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Touring the Moto Guzzi Factory and Museum
“We voyaged by steamer down the Lago di Lecco, through wild mountain scenery, and by hamlets and villas, and disembarked at the town of Lecco. They said it was two hours, by carriage to the ancient city of Bergamo … We got an open barouche and a wild, boisterous driver, and set out. It was delightful. We had a fast team and a perfectly smooth road. There were towering cliffs on our left, and the pretty Lago di Lecco on our right, and every now and then it rained on us.” -Mark Twain , Innocents Abroad
Unlike Mark Twain, I arrived in Lecco, Italy, by taxi after a short train ride from Milan. The small town situated on the shores of Lake Como — or, to be geographically correct, along the banks of the River Adda — was bathed in brilliant sunshine, and the skyline was dominated by the gleaming snowcapped Bergamo Alps across the sparkling water. Taking a stroll alongside the picturesque lake, the air was filled with the sound of flapping sails, small outboard engines, and lots of birds singing their hectic springtime songs as they busied themselves. Twisting alongside the lakeside road there was also a near endless stream of brightly colored motorcycles, which drew my thoughts to my mission for the following day — a visit to the world famous Moto Guzzi factory and museum a few kilometers up the train line in the town of Mandello del Lario.
Having cut my sport bike teeth on the plank that posed for a seat of a Mark I Le Mans, Mandello del Lario was something of a semi-mythical place. Blasting through the English countryside on my fire spitting, racing red, Italian stallion with barely enough money for a cup of tea in my pockets, Mandello might as well have been on the moon. Now, nearly 25 years later, I would finally get the opportunity to walk through the factory gates and step into a history that started back in 1917 during the First World War.
In the beginning … During World War I, three young Italian pilots were fighting for their country in the Italian Air force: Carlo Guzzi, Giorgio Parodi and a well-known racer of the day, Giovanni Ravelli. As uncertain as life must have been, they still managed to think about what they would do after the war, and the three young men shared a collective dream of building their own motorcycles. A loan from Giorgio’s father would get them going, and Giovanni would race their new motorcycle, as success on the circuits of Europe would be vital for the new company. In a cruel twist of fate, Giovanni survived the war only to die in an accident just days after the war’s end; but it didn’t stop Carlo and Giorgio from going ahead with their original business plan.
By 1920, the first machine had been built. It had a 500cc single-cylinder engine, and a total of 17 were produced at the new factory in Mandello by the end of 1921. Moto Guzzi was born. Proudly displaying their Air Corps flying eagle on the gas tank in honor of their fallen friend, the pair immediately went racing and took their first win at the torturous Targa Florio. By 1924, Moto Guzzi was a dominant force in the world of motorcycle racing, and by the time they retired in 1957 they had won more than 3,000 races, taken eight world championships and 11 victories at the grueling Isle of Man.
Under the constant supervision of Carlo and Giorgio, there were many highlights in the journey, including the incredible 1955 Otto Cilindri (eight cylinder) Grand Prix race bike by designer Giulio Cesare Carcano, which was the only motorcycle of its type ever built, and was very successful as a racing machine to boot.
After the death of Carlo Guzzi in 1964, financial troubles hit the company, and during an Italian bank take over, Carcano was let go. The innovative and imaginative Lino Tonti would replace him, and under the guidance of the investment group his V7 Sport appeared, followed by the 850GT and the highly successful California range.
Argentinean industrialist Alejandro de Tomaso was the next owner of the company, and he held the reigns until the takeover by Aprilia in 2000. In 2004 the company changed hands again, this time coming under the vast Piaggio umbrella. With all of this turmoil and change over the decades, it is incredible to think the company still lives and breathes in the same set of buildings it started in, way back in 1921.
