Autoblog

Moto Guzzi celebrates 90 years with the California 90

Zach Bowman — Sat, 08 Oct 2011 10:02:00 EST

Moto Guzzi turns 90 this year, and for 40 of those years, the company's California model has epitomized the Italian cruiser. Moto Guzzi is finally winding down the California nameplate, but not before celebrating it with one last special edition: the California 90. Each wears a unique orange-and-white paint scheme cowhide saddle, with a 1930s-style tank logo inspired by the original Moto Guzzi script. In addition, every California 90 will carry an identification plaque and features a comfortable cowhide saddle.

Power is supplied by the 90-degree V-Twin engine that has become synonymous with Moto Guzzi, with 74 horsepower and 69 pound-feet of torque. Despite its classic appearance, the bike features advanced braking technology in the form of dual-floating discs pressed by two four-piston Brembo calipers up front. A two-piston Brembo piece takes care of the rear.

Moto Guzzi dealers will ask a pretty penny for this special edition bike; expect to pay $15,990 plus destination. Hit the jump for the press release.

Continue reading Moto Guzzi celebrates 90 years with the California 90

Moto Guzzi celebrates 90 years with the California 90 originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 08 Oct 2011 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Moto Guzzi California and V7 Scrambler make surprise debut in Monte Carlo

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Motorcycle

Moto Guzzi California prototype - Click above for high-res image gallery

Moto Guzzi, the other, other Italian motorcycle manufacturer, used its latest dealer meeting in Monte Carlo to pull the wraps off its two latest prototypes: a brand new version of the long-running California and the V7 Scrambler.

Each of these models would appear to be a direct assault at a specific machine from Triumph; obviously the V7 Scrambler would go toe-to-toe with the Triumph of the same name, while the California would be a logical competitor to the British brand's reborn Thunderbird.

Unlike most modern Guzzis, this California sees the displacement of its air-cooled transverse V-twin bumped up to 1400cc, which is about the minimum displacement these days to be considered a 'big' bike. Styling is spot-on, especially the fuel tank, which wraps around the dual chrome cylinders.

As befitting a Scrambler-style motorcycle, this V7 prototype looks capable of straying at least a little ways off the beaten path courtesy of its spoked wheels and raised side-by-side mufflers. The style side of the equation has been nailed, and the 750cc air-cooled small block V-twin is nothing if not a willing partner, as we found out when we reviewed the V7 Classic.

Check out both machines in our high-res image gallery below, then check out the press release after the break. Oh, and don't forget to let Moto Guzzi know if you want them to bring these bikes to the States in our Comments section.

Gallery: Moto Guzzi California and V7 Scrambler prototypes

[Source: Moto Guzzi]

Continue reading Moto Guzzi California and V7 Scrambler make surprise debut in Monte Carlo

Moto Guzzi California and V7 Scrambler make surprise debut in Monte Carlo originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 02 Feb 2011 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Moto Guzzi V7 Clubman reportedly set for production

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 18:58:00 EST

Filed under: Motorcycle, Design/Style

Moto Guzzi V7 Clubman - Click above for high-res image gallery

As is the case in the automobile world, what's old is suddenly new again. While some homages to the past may be better left right where they are, others are simply due to come back in vogue. Such is the case with the classic cafe racer motorcycle, which some might argue never actually went out of style in the first place. And we totally dig the effective use of simple touches that make Moto Guzzi's V7 Clubman stand out from the rest of the Italian manufacturer's lineup.

Take, for instance, the sloping single-passenger humped saddle and the tiny front windscreen and number plate, which is mimicked on either side of the rear fender. Add in a highly polished fuel tank and an upswept Arrow exhaust system and you've got the perfect modern reinterpretation of a classic street racer. Makes us want to do the ton on our way to the Ace Cafe just looking at it...

That dream may soon be a reality, it seems. According to Motorcycle-USA's monthly Euro Gossip report, the handsome Guzzi is headed for production in October. The supposed additional $1500 over the standard V7 Classic seems reasonable for all those aforementioned upgrades. We've contacted Moto Guzzi for an official word on whether or not the bike will come to the States, but in the meantime feel free to take a look at our high-res image gallery below.

