Moto Guzzi

Moto Guzzi is an Italian motorcycle manufacturer that was established in 1921in Mandello del Lario by the Como Lake at the foot of the alps in northern Italy. more...

History

Until the sixties it was the dominant, and from the 30ties the biggest, marque among italian manufacturers. The engineer, and co-founder, Carlo Guzzi's first design was a horizontal single, that in a number of guises dominated the first 45 years of the company's history. From the beginning the company used racing to promote their brand. Moto Guzzi won 3,329 official races , 14 World Championships and 11 times the Tourist Trophy.

Until the mid forties, the traditional horizontal four stroke single cylinder 500cc engines outfitted with one overhead and one side valve was the most performant machines Moto Guzzi sold to the general public. At the same time the official team and private racers were furnished with all sorts of racing machines which included a plethora of overhead cam, multiple valve configurations and cylinder designs, culminating in the mythic 500 cc dohc V8 that ended the Guzzi racing era in 1957, when the factory withdrew from racing for financial reasons.

The period after WW2, was difficult in Mandello del Lario as elsewhere in postwar Europe. The solution was production of cheap lightweights. The '46 "Motoleggera", a 65 cc lightweight motorcycle became hugely popular in postwar Italy. A 4 stroke 175 cc scooter known as the "Galetto" was a stable seller as well. Though relatively modest for Guzzis, these, and all other models were relatively upmarket and high quality in their corner of the market.

Similarity to BMW

Historically, much of Moto Guzzi's production has gone to the Italian army and police. The horizontal single, and from the 70'ties the V2, has been the official motorcycle of Italy.

1960 to present

The company currently specializes in 90° V twin engines. The original V-Twin was designed in the early sixties by engineer Giulio Cesare Carcano, designer of the fabulous V8 racer. The air-cooled, transverse V twin, pushrod engine started out with 700 c.c. displacement and 45hp. This engine was designed to win a competition for a new police bike sponsored by the Italian government. The sturdy V-twin easily won and saved the firm from extinction. This original engine has been continuously developed into the 1200 cc 80 hp versions offered today (2006).

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