The factory and museum today A sprawling labyrinth of workshops and offices, the factory is huge, and I almost felt like leaving a trail of breadcrumbs when I left one area in case I needed to find my way back. Peering through grimy windows into different rooms revealed testing, tuning, development and even customer service, with all manner of motorcycles in various states of repair. Down one long outdoor corridor I bumped into a mad professor look-alike, who was strapping all sorts of electronic equipment to a standard looking Moto Guzzi with a mock-up fairing in primer. Smiling politely, I thought twice about shooting spy photos. Instead, I meandered off in the direction of the museum, making a mental note to take a tour through the assembly area later.
Talk about stepping back in time! Moving along on creaky wooden floors, I had the place to myself, as I noticed the many places the old plaster walls had been repaired, disguising the neglect that must have occurred through the lean years. I’m sure the museum wasn’t a priority when there was no money in the coffers for day-to-day business. The history, the struggle, the triumphs and disasters, financial takeovers, and glory on the world’s racetracks was all right there in the long, stark, narrow corridors filled with over 150 motorcycles. Walking alone, the light filtering in through the grimy, multi-pane metal windows reminded me of old World War II prisoner of war movies.
Retracing my steps to the gift shop, and pausing to take a snapshot of a race prepped Coppa Italia, I decide to start at the beginning of the chronological display featuring motorcycles from 1921-1945. Entitled, “The Birth of a Legend,” the first room starts with a 498cc single-cylinder machine called a Normale. Based on the first machine produced by Carlo and Giorgio, this simple looking motorcycle produced 8.5hp at 3,400rpm and was capable of over 50mph.
The vast majority of the bikes produced in the early decades were simple, single-cylinder machines, and it isn’t until the 1940s section that twin-cylinder machines begin to appear. My particular favorite was a gnarly-looking 1948 500cc twin racer that produced a healthy 44hp.
Interestingly, the engine layout appears very similar to the early Ducati V-twins, which would come much later. Moto Guzzi did win the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy in 1947, but I am not sure if the winning machine is in the museum, as there was no mention. The bike that won the 1955 350cc World Championship is on display though, and looking at its battered and bruised form made me realize how far modern racing machinery has come.
From past to present to past Taking a break from the solitude of the museum after a few magical hours, I followed the breadcrumbs over to the assembly line. Entering the large building, the place was alive with energy as the workers (in their bright red boiler suits, sporting various fashion accessories from nose rings to hair gel) attended to the production line. Smiling and joking with each other, they were working on a batch of brand new Grisos. Compared to the thoroughly modern Triumph factory in England, it is a bit old fashioned, but it is definitely very up to date and spotlessly clean and organized. There was a separate line with a handful of Nevadas, but peering into one of the engine rooms containing rows of Griso engines, it is pretty clear where the focus is at Moto Guzzi these days.
Meandering back through the museum after lunch in the staff cafeteria, some of the old bikes looked like the sort of picture your old, senile Aunt might have on the wall. Antiquated and under a bit of dust, a few had small puddles of oil underneath, while others looked as if they had just rolled off a battlefield, tired, weary and in need of rest.
Taking photographs specifically for detail drew me in closer and closer to the beautifully crafted parts: The exposed valve springs of the 1928 Norge, the tiny cylinders of the phenomenal V8, or the neatly restored single equipped with skis on the side. Winding up and down the narrow stone staircases between the floors reminded me of my first high school, with the musty smell that only old buildings seem to have.
And later, taking a sit down in Carlo Guzzi’s chair in the mock up of his office, the sparseness of his workspace was powerful, with simple metal cabinets, a few pictures, and an assortment of relevant engineering books: Like the machines he produced, there were few frills.
Leaving the past behind and arriving amongst the modern era bikes, it felt good to recognize a lot of the featured machines, although there were a lot of small mopeds and scooters I never even knew existed. There was a small display highlighting a MGS-01, a visceral minimalist race bike that I have had the pleasure to ride, along with a Dr. John Daytona 1000 race replica and an old Le Mans 1 endurance race machine with full complement of battle scars. The diversity and range of the machinery is enough to make your head spin. Old Police bikes, off-road bikes, and lots of quirky little single-cylinder transportation specials.
