222

Introduced in 2015, one of the

new wave Moto Guzzi cruisers

was the retro-styed Eldorado.

223

15 BIGGER CRUISERSWhile Piaggio already owned 100% of Moto Guzzi

S.p.A. shares, until 2008 Moto Guzzi still operated as a separate company. This changed in December 2008, when Moto Guzzi S.p.A merged with Piaggio & C. S.p.A. The purpose was to create a single type of motorcyle to sell globally that shared industrial, commercial, and financial resources, while maintaining Moto Guzzi’s unique brand features. After several years without an arrangement, in 2008 Guzzi won contracts to supply 35 Moto Guzzi Norge GTs to the Berlin Police force, and 20 Moto Guzzi California Vintage bikes to the Corazzieri, the Honor guard of the President of the Italian Republic. Late in 2009, the Piaggio Group announced a significant investment program, involvimg the expansion of future Moto Guzzi models and renovation of the Mandello del Lario production facility. This included extensive upgrades and modernisation of the plant to improve quality and efficiency.

2009The economic downturn and motorcycle sales slump experienced during 2008 resulted in only five new models being released in 2009; all variations on existing themes. The Griso 8V Special Edition (SE) joined the Griso 8V, the 1200 Sport received the four-valve engine, the V7 Classic evolved into the V7 Café Classic, and the Stelvio 1200 TT joined the Stelvio 1200. Despite economic difficulties, Moto Guzzi’s range still comprised 15models. The revamped Nevada 750 was also introduced, and the MGS-01 was still available to order. The existing V7 Classic, Griso 8V, Breva V1200/850, Stelvio 1200 4V, Norge 1200/850, Bellagio, and California Vintage continued unchanged.

GRISO 8V SEIntroduced as a collectors’ model, the Griso 8V SE was ostensibly a cosmetic variation on the standard 2008 Griso 8V. Setting the SE apart was the satin green Tenni colour scheme, a stitched leather saddle, BER spoked wheels, and decorative colour-coordinated logos on the tank and tailpiece. The 110 horsepower transverse V-twin was unchanged, as was the frame, suspension, and

238

THE MOTO GUZZI STORY

North American market, only 50 examples were produced in classic Verde Legnano colours, paying homage to the legendary 1971 Telaio Rosso V7 Sport. Quality components included footpegs machined from solid billets, a lightened steering stem, and chromed triple clamp guard ring. As on the standard V7 II Racer, the rear shock absorbers were adjustable WMY01 Bitubo.

A significant option for the V7 II range was a series of factory custom bolt-on kits. These came in four variations: Legend, Dark Rider, Dapper, and Scrambler. The Legend kit found inspiration from Moto Guzzi’s history, the military Alce era of the 1940s. It had a dark satin finish, high two-in-one silencer, knobbly tyres, olive green fuel tank, side fairings and fender, high handlebar, and leather bags. The Dark Rider kit was designed to create a gothic look. The inspiration coming from Omobono Tenni, whose nickname was the Black Devil. The dedicated accessories included black aluminium upper and side

fairings, aluminium fenders, and a black fuel tank with the traditional red Moto Guzzi eagle. The Scrambler kit included 18 accessories to give the V7 II an off-road look; a satin finish replacing the chrome. The Dapper kit transformed the bike into a seventies-style Café Racer: polished aluminium fenders, injector covers, number plates, low handlebar, and solo seat. The earlier Record kit celebrating the 1969 world records was still available.

ELDORADO, AUDACE AND 1400 TOURING SE Another product of Miguel Galluzzi (PADC), the Eldorado celebrated Moto Guzzi’s American heritage with styling cues from the 1972 850 Eldorado. Although based on the California 1400 platform, setting the Eldorado apart were wire-spoked wheels, a larger seat, a wraparound rear fender, gem-shaped taillight, and cow

BELOW With its 16-inch wire

wheels and retro styling, the

Eldorado celebrated the earlier

850 version.

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BIGGER CRUISERS

horn handlebar. The twin exhausts were styled to match the taillight, while the earlier Eldorado inspired the two-tone colours (Nero Classico and Rosso Pregiato), and incorporated white pinstripes and chrome tank panels. Classic whitewall tyres were mounted on polished aluminium 16-inch wheels, a 3.5-inch on the front and 5.5-inch on the rear. Retro features extended to full-cover shock absorbers and rounded turn signals, while a low seat height and footboards emphasised cruising comfort. Modern electronics allowed the wireless connection of an innovative multimedia platform via a smartphone. As with other models in the Moto Guzzi line-up, a wide range of dedicated accessories were also available.

Complementing the retro Eldorado was the more brutal all black Audace. A modern and urban take on the California 1400 Custom, the Audace was more muscular and aggressive. A low drag handlebar, footpegs moved forward, and an abbreviated seat helped to create a stretched riding position. The narrower 45mm front fork with exposed stanchions, carbon-fibre front fender and round headlight also provided a cleaner looking front-end. Other unique styling cues included a front engine spoiler, aluminium radiator grille, and short megaphone exhausts. A pair of remote reservoir shock absorbers handled the rear end, and the cast aluminium wheels gained personalised Moto Guzzi logos. The engine and electronic specification were shared with the California 1400 Custom.

The California 1400 Touring was also available as an SE this year. This featured new two-tone colours, built-in passenger backrest with grab handle, with a seat and side panels reminiscent of the earlier T3. The 46mm telescopic fork included chrome-plated tubes, but the general specification was shared with the California 1400 Touring.

