MOTO GUZZI

The Italian motorcycle manufacturer 'Moto Guzzi' (aka "Guzzi") has endured from the industry's infancy to its place today as the oldest European manufacturer in continuous motorcycle production.^[1][2] Guzzi is now one of seven brands^[3]owned by Piaggio & Co. SpA, Europe's largest motorcycle manufacturer and the world's fourth largest motorcycle manufacturer by unit sales.^[4]
Established in 1921 in Mandello del Lario, Italy, Moto Guzzi has led Italy's motorcycling manufacture, enjoyed prominence in world-wide motorcycle racing, and led the industry in ground-breaking innovation -- for the greater part of its history.
Today the company markets a range of motorcycles in touring, cruising, racing and naked configurations with five engine displacements, innovative engineering and competitive styling -- married to the company's important heritage.

Contents

History

1921 to 1959

1960 to 1980's

Overview: Corporate Ownership

Production figures

Technical Innovations

Motorcycle models

Current model range

Historic production models

Historic & current racing models

Military models

Factory and headquarters

Guzzisti & brand loyalty

In popular culture

See also

References

External links

History

1921 to 1959

Moto Guzzi was conceived by three airplane mechanics who served together in the Corpo Aeronautico Militare (the Italian Air Corp) during the first World War: Carlo Guzzi (1889-1964), Giovanni Ravelli and Giorgi Parodi (1897-1955). The three envisioned building motorcycles after the war: Guzzi would engineer the motor bikes, Parodi (scion of wealthy Genovese ship-owners) would finance the venture, and Ravelli (already a famous motocycling racer) would promote the bikes with his racing prowess. By the time Guzzi and Parodi (along with Parodi's brother) formed 'Moto Guzzi' in 1921, Ravelli had died in an airplane crash. Moto Guzzi's corporate logo (seen above) -- the eagle with out-spread wings -- commemorates both Ravelli and the comradery of the three young aviaton mechanics.
From the 1930s until the 1960s, Moto Guzzi was the largest marque among Italian motorcycle manufacturers . Carlo Guzzi's first engine design was a horizontal single that dominated the first 45 years of the company's history in various configurations. As originally envisioned, the company used racing to promote the brand. Moto Guzzi went on to win 3,329 official races, 8 World Championships, 6 Constructor's Championships and 11 Isle of Man TT victories.
Until the mid 1940s, the traditional horizontal four-stroke single cylinder 500 cc engines outfitted with one overhead and one side valve (also known as: IOE, inlet over exhaust or F-head) were the highest performance engines Moto Guzzi sold to the general public. By contrast, the company supplied the official racing team and private racers with higher performance racing machines with varying overhead cam, multi-valve configurations and cylinder designs.
In the 1935 Isle of Man TT, Moto Guzzi factory rider Stanley Woods performed an impressive double victory with wins in the Lightweight TT as well as the Senior TT.