At one point in the tour, I found a 250cc four-cylinder identical to the Benelli Quatro in every detail except the badges on the gas tank. Across the room a pair of Paris-Dakar race machines, based on the dual-purpose Quota, sat next to a Baja version of the same machine.
Here, ancient and modern are side-by-side in the timeless museum, dating all the way back to 1921. The long, rich history of Moto Guzzi is displayed without pomp and ceremony in these long, narrow halls.
A good number of the modern bikes are new, and while a lot of the models are fully restored, there are still plenty of rough, raw original machines in the exact condition they were parked. And as all of these quirks and imperfections grow to be more obvious, the museum itself becomes more charming and delightful.
To the accompaniment of some very eclectic music somewhere into the light, hazy mist that floats across Lake Como, eight hours slipped by, and the hands of the clock made their way to closing time, consigning my day to the past tense.
Hanging on to the last moments, I took one last look at my favorite machine in the museum — the fabulous V8 racer. A machine of elegant, unrefined beauty, with an engine that stunned the world in the 1950s, a few moments alone with the V8 is a ticket back in time — just like a day at the Moto Guzzi museum in Mandello Del Lario alongside the beautiful waters of Lake Como. MC
- Published on Jul 27, 2009
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The Moto Guzzi Factory and Museum are Absolutely Epic to Behold
Between March and October, which is the high season for production, a staff of around 150 mans the fort. At full capacity, they’re cranking out an average of 65 handbuilt bikes per day.
By Andrew Maness
13 original photos
Moto Guzzi started constructing bikes in the shadow of giant granite and limestone mountain peaks in 1921, and has continued to do so ever since without interruption. Over the course of the last 97 years, the company has pushed the boundaries of motorcycling both on the street and on the track, creating some of the most timeless two wheel silhouettes out there. And it’s done so while remaining a small, Italian-owned company. I think it’s the laser-focused nature of the brand that has kept them afloat all these years: Moto Guzzi motorcycles are imbued with both the spirit of the workers that build them and the mystique of the Italian mountains close by.
After having seen the bikes in production and felt the rhythm of the factory workday, it’s now impossible for me not to romanticize Moto Guzzi. The care and attention to detail that the workers give each motorcycle was immediately apparent when I stepped onto the factory floor — where one engine is made every six minutes on a stop and go assembly line. There are 24 stations in total. Between March and October, which is the high season for production, a staff of around 150 mans the fort. At full capacity, they’re cranking out an average of 65 handbuilt bikes per day. Impressive.
My walk through the two-story Moto Guzzi museum was possibly more enlightening than seeing the production facility. I’m no fanboy — a “Guzzisti” — but I do love a good origin story, and Moto Guzzi has a special one. Following the First World War, Giorgio Parodi and Carlo Guzzi set up Società Anonima Moto Guzzi with the help of Parodi’s father, a successful shipping magnate in Genoa. Giorgio didn’t want the spotlight; he just wanted to build top quality bikes, so the pair used Carlo’s last name to found the company that would become synonymous with top-tier Italian motorcycles. To honor their friend and fellow aviator , Giovanni Ravelli, who had died in a test flight accident in 1919, an eagle with wings fully spread was chosen as the logo for their newly formed company.
Right from the start, Moto Guzzi was building quality bikes. The first production model, the Normale, made just eight horsepower from a single horizontal cylinder at a time when everyone else was using a vertical cylinder setup. Success in racing began right away with a victory at the 1921 Targa Florio, and until Moto Guzzi pulled out of competition in 1957 the bikes were dominant, amassing 14 world GP championship titles and 11 Tourist Trophy titles, including a win at the Isle of Man TT by racer Ombono Tenni, the first Italian to do so.