2016Moto Guzzi celebrated its 95th anniversary this year and announced several new models. After releasing the concept MGX-21 Flying Fortress in 2015, the eventual production version was presented in the heartland of the American cruiser at Sturgis, South Dakota, in August 2016. Other new models included the V9 Bobber and Roamer, and the V7 II Stornello. A soft off-roader, the Stornello was another retro-themed model, initially available as a limited edition. Completing the 16-model range was the V7 II Stone, Special and Racer, eight-valve Griso SE, Norge, Stelvio, and California 1400. This year 20 special California Touring 1400 were provided to the Corazzieri. Moto Guzzi sales increased by more than 13 per cent. This was mainly due to the success of the V9 Roamer and Bobber, the introduction of the MGX-21, and Moto Guzzi entering the Thai market for the first time.

BELOW RIGHT In 2015, the

1400 California Touring was

available as a special edition.

BELOW LEFT Although based

on the California 1400 platform,

the brutal Audace was at the

other end of the spectrum.

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THE MOTO GUZZI STORY

NAKED MODELS

THE BREVA 750, 850, 1100, GRISO 850 AND 1100The naked model line-up was significantly rationalised for 2006, and now comprised only two types, the Breva and Griso. Apart from new colours and graphics, and an optional lower seat, the Breva 750 was like the 1100 but as before, was now available with an ABS option. The most significant new model was the Griso 1100 which appeared after a tantalising wait. When it finally made the production line this was much as it had appeared at the end of 2004. The Breva 1100-based two-valve engine (with the 540-watt alternator mounted between the cylinders) now produced 88.1

horsepower at 7,600rpm. Although sharing many components with the Breva 1100 the Griso featured an upside-down 43mm fork and presented a more radical image. With the large oil tank on the right-side of the engine and distinctive exhaust system on the left, the Griso 1100 was unlike any other motorcycle.

Two 850s also joined the naked line-up, and both were downsized 1100s. Powering the Breva 850 was an 877cc version of the V1100, the smaller capacity achieved through a shorter, 66mm stroke. The power was reduced to 71 horsepower at 7,600rpm and new valve covers and a grey engine, swingarm and engine support plates set it apart from the larger version. In other respects the six-speed 850 was identical to the 1100 and likewise the Griso 850 was ostensibly identical to the 1100, but the oil tank was absent on the right-side of the engine, the frame was painted black, and the transmission housing was grey.

BELOW When it finally made it into the production, the

Griso was powered by the Breva’s two-valve engine but the

style remained unchanged from the prototype.

Moto Guzzi

213

CUSTOM MODELS

THE NEVADA CLASSIC 750 AND CALIFORNIA CLASSICLike the naked line-up, the custom range was reduced for 2006. All the California-based customs (Stone, Titanium, and Aluminium) were discontinued, with only the California Classic remaining. Apart from a new catalytic converter the Nevada Classic 750 was unchanged, while the California Classic included all the Breva V1100 engines updates shared with the two other Californias. In all other respects the California Classic continued an extremely successful custom cruiser style that had formed the backbone of Moto Guzzi’s sales for several decades.

THE MGS-01 CORSAThe MGS-01 Corsa finally became available in limited numbers during 2006 and was launched in a blaze of glory at Daytona. As an exclusive model, the MGS-01 Corsa was built to order only, supplied with a personalised booklet recording the rider’s details and particular frame number, bike cover and stand, and personalised delivery packaging. On 6 and 7 March Gianfranco Guareschi won two ‘Battle of the Twins’ races as part of the AHRMA/Modern Roadrace series. The MGS-01 also gained two second places in the ‘Sound of Thunder’ category, a more competitive class as it was also open to Superbikes. With three wins and two second places Guareschi also won the 2006 Italian Supertwins title on the MGS01 while Daniele Veghini on another MGS01 finished third in the championship.

2007

The success of Piaggio’s rationalisation of the Moto Guzzi line-up was immediately evident as production increased by 46.4 per cent over 2005 to more than 10,000 motorcycles. This was the first time production at Mandello del Lario had surpassed 10,000 since 1983. After 2004, when fewer than 4,000 motorcycles were built, production gradually

increased to over 7,000 in 2005 and passing the magic 10,000 mark in December 2006 with a new 1200 Sport rolling off the production line.

Several other models were also announced for 2007. The 1200 Sport was followed by the Griso 8V and Bellagio, while later in the year came the 850 Norge. A future concept motorcycle was unveiled in February during a Piaggio Group dealer convention. This was a road-going enduro called the Stelvio (after the famous Stelvio Pass in Northern Italy), and would go into production during 2008.

THE 1200 SPORTAfter a one-year hiatus the large-displacement sporting Moto Guzzi made a return in October 2006 with the 1200 Sport. This was more multi-purpose than earlier sporting incarnations of Moto Guzzi’s V-twin, and was available with an optional racing kit at one end of the spectrum, or touring equipment at the other.

Powering the 1200 Sport was the same 95 horsepower, 1,151cc twin-spark engine of the Norge 1200, but with newly designed rocker covers and a left-side racing-style exhaust system. Along with a high performance air filter the intake and exhaust passages were modified, and the ECU mapping was programmed for sports use. The injectors were positioned directly over the inlet manifolds near the valves and the power was transmitted by the same six-speed gearbox and CARC shaft-drive system as the Norge.

A racing kit was also available to boost the power beyond 100 horsepower. This included high compression cylinder heads with hand-polished manifolds, the removal of the air filter box, a special racing two-into-two exhaust system, and a remapped ECU. Other racing kit features included a special screen and rear seat ‘pod’, both with racing number graphics, a sporting seat, rear-set footpegs, and forward-positioned aluminium handlebars.

The chassis included a steel frame, 45mm fork with TiN-coated tubes to reduce friction, and twin 320mm wave discs on the front with four-piston calipers. ABS

RIGHT Gianfranco Guareschi rode the

MGS-01 Corsa to victory in the 2006

Daytona ‘Battle of the Twins’ race.

Moto Guzzi