Gallery: Moto Guzzi V7 Clubman

[Source: Motorcycle-USA]

Moto Guzzi V7 Clubman reportedly set for production originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 10 Aug 2010 18:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Moto Guzzi V12 Concepts shot in the studio

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 16:58:00 EST

Filed under: Performance, Motorcycle, Design/Style

Moto Guzzi V12 X Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

Late last year, Moto Guzzi showed off a trio of concept bikes to point the way forward for the famed Italian marque as it struggles to shed its somewhat stodgy image and attract new buyers. Judging from the effort, which was led by Miguel Galluzzi (he of Ducati Monster and Aprilia RSV4 fame) and Pierre Terblanche (who designed the famed Ducati Supermono, 999, Multistrada 620 and 1000 and Hypermotard), we think they're on to something big.

The boys from Hell For Leather recently got the chance to sit down with the designing duo and scored both an interview and the first studio shots taken of both the V12 Le Mans and V12 X. We're big fans of both these concepts, though we'd perhaps steal bits of each one and combine them to make the ideal Guzzi. For instance, we prefer the no-nonsense supermoto style and general ethos of the X but think the single-sided swingarm with integral shock and linkage is pretty darn awesome. As is the flyscreen/LED light combo on the Strada.

Take a look at both bikes in our high-res image gallery below, and check out HFL for more details on the Strada, V12 X and Le Mans.

Gallery: Moto Guzzi V12 X Concept

Gallery: Moto Guzzi V12 Le Mans concept

Gallery: Moto Guzzi V12 Strada Concept

[Source: Hell For Leather]

Moto Guzzi V12 Concepts shot in the studio originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Jul 2010 16:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Motorcycles at the 2010 Greenwich Concours

Alex Nunez — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 14:29:00 EST

Filed under: Classics, Misc. Auto Shows, Motorcycle

Motorcycles at the 2010 Greenwich Concours - Click above for high-res image gallery

One thing the organizers of the Greenwich Concours do well is ensure that motorcycle aficionados don't feel left out. This year was no different, as Sunday featured row of bikes diverse in both chronology and purpose. No matter your interest, if two wheels were your thing, you were covered by a range of offerings that included everything from rarities like the Honda NR750 to a 1917 Harley-Davidson that pretty much embodied the definition of "patina."

It was obvious that the majority of these bikes weren't babied garage queens. Most appeared to see regular action, and their owners were eager to share them with the crowd. "C'mon, take a closer look!" was a common phrase uttered to anyone pausing to show interest in a particular bike. It's that kind of camaraderie that makes Greenwich feel as accessible as any local enthusiasts' gathering, even though it's a serious Big Deal concours with million-dollar vehicles littering the grounds. Hit the gallery below for a look at the motorcycles and scooters that were on hand this year.

Gallery: Motorcycles at the 2010 Greenwich Concours d'Elegance

Motorcycles at the 2010 Greenwich Concours originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 13 Jun 2010 14:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumormill: Ducati/Piaggio merger in the works?

Devon Brozek — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 09:02:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Motorcycle, Rumormill

Could it be true? The rumormill is running overtime with reports of a potential merger between a pair of our favorite two-wheeled giants: Ducati and Piaggio.

Piaggio has no comment on the matter, refusing to either confirm or deny the supposed Ducati deal. Still, we can't help but run through the what-ifs, assuming there's a shred of truth to this. Perhaps we'll finally see some stability in the U.S. surrounding the many great brands under Piaggio's roof.

Could Piaggio's broad scope of product (currently offered throughout the Vespa, Moto Guzzi and Aprilia lines), coupled with the stable dealer network Ducati has built, be the recipe for a successful challenge to rivals from Japan and beyond? Stay tuned for more updates as they become available.

[Source: Motoblog.it via Two Wheels Blog]

Rumormill: Ducati/Piaggio merger in the works? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 14 Mar 2010 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Moto Guzzi refines performance cruiser recipe with Griso 8V SE

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 17:19:00 EST

Filed under: Motorcycle

Moto Guzzi Griso 8V SE - Click above for high-res image gallery

It's unlikely that Moto Guzzi is the first brand you think of when talk turns to Italian motorcycles, but the manufacturer has a long history of producing desirable V-twin-powered machines and still offers a number of interesting models to consider. Chief among them is the latest version of the Griso, seen above.

The most noticeable feature that sets Guzzi's new Griso 8V SE apart from its standard siblings are the classically Italian paint colors: either Tenni green or Rosso Mandello red with a blacked-out powertrain. A nicely-stitched leather seat and wire-spoked wheels round out the visual modifications.