In the 1950s, Moto Guzzi led the world of Grand Prix motorcycle racing. With durable and lightweight 250 cc and 350 cc bikes designed by Giulio Carcano, the firm dominated the middleweight classes. The factory won five consecutive 350 cc world championships between 1953 and 1957. In realizing that low weight alone might not continue to win races for the company, Carcano designed the V8 500 cc GP race bike -- whose engine was to become one of the most complex engines of it's time. Despite the bike's having led many races and frequently posted the fastest lap time, it often failed to complete races because of mechanical problems. Ultimately, the V8 was not developed further as Moto Guzzi withdrew (together with the main competitors Gilera and Mondial) from racing after the 1957 season -- citing escalating costs and diminishing motorcycle sales.
The period after World War II was as difficult in Mandello del Lario as it was elsewhere in post-war Europe. The solution was production of inexpensive, lighter cycles. The 1946 "Motoleggera", a 65 cc lightweight motorcycle became very popular in post-war Italy. A four-stroke 175 cc scooter known as the "Galletto" also sold well. Though modest cycles for the company, the lighter cycles continue to feature Guzzi's innovation and commitment to quality. The step-through Galletto initially featured a manual, foot-shifted three-speed (160 cc) configuration then later a four-speed (175 cc) set-up by the end of '52. The displacement was increased to 192 cc in 1954 -- electric start was added in 1961.
Moto Guzzi was somewhat trapped in it's endeavors to penetrate the important scooter market as motorcycle popularity waned after WWII. Italian scooter competitors would not tolerate an incursion from Moto Guzzi. By innovating the new large-wheeled scooter, Guzzi competed less directly with manufacturers of small-wheeled scooters such as Piaggio (Vespa) and Lambretta. To illustrate the delicate balance within the Italian post-war motorcycle and scooter markets, when Guzzi developed their own prototype for a small-wheeled scooter, Lambretta retaliated with a prototype for a small V-twin ''motorcycle'' -- threatening to directly compete on Moto Guzzi's turf. The two companies compromised: Guzzi never produced their small-wheeled scooter and Lambretta never manufactured the motorcycle. Notably, the drive train that Lambretta made in their 1953 motorcycle prototype remarkably resembles the ''V-twin + drive shaft'' arrangement that Guzzi developed more than ten years later, ultimately to become iconic of the company. The Casa Lambretta Museum[1] in Rodano Italy has both Lambretta's two prototype motorcycles and the single prototype Guzzi small-wheeled scooter on display.
Through various periods of it's history, Moto Guzzi has produced military and police models. Guzzi's have been used prominently in the Italian police and military as well as by various US police departments, challenging the niche market dominance of Harley Davidson. Guzzi currently markets a police version of it's Breva 750.
The horizontal single, and from the seventies the V2, has been the official motorcycle of Italy.

1960 to 1980's

Though Moto Guzzi has employed engines of myriad configurations, no engine greater symbolizes the company than the aircooled, longitudinally configured 90° V-twin. The original V-twin was designed in the early 1960s by engineer 'Giulio Cesare Carcano', designer of the DOHC V8 Grand Prix racer. The air-cooled, in-line V-twin, pushrod engine started out with 700 cc displacement and 45 hp, (in-line refers to the crankshaft). This engine was designed to win a competition for a new police bike sponsored by the Italian government. The sturdy shaft-drive, air-cooled V-twin won, giving Moto Guzzi renewed competitiveness. This 1967 Moto Guzzi V7 with the original Carcano engine has been continuously developed into the 1200 cc, 80 hp versions offered today (2006). Lino Tonti redesigned the motor for the 1971 Moto Guzzi V7 Sport. This engine is the basis of the currently used 850 cc, 1100 cc and 1200 cc Guzzi engines. The longitudinal orientation of the engine creates a slight gyroscope effect, so when taking left-hand turns the motorcycle will tend to run slightly wide.
A 4 valve version of the Carcano engine was created in the early 1990s and is currently used in the 1250 cc MGS-01 Corsa.
In 1979 a small block version of the aircooled V-twin designed by engineer 'Lino Tonti' was introduced as the V35. Radical when introduced, the design cut the weight from of the contemporary 850 T3 to the of the V35. The horsepower of the original V35 (35 bhp) was competitive with engines of comparable displacement of the period -- later larger versions (V50, V65, V75) were rapidly outclassed by competing water cooled engines. Notably, the Breva and Nevada today feature a descendent of Tonti's V35 engine: the 750 cc V-twin, rated at 48 bhp. With it's ease of maintenance, durability and even, flat torque curve, the engine design remains suitable to everyday, real-world situations.
As Guzzi continued to develop the V-twin, horsepower was increased in the mid 1980s when Guzzi created 4 valve versions of the "small block" series. Of these, the 650 and the 750 were rated at 60 bhp and 65 bhp respectively. The production of the 4-valve "small block" engines ended in the later 1980s.
Moto Guzzis have used an hydraulic integral brake system, where the right front disc works off the handlebar lever, while the left front and the rear disc work off the foot brake. Rudge-Whitworth used an early integrated, anti-lock, braking system in 1925 .
The cartridge front fork used in Guzzi's motorcycles of the later 1970s and 1980s is a Guzzi invention. Instead of containing the damping oil in the fork it is in a cartridge. Oil in the fork is purely for lubrication.