Success in racing ran parallel to success in sales, as two early Moto Guzzi models held the distinction of being the best selling motorcycles in Europe in their respective segments for over a decade. Then, in 1950, Moto Guzzi became the first motorcycle company to build and use a wind tunnel as part of their development process. The early bikes look as insane now as I’m sure it did then.
The company’s early innovative spirit led to the production of the bat-shit crazy four-stroke V8 engine, the Ottocilindri, or “The Otto”. Conceived after the 1954 Grand Prix season for use in the 1955 season, The Otto weighed just 326 pounds, produced an impressive 78 horsepower and set a speed record that wouldn’t be broken for another 20 years: 172 mph. After having a closer look, I can understand why racers eventually refused to ride the bike, as the safety technology simply wasn’t on par with its power. Would you want to be cresting 150 mph while relying on only drum brakes? Likely not.
After withdrawing from racing 10 years prior, the next big evolution for Moto Guzzi came in 1967, which saw the introduction of a 90-degree V-twin engine in the Guzzi V7 line, which went on to include the legendary 1971 V7 Sport, the style and spirit of which is carried on in the current V7III range. Development of the V-twin began during the sales doldrums of the early ‘60s.
The company’s 700cc civilian V7 went into production in late 1966, and with the arrival of Lino Tonti as chief engineer in 1967, Moto Guzzi once again was headed in the right direction. Tonti wasted no time in getting to work tuning the V7 twin, chasing American police motorcycle contracts and attempting to set new speed records. He was successful in all his pursuits and the “Tonti” V7s paved the way for the 748cc V7 Sport that finally went into production just in time for Moto Guzzi’s 50th anniversary in 1971. That bike was capable of 125 mph; it handled brilliantly and was unquestionably beautiful. It was only to be a flash in the pan though, as De Tomaso took over the company in 1973 and production of the V7 Sport ended in 1974.
Forty years and many evolutions later, MotoGuzzi still cranks out impressive and dominating motorcycles, both in terms of performance and style. To see the evolution in person is another experience altogether, and whether you’re a diehard motorcycle enthusiast or just a casual observer who appreciates a good story, a visit to Mandello del Lario is highly recommended. Just make sure you call ahead if you want to visit, the museum is only open for a few hours in the afternoon on certain days of the week.
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The museum showcases the Moto Guzzi history and culture, bringing together a rich collection of over 150 exhibition pieces of production motorcycles, sport bikes, prototypes and experimental engines.
The exhibition area consists of a collection of over 80 vehicles, along with the story of the production history of the Mandello Eagle and offers an insight into the social and economic development of the country. In the case of the Norge 1928, the first dedicated touring mahcine in the history of the motorcycle designed by Carlo Guzzi and his brother Joseph. The Guzzi Sport and GT series of the thirties, the Airone the most popular middleweight motorcycle in Italy from 1939 to 1957 or the Falcone model a dream for many of the riders of the fifties.
Moto Guzzi is remembered in history for creating vehicles for the mobility of Italians after the war, such as the lightweight 65 Guzzino and for "reinventing" the sport concept in the late sixties with the V7 Sport. Besides production bikes the exhibition displays a dedication to motorcycle racing. Among these legendary race machines is the Guzzi 4V of 1924 which Guido Mentasti won the first European title at Monza, the twin 500 of 1946 of Omobono Tenni, the Guzzi 350 "World Champion" in 1955, and more recently the V7 series which set 19 speed records in June and October 1969 at the Monza circuit.
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Features Motorcycles Wheel2Wheel April 21, 2020 By Maynard Marcelo
The Pride of Mandello del Lario: Moto Guzzi Factory and Museum Tour
The famous “Red Gate” of the Moto Guzzi factory
The Moto Guzzi factory in Mandello del Lario was built in 1921, and upon entering the famous red gate my first impression of it was like entering an old university building. With high ceilings and wide corridors, it somehow reminds me of the College of Education building in UP Diliman. The beige painted walls, if they could speak, would probably tell exciting stories of days gone by. A walk around the compound revealed that most of the structures still being used there dates back to the early 1900s.