Just as importantly, though, the Griso 8V SE manages to boost torque output by five lb-ft to 85, though horsepower remains steady at 110. That extra power comes courtesy of revised cam profiles and fuel injectors, along with a larger airbox that helps Moto Guzzi's eight-valve Quattrovalvole breathe a bit better. Check out our high-res gallery below and make the jump for the official press release.

Gallery: 2010 Moto Guzzi Griso 8V SE

[Source: Moto Guzzi via Hell For Leather]

Continue reading Moto Guzzi refines performance cruiser recipe with Griso 8V SE

Moto Guzzi refines performance cruiser recipe with Griso 8V SE originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 13 Dec 2009 17:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Review: Moto Guzzi V7 Classic is an Italian beauty you can live with

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 14:56:00 EST

Filed under: Motorcycle, New Car Reviews

Moto Guzzi V7 Classic - Click above for high-res image gallery

Every once in a while, you can tell exactly how a motorcycle will ride based solely on the initial walkaround. When the seminal Yamaha VMax hit the scene way back in 1985, one look at its muscular stance, massive V-four and spindly suspenders told you everything you needed to know about its intentions. At the other end of the spectrum, it takes just a quick glance at any modern Vespa to know if its rider is destined to be a mod or a rocker.

This odd ability to instantaneously assess a bike's virtues came again when the Moto Guzzi V7 Classic arrived on our doorstep. As you'd expect, we dove right into the nitty-gritty details as quickly as we could type its name into Google. We dissected the manual and gazed at the pictures. Then we went outside with the key clutched firmly in hand, approached the machine and promptly forgot everything we'd just spent the last few hours reading. With a bike like this, the spec sheet seems largely irrelevant and mundane; things like horsepower and torque figures really don't seem to matter. How can that be? Click past the break to find out.

Gallery: Review: Moto Guzzi V7 Classic

Continue reading Review: Moto Guzzi V7 Classic is an Italian beauty you can live with

Review: Moto Guzzi V7 Classic is an Italian beauty you can live with originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 14:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Moto Guzzi Stelvio and Moto Morini Granpasso continue Italy's love affair with adventure cycles

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 13:56:00 EST

Filed under: Europe, Motorcycle

Italy, the boot-shaped country long associated with fast cars and fast bikes has yet another category for which they are becoming synonymous: Adventure Tourers. Ducati came out of the gate with the Multistrada, Binelli birthed the Tre K and now Moto Morini and Moto Guzzi crash the party with the Granpasso 1200 and Stelvio 1200 respectively. These are the Sport Utility Vehicles of the motorcycle world, and they might go off-road just as often... as in almost never. But, at least you know that when you do, you'll have a good time. Just as with SUV's, these SUM's vary in their degree of serious off-road credibility, and neither of these new Italian V-Twin's appear ready for the Rubicon, so to speak. But, a little soft-roading and some exploration are certainly inline with their specification sheets. Ample ground clearance, skid plates and luggage carrying are the name of the game here, so pack your bags and head towards the hills.

Gallery: Italian AT Bikes

[Source: Moto Guzzi and Moto Morini]

Moto Guzzi Stelvio and Moto Morini Granpasso continue Italy's love affair with adventure cycles originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 01 Dec 2007 13:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gas prices are driving more towards motorcycles - or at least providing a great excuse

Eric Bryant — Thu, 08 Jun 2006 12:53:00 EST

Filed under: Trends, Hybrid, Green

With yet another summer of record gas prices looming just over the horizon, more and more Americans are turning in their wheels... or at least a couple of them. Sales of motorcycles and scooters are up 8 percent over 2005, and according to the American Motorcycle Association, 35 percent of its members intend to ride more this summer because of gas prices.

Of course, it's probably possible to poke a mathematical hole into this rationale with but a few pecks at the ol' calculator, unless one chooses only the most frugal of two-wheeled conveyances (and a look at the best-selling list, full of Harleys, indicates that this is definitely not the case). According to one dealer, "People are looking for reasons to justify that want, and gas prices do that." Not like there's anything wrong with that, of course; we'd just be a lot happier if new riders would get some training before hitting the streets so that the annual death rate reverses its decade-long ugly trend.

[Source: USA Today]

Gas prices are driving more towards motorcycles - or at least providing a great excuse originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 08 Jun 2006 12:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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