Overview: Corporate Ownership

Not unlike Harley Davidson and other storied motorcycle manufacturers that have survived for decades, Moto Guzzi has experienced a series of ownership arrangements -- some complex, some brief, some with enduring legacy.

★ 'Creation of the Company:' Carlo Guzzi and Giorgio Parodi -- along with Giorgio's brother Emanuele -- created "Società Anonima Moto Guzzi" on 15 March 1921. The very earliest motorcycles bore the name ''G.P.'' (Guzzi-Parodi), though the marque quickly changed to ''Moto Guzzi'' to avoid confusion with Giorgio Parodi's initials. In 1946 Moto Guzzi formally incorporated as ''Moto Guzzi S.p.A.'' with Giorgio Parodi as chairman. By 1964, Emanuele Parodi and his son Giorgio had died, Carlo Guzzi had retired to private life, and direction passed to Enrico Parodi, Giorgio's brother.

★ 'SEIMM:' In February 1967, SEIMM (Società Esercito Industrie Moto Meccaniche) purchased Moto Guzzi. The SEIMM ownership saw Moto Guzzi adpating to a larger shift away from motorcycles to automobiles. The company focused on popular lightweight mopeds including the Dingo and Trotter -- and the 125 cc Stornello motorcycle. It was, however, during the SEIMM years that Guzzi developed the '90° V twin' engine -- designed by Giulio Cesare Carcano -- which would become iconic of Moto Guzzi.

★ 'De Tomaso:' After experiencing financial difficulties in the late 1960s, De Tomaso Industries Inc. (D.T.I. Group or DTI), manufacturer of the De Tomaso sports and luxury cars, owned by Argentinian industrialist Alejandro de Tomaso, purchased SEIMM (and thereby Moto Guzzi) along with Benelli and Maserati in 1973. De Tomaso was credited with returning Moto Guzzi to profitability.^[5] A period of limited investment in Moto Guzzi followed attributed to DTI using Moto Guzzi financially prioritizing their automotive ventures.^[6]

★ 'Guzzi Benelli Moto:' Still under the De Tomaso umbrella, in 1988, Benelli and SEIMM merged to create Guzzi Benelli Moto (G.B.M. S.p.A. ). During this period, Moto Guzzi existed as an entity within the De Tomaso owned G.B.M., but in 1996 celebrated it's 75th birthday and the return of it's name to 'Moto Guzzi S.p.A.' In 1996, De Tomaso became Trident Rowan Group aka TRG.

★ 'Aprilia:' Aprilia S.p.A acquired Moto Guzzi S.p.A on 14 April 2000 for $65 million. According to the original press release,^[7] the intention had been that Moto Guzzi would remain headquartered in Mandello del Lario, share Aprilia's technological, R&D capabilities and financial resources as well. The arrangement would remain short-lived, as Aprilia itself stumbled financially.

★ 'Piaggio:' In 2004 Piaggio & Co. SpA acquired Aprilia and thereby Moto Guzzi, forming Europe's largest motorycle manufacturer.⁴ Piaggio's (and Aprilia's earlier) investments have since allowed introduction of a series of competitive new models in rapid succession. US Moto Guzzi (and Aprilia) dealers experienced considerable parts supply difficulties during the ownership transition, though by summer of 2007, parts supplies were running smoothly. .

Production figures

★ '1929' 2,500 units Italian Moto Guzzi Entry

★ '1971' 46,487 units (historic high)⁶

★ '1993' 3,274 units (historical low)⁶

★ '1994' 4,300 units (approx).^[6]

★ '1997' 5,600 units (approx)^[6]

★ '1998' 5,647 units ^[10]

★ '1999' 6,275 units^[6]

★ '2004' fewer than 4,000 units ^[12]

★ '2005' fewer than 5,000 units ^[13]

★ '2006' greater than 10,000 units ¹²

Technical Innovations

Moto Guzzi has introduced several critical innovations in motorcycling technology:

★ First prototype motorcycle shaft drive -- first production credit: BMW

★ First dohc V8 in a motorcycle

★ First single sided swingarm

★ First production automatic motorcycle

★ First linked brakes on a motorcycle

★ First cartridge forks
'The First Motorcycle Wind Tunnel:' In 1950 Moto Guzzi created the first motorcycle wind tunnel at the Mandello del Lario works, thereby allowing the company to market the world's first motorcycle integral fairing.