How these old structures survived a World War is beyond belief. A short distance from the main gate is a bomb shelter carved out of the mountain side where the factory workers hid during air raids in World War II.
Perfectly preserved WWII-era bomb shelter
Considered a prime target by the allied forces, the Moto Guzzi factory was classified as an auxiliary plant in the 1930’s that also produced military vehicles for the Italian army.
The first wind-tunnel in Europe
Another interesting feature in the factory is the now decommissioned wind tunnel built in 1950. It was the first wind tunnel built in Europe, and the first of its kind inside a motorcycle factory. It was inaugurated in 1954 and was used by Moto Guzzi to test the aerodynamics of their production as well as their race motorcycles.
Old assembly-line
Since the factory opened in 1921, all Moto Guzzi motorcycles are built in the same facility. As production ramps up, the Piaggio Group, who now own the Moto Guzzi brand, are constructing new buildings inside the compound to house additional assembly lines.
V9 Bobber assembly-line
On one nondescript corner stood a large door with a large red sign that read “Museo Moto Guzzi”. Admission to the museum is free, but you have to arrange your visit well in advance for a guided tour. A narrow staircase leads to the second and third floors where a modest collection of motorcycles from the marque’s illustrious past were kept. The first, and perhaps the most important, motorcycle you will see is encased in a glass case. And it’s no other than the original 1919 Guzzi GP. Not a replica, mind you. But the exact prototype that Carlo Guzzi developed in 1919, and it featured advanced engineering for its time such as the gear primary drive, unit gearbox, four valves and overhead camshaft.
The original 1919 Guzzi-Parodi GP
The bike still bore the Guzzi-GP name that stands for Guzzi-Giorgio Parodi, to recognize the partnership between Carlo Guzzi and Giorgio Parodi for their new motorcycle venture. Carlo, an aircraft mechanic, and Giorgio, a pilot, were colleagues in the Italian Servizio Aeronautica in World War I, and it was the Parodi family fortune, made from shipping and armaments, that financed their entire project.
A close friend and confidant of theirs, Giovanni Ravelli, a successful motorcycle racer and a pilot, was supposed to help them race and promote their new motorcycles. Unfortunately, on August 11, 1919 Ravelli was killed in a tragic accident when the airplane he was flying suffered an engine failure. To honor Ravelli, Carlo and Giorgio decided to put the soaring eagle on their logo. The Parodi family, however, requested for them to remove the Parodi name from their company because they were concerned about the adverse publicity it would give them if the motorcycle venture failed. Little do they know that Moto Guzzi will become one of the most respected motorcycle brands in the world.
The Normale, the first production Moto Guzzi motorcycle (year 1921-1924)
The first Moto Guzzi motorcycle to be mass produced was the Normale. It still bears the basic layout of the 1919 Guzzi GP prototype, but uses an opposed valve cylinder head configuration because the original overhead camshaft and 4 valve design proved too complex and expensive to produce. Nonetheless, the much simpler Normale became an instant success for the new Moto Guzzi brand.
Thanks to Carlo Guzzi, Moto Guzzi has always followed a path of continuous innovation even in their early days. They were the first to utilize a horizontal cylinder head design for direct and efficient air cooling. They were also one of the first, if not the first, to develop a rear suspension to improve ride comfort and handling, the unit construction gearbox, the automatic lubrication system, and the front wheel disc brake.
First application of the disc brake on a motorcycle
For racing, Moto Guzzi have experimented with liquid-cooling, superchargers, inline-3 cylinders with overhead cams, and even more impressive was the tiny 500cc V8 motor. In 1946, they even preceded Ducati with the L-twin motor design!
1955 V8 motor 498.7cc
Moto Guzzi produced an L-twin 500cc from 1946-1948
The Moto Guzzi collection is full of production motorcycles starting from 1921 up to the most recent, but it was the racing motorcycles that truly grabbed my attention.
