifty models since its inception. One of the most popular model has been the Moto Guzzi Le Mans. Six versions of the Le Mans have been 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 (36 and 40 mm)with the late model V11 Lemans being Fuel Inj. The bikes were highly regarded for their styling and their performance. When the first Le Mans debuted in 1976 it was among the 5 best performing roadmotorcycles available.

In the 80ties and 90ties the California models has been the biggest seller.The first model appeared in 1972, and was based on the model sold to the L.A. police deparment. The combination of european performance and manouverability, coupled with laidback "american" styling has secured this model its cult following all over the world.

Although many regard Guzzis as old fashioned, it has been observed that a well maintained Guzzi engine can prove to be highly reliable. Several machines have clocked over 200,000 miles with basic maintenance. The service interval of the older models is 3000 km and if this schedule is maintained the engine, partly due to its simplicity, will last. Later models have improved greatly on the service intervals (today between 8,000-10,000 Km).

After financial troubles since the late sixties, the factory was bought by Alejandro de Tomaso. A period of control by an american investment group in the 90ties was ended by the takeover by competitive manufacturer, Aprilia. In 2004 the Piaggio group took over Aprilia, and thus Moto Guzzi. The investments made by recent owners seem to bear fruit, as new models are appearing at a rate not seen in recent years

Production

Most important production models

Actual production range

Moto Guzzi California Special
  • Nevada Classic 750 i.e. (744 cc)
  • Stone - Stone Touring (1064 cc)
  • California - California EV (1064 cc)
  • California Vintage (1064 cc) 2005 -
  • V11 - V11 Le Mans (1064 cc) 1998 -
  • Breva V750 i.e. (744 cc) 2002 -
  • Breva V1100 (1064 cc) 2005 -
  • Griso (1064 cc) 2005 -
  • Norge 1200 (1134 cc) 2005 -
Moto Guzzi V11

Racing models

(not complete)


At the end of 1957 Moto Guzzi, Gilera and Mondial (the most important Italian Racing motorcycles manufacturers) agreed to stop participation to competitions.

  • MGS-01 Corsa (1225 cc) 2004 -


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