'First pick-up truck / motorcycle hybrid:' The Ercole (Hercules), produced in 1928 capable of carrying an 800 lb (363 kg) load^[14] Guzzi built a range of "goods vehicles" from 50 cc to 500 cc, 1928-1980.
'The First Large Wheel Scooter:' Though the design criteria of a scooter have grown increasingly fluid, historically a scooter featured small wheels -- especially in post-war Italy. The configuration, along with a compact engine, allowed the scooter it's trademark step-through design. With the 1950 introduction of the 'Galletto 160', Moto Guzzi pioneered the world's first large-wheel scooter, forerunner of a design formula that has grown steadily in popularity and today enjoys tremendous success. Current examples include the Piaggio BV 500 and the hugely popular Aprilia Scarabeo line of scooters. While giving up some nimbleness and (depending on the design) under-seat storage space, the larger wheels afford greater gyroscopic force and thereby greater balance. Large-wheeled scooters also reduce vulnerability to pot-holes. The Galletto not only offered larger wheels, it is the only known big-wheel scooter to carry it's own 17" spare tire.
'CARC:' The Breva 1100, Norge, Bellagio and 1200 Sport feature Guzzi's recently patented swingarm suspension and driveshaft system, marketed as ''Compact Reactive Shaft Drive'' (also known as Ca.R.C. or CARC for 'Cardano Reattivo Compatto'). Not unlike the BMW Paralever system, both systems separate the shaft final drive’s torque reaction from the suspension via floating torque arms. The CARC system eliminates the abruptness typical of shaft drive systems on acceleration or throttle-release — while providing a quiet, reliable and low maintenance drive system. Reviewers have observed excellent braking performance and drivetrain smoothness attributable to the CARC system.^[15][16]