In 1940 Moto Guzzi produced the first 491.8cc inline-3 cylinder 4 stroke motor rated at 65 hp and a top speed of 230 km/h
You see, most of us would think of Moto Guzzi as the manufacturer of old-style niche motorcycles, but unknown to many, including this writer, Moto Guzzi was once the most successful Italian motorcycle manufacturer, with plenty of racing victories under their belt.
And to be able to get near these machines and admire their high level of engineering and craftsmanship was nothing short of magical. The experience was like being transported back in time.
Even if you’re not a Moto Guzzi fan, seeing these motorcycles slowly evolve as you walk through the narrow aisles is a physical manifestation of human creativity and ingenuity. Ultimately, it’s not so much a motorcycle museum but a worldly representation of human emotion, struggle, and triumph. One you shouldn’t miss if you’re going to Moto Guzzi, the pride of Mandello del Lario.
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Moto Guzzi Museum
Moto guzzi museum: the house of the eagle is on lake como.
The Museum Moto Guzzi shows the Moto Guzzi history and culture, bringing together a rich collection of over 150 exhibition pieces of production motorcycles, sport bikes, prototypes and experimental engines. The Moto Guzzi Museum is located in Mandello del Lario , Lake Como, the original birth place of the Moto Guzzi Eagle which was established in 1921.
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Moto Guzzi Motorcycles
The Moto Guzzi MGX 21, aka the Flying Fortress. Moto Guzzi's take on the American bagger, the MGX is a stylish design exercise powered by a 1380cc transverse V-Twin pumping out 95 horsepower and nearly 90 lb-ft of torque. It's a high-revving cruiser, which in itself isn't something you normally say about cruisers.
If the Flying Fortress above is a bit too audacious, the Moto Guzzi California adheres to more traditional cruiser lines and style. Power comes from the same 1380cc V-Twin as the MGX.
The hotly anticipated V85 TT is Moto Guzzi's entry into the Adventure Touring segment. With its classic style and 853cc air-cooled engine, it has both the looks and performance to get you wherever you need to go, on-road or off.
If a classic cruiser/standard is more your flavor, Moto Guzzi offers both the V9 Roamer and Bobber, the latter is seen here. A basic, minimal design provides a clean aesthetic. An 853cc engine provides forward motion.
The entry-level Moto Guzzi some might call it, the V7 III is slightly smaller than the V9 – and that includes its 744cc V-Twin, but it's equally as elemental as the V9. A blank canvas to customize, Moto Guzzi offers the V7 in no less than 10 different variations.
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The Moto Guzzi Museum: a temple to biking
A museum within a factory: the Moto Guzzi Museum has been a must-see destination for motorbike fans since the 1960s, as well as visible proof of Italy’s outstanding manufacturing traditions. Located in Mandello del Lario on the Lecco branch of Lake Como, it attracts around 30,000 visitors every year. Free guided tours
A team of ten volunteers offers guided tours, entertaining and amusing visitors with a host of stories and personal memories. “People come here from all over the world,” explains Gianprimo Ciappesoni . Born in 1938, the former Moto Guzzi factory worker has been a museum guide for many years. “The other day we even had some people from Australia and New Zealand, and French and German visitors come here regularly.” All this costs nothing, as admission is free. “They look at everything,” he reveals, “but the star attraction is the California : everyone wants to see it.” What are the most frequent questions? “How many motorbikes did we produce a day, why do Guzzi engines turn in the opposite direction and how have we managed to survive during the financial crisis. I always say it’s because we’ve always been fighters and because we were a real family.”
