Moto Guzzi

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Moto Guzzi is an Italian motorcycle manufacturer that was established in 1921. The company now specializes in 90° V twin engines.

Moto Guzzi won during the years 3,329 official races , 14 World Championships and 11 times the Tourist Trophy.

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 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 maintenance. 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 service intervals (today between 8,000-10,000 Km).

The company was taken over in 1972 by Alessandro De Tomaso, owner of Benelli motorcycles and formed part of De Tomaso Industries Group. The actual owner is Aprilia that in August 2004 has been bought by Piaggio.

Production

Most important production models

Actual production range

  • Nevada Classic 750 i.e. (744 cc)
  • Stone - Stone Touring (1064 cc)
  • California - California EV (1064 cc)
  • V11 - V11 Le Mans (1064 cc) 1998 -
  • Breva V750 i.e. (744 cc) 2002 -
  • Breva V1100 (1064 cc) 2005 -
  • Griso (1064 cc) 2005 -

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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