Motorcycle models

Current model range

2003 saw the start of a substantial revitalization in Moto Guzzi's lineup and engineering work, beginning with the launch of a new V-twin in three displacements (the first Euro 3 compliant engine in the world.). A succession of new models has followed.
:'Breva' -- named after a breeze that blows across the Lago di Lecco, above whose shores the factory is located -- in three configurations: 750, 850 and 1100. The two larger models differ significantly from the 750 -- they feature the CARC suspension and enhanced performance. The Breva 750 (and Nevada) features an engine derived directly from the engine Carcono designed for Guzzi in the mid-sixties.
:'Nevada Classic 750' -- named after the previous Guzzi Nevada (1991–2001) -- first available May 2004; meets Euro 2 emissions standard; low seat height (760 mm); light weight (184 kg dry); suitable for around town, short and medium distance touring; compared to previous carburetored model: 383 components out of a total of 441 components redesigned or renewed; the only "entry level" custom with shaft drive, electronic injection; very similar in spec to the Breva 750.
:'Griso' -- or "gray one," named after a gray-bearded character in the famous Italian literature saga The Betrothed -- first saw light as a prototype at EICMA 2003 in Milan, when Moto Guzzi was still owned by Aprilia. After Piaggio absorbed Moto Guzzi, they proceeded (in house) to quickly develop the Griso for production, adapting Guzzi's historic V-twin engine to the new bike. In keeping with the bike's hard-edged, techno-custom styling, an over-sized oil radiator graces the right side of the engine, in plain view.^[17]
:'Norge' -- a GT ''(Gran Turismo)'' bike that derives its name from the original 'GT Norge' famous for making a grueling 4,000 mile (6,400 km) test raid in 1928 — from the company headquarters in Italy to just inside the Artic Circle of Norway's Capo Nord — to prove its suspension prototype: the world's first rear swingarm suspension.^[18] Moto Guzzi celebrated the 2005 Norge introduction by re-tracing 1928 raid. Reinforcing Moto Guzzi's history, the design of the Norge and its fairing was refined in the company's historic wind tunnel at the Mandello del Lario headquarters.^[3]
:'Bellagio' -- named after a town across Lake Como from the Moto Guzzi headquarters -- features 'custom' styling, and a matt-black paint scheme. The Bellagio was introduced at EICMA 2006 (tentatively named the "940 Custom), along with a new 1200 cc, 8-valve engine, a 940 cc 4-valve engine, the new Griso 1200 and Norge 850. Though not currently available in North America, a recent Piaggio press release indicates the Bellagio is key to Guzzi's North American presence.^[20]
:'1200 Sport' -- originally to have been named the Breva S -- introduced at Intermot 2006 in Cologne, heavily revised version of the 90 degree, 1151cc V-Twin, all-new chassis, 90 degree V-Twin with 94hp and 74lb-ft of torque, revised intake tract, redesigned intake and exhaust ports, an all-new exhaust system, twin spark plugs, lighter pistons and lightweight rods, revised oil system, alternator mounted between the two cylinders, white-faced instruments, optional ABS, two available performance kits to increase power above 100 horses. (not available in the US)
:'MGS-01 Corsa' -- a very limited production racing bike -- was introduced at the Intermot 2002 (Cologne Motorcycle Show) as a prototype. The bike had been designed starting in 2002 with the ''Moto Guzzi Style Laboratory'' and a team at Ghezzi-Brian-- with co-founder Giuseppe Ghezzi. The MGS-01 features an air-cooled 1,256 cc four-stroke engine with high compression three-segment Cosworth pistons, ceramic-coated cylinders, bushings instead of bearings, upside-down front fork, extra long swinging fork swingarm in box section aluminium, rear single shock absorber vertically located, disc hydraulic drive clutch, one-piece quick-release carbon fiber body design, Brembo brakes with radial mounted callipers, six-speed gearbox (as a structural component of the bike) and shaft drive -- weighing in at 423 lbs (192 kg). As a pure racing bike, the MGS-01 Corsa was originally intended for a domestic Italian homologation model, though has since been raced (successfully) also in the US. Production will be highly limited, with bikes shipped in special wooden crates carrying a special MGS-01 logo on the outside and a personalized spiral-bound and owners, parts and maintenance manual. The MGS-01 Corsa may be special ordered in the US for approximately $40,000. Moto Guzzi continues to supply engines to Ghezzi & Brian for their own line of production custom bikes.
'Recent Awards & Victories:'

★ Norge, March 2007, “Granturismo of the Year” by the readers of the weekly “Motosprint” and the monthly “In Moto”.

★ The 1200 Sport, second place in the Naked Category German fortnightly “Motorrad”

★ At Daytona, Gianfranco Guareschi riding a Moto Guzzi MGS-01 Corsa twice won the The Formula 1 class of the BOT (Battle of Twins) race on the 6th and 7th of March 2006.
'Complete Listing of Current Models:'


★ 'Nevada Classic 750 i.e.' (744 cc) 2004&ndash

★ 'California Classic' (1064 cc-)

★ 'California Vintage' (1064 cc) 2005–

★ 'Bellagio' (936 cc) 2007–

★ 'Breva 750 i.e.' (744 cc) 2002–

★ 'Breva 850' (877 cc) 2006–

★ 'Breva 1100/1100 ABS' (1064 cc) 2005–

★ '1200 Sport/1200 Sport ABS' (1151 cc) 2006–

★ 'Griso 1100' (1064 cc) 2005–

★ 'Griso 850' (877 cc) 2006–

★ 'Norge 1200' (1134 cc) 2005–

★ 'Norge 850' (877 cc) 2007–

★ 'MGS-01 Corsa' (1222 cc) 2004– (track only)