Hundreds of “jewels” on display
The museum is home to over 150 Guzzi models, including production motorcycles and sport bikes, covering the whole of the firm’s 95-year history. One of Gianprimo Ciappesoni’s personal favourites is the 1972 V7 . “It was the best there was in its day: it was easy to ride and extremely stable.” One particular gem is the collection of one-off and unique models, with prototypes of motorcycles and engines created by Guzzi’s brilliant designers, many of them ahead of their time. They include the first motorcycle built by Carlo Guzzi in 1919, the only one with the G.P . (Guzzi-Parodi) mark, and the 500 Eight Cylinder from 1957. It was built by the outstanding engineer Giulio Cesare Carcano , who dedicated his talent and creativity to the Eagle for 30 years.
Not to be missed…
Guzzi fans will also appreciate the collection of production bikes, including a series of 80 vehicles which provide a cross-section of Italy’s economic and social development as well as an overview of the brand’s history. Like the 1928 Norge , designed by brothers Carlo and Giuseppe Guzzi and the first touring model in motorbike history, or the Sport and GT series from the 1930s. Also not to be missed are the racing bikes which helped shape the history of the sport: among others, the 1924 Guzzi V4 which won Guido Mentasti the first European title at Monza, and the 1955 “World Champion” Guzzi 350 . Experience all the excitement and thrills for yourself by watching the incredible history of Moto Guzzi on screen at “The Sound of Passion” exhibit.
The museum is open all year round from Mondays to Fridays, 3pm to 4pm (2.30pm to 4.30pm in July). Entrance and guided tours are free .
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Moto Guzzi Factory Museum Tour
Discussion in ' Ride Reports - Epic Rides ' started by airheadpilot , May 12, 2008 .
airheadpilot Le Poulet du Désert
This report could also easily have been posted in Old Skool, but I'll do it here. A couple weeks ago I was lucky enough to be in Northern Italy on a mixture of business and vacation, and convinced my better half that a stop in Mandello di Lario was in order to visit the Moto Guzzi factory. They have an excellent museum and store, both of which are only open from 3:00 - 4:00 in the afternoon. There's only one tour, so if you aren't at the gate at 3:00, you aren't going. Also, the tour guide only speaks Italian, but many of the sign boards are also in English and he's sufficiently enthusiastic about his museum to overcome the language barrier. Arriving at the rail station: The factory and it's iconic sign loom large over the rail platform: At the gate, waiting for the tour to start: The gate opens... There's a huge poster inside of Sean Connery astride a police-model Eldorado: As we were walking to the museum, we passed a workshop where several technicians were working on some of their test mules - several of the new V7 Classics, a Griso, and a Stelvio. I took an illicit photograph as we passed. The first Moto Guzzi motorcycle: This was a racing single (500cc) with a bevel-drive overhead cam and a four-valve head! An early air-cooled inline triple: This sidecar rig used a complex system of shafts, belts, and chains to drive the chair wheel: Lots of neat factory prototypes that were never raced or put into production. This was an early inline-4 with dual overhead cams. Looks a lot like the MV Augusta motors that would come many years later: A prototype of a liquid-cooled v-twin, circa 1950: A scale model of the in-house wind tunnel at the Moto Guzzi factory - the first motorcycle factory to have its own wind tunnel: The famous Falcone: Moto Guzzi was playing around with bevel-drive v-twins 15 years before Ducati made them famous: A 250cc parallel twin: Moto Guzzi scooters: A streamlined 500cc racebike with a liquid-cooled inline-4, similar to an early BMW K-bike: It was also their first shaft-drive bike: Another bevel-drive v-twin: A mid-1980's Paris-Dakar entry: And one designed for Baja racing: The Dr. John Special. Note the lack of the starter motor - it must have been a bitch to bump start! A V750 loopframe Ambassador (my bike) dressed up to go racing!! I got to get back to work. I'll post again in a little bit with a few more photos, including shots of the famous V8. Andrew 1970 R50/5 1971 Ambassador 1972 R75/5 2000 XR650R 2003 Burgman 400 2005 FJR1300A
Here follows several photos of the famous V8 racebike. At 500cc, liquid cooled, DOHC, it was the fastest bike in a straight line in its day. It was also too powerful for the metallurgy available and would frequently blow up. That, combined with being a beast to ride, meant that it was left without anyone willing to ride one in a race, and the design was retired. The actual engineering drawings for the V8 were in a glass case on the wall. I'd love to get a copy of these for my own wall: V7 Sport and the first 850 Le Mans: Moto Guzzi V-twin being used in an aircraft application: Lots of fun - I highly recommend it to anyone interested in old bikes, whether or not you're Guzzitisti . To see all of the photos I took, check here: https://airheadpilot.smugmug.com/gallery/4857867_qFVxX/1 Andrew 1970 R50/5 1971 Ambassador 1972 R75/5 2000 XR650R 2003 Burgman 400 2005 FJR1300A
Tom48 Long timer
Great report. Thanks
Thanks for taking us with! These are coolest things I've seen posted here in awhile: A mid-1980's Paris-Dakar entry: And one designed for Baja racing: Click to expand...