Historic production models

The company has produced over fifty models since its inception. One of its most famous machines has been the '''Le Mans'''. This model was a further development of the 1971 750 'V7 Sport' designed by Guzzi engineer 'Lino Tonti'. The V7 Sport was planned as the first five speed, , 200 km/h (124 mph), production motorcycle. It signified a major step forward in the design of a more sporting Guzzi, with a more compact frame being made possible by replacement of the dynamo, sitting high between the cylinders, with an alternator sited on the end of the crank at the front of the engine. The 750S and 750 S3 followed, but it was the 850 Le Mans, with its disc brakes and additional displacement, that lived up to the promise of the V7 Sport and really caught the public's imagination. When the Le Mans debuted in 1976 it was among the 5 best performing road bikes available.
Six versions of the Le Mans have been produced, designated I, II, III, IV, V and V11 Le Mans. The I, II and III are 850 cc, the IV and V are 1000 cc and the V11 Le Mans is 1064 cc. The first two models had rounded air-cooling fins on the barrels while the latter have squared fins (known as "round-fin" and "square-fin"). All models have shaft drive. Early models use 36 mm or 40 mm Dellorto carburettors but the late model V11 Le Mans are fuel injected. All the machines in this series are highly regarded for their styling and performance.
In the 1980s and 1990s the 'California' models were the biggest sellers. The first model appeared in 1972, and was based on a model sold to the L. A. police department. The combination of European performance and maneuverability coupled with laid back American styling has secured this model its cult following all over the world.


★ 'Normale' (498.4 cc) 1921–1924

★ 'Sport 15' (498.4 cc) 1923–1928

★ 'GT "Norge"' (498.4 cc) 1928–1930

★ 'Sport 14' (498.4 cc) 1929–1930

★ 'Sport 15' (498.4 cc) 1931–1939

★ 'GT 17 500 cc' (499 cc) 1932–1939

★ 'GTS' (498.4 cc) 1934–1940

★ 'Alce' (498.4 cc) 1939–1945

★ 'Airone' (246 cc) 1939–1957

★ 'Dondolino 500 cc' (499 cc) 1946–1951

★ 'Motoleggera 65 cc' (64 cc) 1946–1954

★ 'Astore' (498.4 cc) 1949–1953

★ 'Falcone' (498.4 cc) 1950–1967

★ 'Galletto 160 cc' (159.5 cc) 1950–1966

★ 'Cardellino 73 cc' (73 cc) 1956–1965

★ 'Zigolo' (98 cc) 1953–1966

★ 'Lodola Sport' (175 cc) 1956–1966

★ 'Stornello 125 cc' (123.1 cc) 1960–1975

★ 'Dingo 3 marce' (48.89 cc) 1963–1976

★ 'Dingo 4 marce' (48.89 cc) 1963–1976

★ 'Trotter Special M' (48.89 cc) 1966–1973

★ 'V7 700 cc' (703.72 cc) 1967–1977

★ 'V7 Special 750' (757.49 cc) 1968–1974

★ 'Ambassador 750' (757.49 cc) 1969–1972

★ 'Eldorado 850' (844.05 cc) 1972–1975

★ 'V7 750 Sport' (748.39 cc) 1971–1973

★ '750 S' (748 cc) 1974

★ '750 S3' (748 cc) 1975–1976

★ 'Nuovo Falcone 500' (499 cc) 1971–1976

★ 'V850 Le Mans' (844.05 cc) 1975–1980

★ '1000 SP' (948.8 cc) 1977–1985

★ 'V50' (490.29) 1977–1979

★ 'V35' (346.2 cc) 1977–1980

★ 'V1000 Idroconvert' (948.8 cc) 1975–1980

★ 'V50 Monza' (490.29 cc) 1980–1985

★ 'Le Mans III' (844 cc) 1980–1985

★ 'California II' (948.8 c) 1981–1987

★ 'V65' (643.4 cc) 1982–1987

★ 'V35 Custom' (346.2 cc) 1982–1987

★ '850 T5' (844.05 cc) 1983–1987

★ 'V65 Lario' (643.4 cc) 1984–1989

★ 'Le Mans 1000' (948.8 cc) 1984–1988

★ 'California III' (948.8 cc) 1987–1993

★ '1000 GT' (949 cc) 1987–1993

★ 'Nevada 350' (346.2 cc) 1991–2001

★ 'Daytona 1000 IE' (992 cc) 1991–1999

★ 'Sport 1100' (1064 cc) 1994–1997

★ 'V10 Centauro' (992 cc) 1998–2001

★ 'Quota 1100 ES' (1064 cc) 1998–2001

★ 'V11–V11 Le Mans' (1064 cc) 1998–2006

★ 'California EV' (1064cc) 2001–2005

★ 'California Classic and Tourer' (1064 cc) 2005

Historic & current racing models

★ 'C 4V' (500 cc) 1924–1927

★ '250 cc SS' 1928–1933

★ '250 cc Compressore' 1938

★ 'Albatros' (250 cc ) 1928–1933

★ 'Bicilindrica' (500 cc) 1933–1951

★ 'Dondolino' (500 cc) 1946–1951

★ 'Gambalunga' (500 cc) 1946–1951

★ 'Gambalunghino' (250 cc) 1949–1952

★ 'Quattro Cilindri' (500 cc) 1952–1954

★ 'Bialbero' (250 cc) 1953–1955

★ 'Bialbero' (350 cc) 1954–1957

★ 'Otto Cilindri' (500 cc) 1955–1957 (in 1957 Moto Guzzi ceased racing)

★ 'MGS-01 Corsa' (1225 cc) 2004–

Military models

★ 'G.T. 17' (500 cc) 1932 - 1939

★ 'G.T. 20' (500 cc) 1938

★ 'Alce' (500 cc) 1939 - 1945

★ 'Trialce' (500 cc) (motocarro) 1940 - 1943

★ 'Superalce' (500 cc) 1946 - 1957

★ 'Falcone militare' (500 cc) 1950 - 1967

★ 'Airone militare' (250 cc) 1940 - 1957

★ 'Autoveicolo da montagna 3 X 3' (754 cc) 1960 - 1963

★ 'V7 militare' (700, 750, 850, 1100 cc) 1967 - 20..

★ 'Nuovo Falcone militare' (500 cc) 1970 - 1976

★ 'V 50 PA' (500, 350, 650 cc) 1983 - 20..

★ '750 NTX' (750 cc) 1990 - 20..

★ 'Breva 750' 2006 Municipal Police Model

Factory and headquarters

The Guzzi headquarters and factory remain in their historic location at Mandello del Lario on Lake Como. The facility began at a size of 300 m², and by the early 1950s Moto Guzzi covered 24,000 m² with a workforce of over 1500. As of 1999, the complex included one, two and three story buildings of over 54,000 m², operating at approximately 50% of production capacity^[6].
Renovated in 2004 at a cost of $45 million dollars,¹⁴ the site remains home to the company's headquarters, the production facility, the historic wind tunnel, the company library, and the Museum. The Guzzi Museum displays representitive models from the company's history, examples of the engines that retrace the company's engineering history, and a series of important company prototypes. The Museum is open to the public, and includes a Gift Shop featuring books, clothing and accessories.
For decades, the Guzzi factory carried a set of internally lit block letters along the rooftop (and also over the entry gate) spelling "Moto Guzzi". In May of 2007, the original roof sign, old and worn, was replaced with a new brighter sign carrying the current official logo and script. At the same time, the factory entrance gate received a new rectangular version of the sign.
The complex is located at Via E.V. Parodi 57, 23826 Mandello del Lario (Lecco), Italy.

Guzzisti & brand loyalty

★ 'Guzzisti:' Moto Guzzi fans are known world wide as ''Guzzisti'' or alternatively ''Guzzista''.

★ 'GMG:' Beginning in 2003, Moto Guzzi has annually hosted 'Giornate Mondiali Guzzi' (aka GMG or World Guzzi Days), inviting fans to Mandello for factory and museum tours, a historic Moto Guzzi cycle show, music and other events. In 2006 over 15,000 Guzzi fans from over 20 countries traveled to Mandello for the event.^[3]

★ 'Demo Days:' Following the lead of other motorcycle companies -- and to cultivate brand and product familiarity, Moto Guzzi of North America, Inc. started a program in 2006 called Demo Days, whereby an eighteen wheeler travels the country with sixteen demo bikes for dealer and club events -- to provide no-cost test rides of the companys range of bikes. The operation is subcontracted to ''Barrett Moving'', is partially underwritten by dealers, and requires participating dealers to enlist volunteers and organize a demo course for forty minute rides. Riders first give proof of motorcycle licensure and insurance -- and provide legal release.

★ 'MGWC:' ''Moto Guzzi World Club'', the official worldwide club of Moto Guzzi, formed 2002 at GMG, publishes quarterly ''Aquile''.

★ 'MGNOC:' ''Moto Guzzi National Owners Club'' formed in 1970, serving 3200 members in each of the 50 states and 16 countries internationally -- organizing sub-chapters, events and rallies.

In popular culture

★ Nicholas Cage owns several Moto Guzzi's.^[23]

★ Ewan McGregor purchased the first Moto Guzzi 'Griso' to arrive at his local dealer.^[24]

★ Billy Joel rides a Moto Guzzi 'Jackal'.

★ Sean Connery -- astride a Moto Guzzi with 'Sheriff' emblazoned across it's front fairing -- is featured in a famous photograph that hangs in the Moto Guzzi Museum at Mandello del Lario.

★ Robb Report Motorcycling senior editor Don Williams rides a Moto Guzzi 'Griso'.^[25]
'In Film:'

★ The James Bond movie Octopussy features military Moto Guzzi escort 'Eldorado': The convoy is buzzed by a light aircraft and the bikes go down.

★ Ann Margaret rides a Guzzi in Il Profeta, (1968).

★ The 1995 film 'A Month by the Lake' is set in a hillside village on Lake Como, Italy near the Moto Guzzi headquarters, and features several Moto Guzzi's in the film.

★ The movie Harold and Maude features a Moto Guzzi 'V7'.

★ The movie Hooper features a Moto Guzzi 'Eldorado'.

★ A Moto Guzzi 'Falcone' is featured in the movie The Italian Job.

★ The film “La Vita e Bella” or Life Is Beautiful features a Moto Guzzi 'SuperAlce'.

★ The film Captain Corelli's Mandolin features a Moto Guzzi 'SuperAlce'.

★ Chris Tucker is seen riding a Moto Guzzi 'Sporti' in the movie Rush Hour.

★ The movie Magnum Force features a Moto Guzzi 'Eldorado'.

★ A Moto Guzzi 'SuperAlce' plays a pivotal role in 'El Alamein - La linea del fuoco' or 'El Alamein: The Line of Fire', a WWII film highlighting the service of the Italian Army in North Africa.
'In Literature:'

★ Moto Guzzi is featured prominently in the book The Perfect Vehicle: What It is about Motorcycles, , Melissa, Holbrook Pierson, W W Norton & Co Ltd, 1998,
'In Music:'

★ Moto Guzzi is featured in the song lyrics of Scritti Politti's song ''Boom! There She Was'', and Cake's ''Rock 'N Roll Lifestyle''.

See also

★ List of Italian companies

★ List of motorcycle manufacturers

★ Omobono Tenni

★ Stanley Woods

References

1.
2.
3.
4. Piaggio Group Launches Market Expansion Plans
5. Obituary: Alejandro de Tomaso
6. Aprilia SEC Filing 1999
7. Aprilia Press Release
8. Aprilia SEC Filing 1999
9. Aprilia SEC Filing 1999
10. Moto Guzzi 1999 Q2 Sales Up 20%
11. Aprilia SEC Filing 1999
12. Moto Guzzi crosses the 10,000 line in 2006
13. Guzzi aims for 20,000 units
14. Moto Guzzi: The Rebirth of a Legend by Alex di Bagno, GM Moto Guzzi North America, 2001
15. Review, Motorcycle News, Moto Guzzi Griso 1100
16. Model Evaluation, Motorcycle News, Moto Guzzi's Norge 1200
17.
18. Guzzi Norge + 06 Cali'
19.
20.
21. Aprilia SEC Filing 1999
22.
23.
24.
25.

External links

★ Moto Guzzi's official website

★ Moto Guzzi World Club

★ Moto Guzzi National Owners Club

★

★

★ Moto Guzzi's Oltimer and Classic Club Belgium

★ World wide known Moto Guzzi parts supplier

★ Moto Guzzi Database

★ Moto Guzzi Museum in Holland

★ Guzzi 750: dedicated to 750 cc V-twin Moto Guzzis from the 1970s

★ Ghezzi-Brian: Manufacturer of sport motorcycles with Guzzi supplied engines