funhouse Overdue
a jewel among 'other reports' thx.....bruce
capriccio Long timer
As the English like to say "The history is what makes the Guuzzyy so special" and why I prefer sitting on a Guzzi. Thank you for sharing.
knybanjo kinda slow
Nice report! Thanks for sharing it....My Dad had a couple of Guzzis when I was a kid, one I even rode when I was a teenager.
nsfw Death Valley Noobs Rally Super Supporter
I like Guzzis, and any biike with a driveshaft. Nice pics and report.
dr_sean Been here awhile
Nice Pics!!!! I am green with envy!
sperkins Been here awhile
wow thanks for the great report!!! im jealous
MichaelJ Long timer Supporter
Thanks for the pics. I always seem to be on the other side of the lake. Have to correct that on my next trip. Be there at 15:00.
MichaelJ said: Thanks for the pics. I always seem to be on the other side of the lake. Have to correct that on my next trip. Be there at 15:00. Click to expand...
GB . Administrator Super Moderator
Thanks for giving us the tour of the factory in pics!!
BikePilot Long timer
Very cool, thanks for posting
guzzipiner n00b
Nice pictures. Was suckered into this site by a V700 raped by a VW so good to see the real thing. Have owned two, a V50 mk2 and a V65GT. V50 was run into the ground and still in the garage in bits but beyond realistic rebuild, the V65 was stolen [my the bastard be hanged with his own guts!] However now have RSI problem in both hands and have been unsure about whether I could manage a Guzzi again [currently own a Kawasaki ER5]. But have read that the fuel injection models have light throttles but are the clutches any lighter? Love the shot of the V7 next to the Le Mans. Looks identical to the new V7 sports.
OldAndBusted Needs a little work...
awesome. i love how oldschool their factory looks from the outside. no postmodern glass buildings or anything. i got my first guzzi, in pieces, for free!, this fall and am still rebuilding it, so this is some nice inspiration for me.
BlueBuell Banned
Awesome! Its on my "to-do" list before I die. Thanks!
jshuck Iron Butt #31
When the guys were there on their trip, they got to ride Guzzis around the test track that is around the outside of the building!! They also said that they can not use the wind tunnel any more because when they fire it up the lights dim in the village? Next thrip to Italy, I'm there.
rtwdoug prominent underachiever Supporter
guzzipiner said: Nice pictures. Was suckered into this site by a V700 raped by a VW so good to see the real thing. Click to expand...
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Museum Moto Guzzi
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Moto Guzzi USA Announces 2024 Northeast Dealer Demo Tour
Moto Guzzi USA Announces 2024 Northeast Dealer Demo Tour (Moto Guzzi/)
Moto Guzzi Press Release:
Moto Guzzi USA is thrilled to announce its Northeast Demo Tour, giving passionate motorcyclists across the region the chance to experience the thrill of riding one of the 2024 Moto Guzzi range firsthand.
Experience New Roads with Moto Guzzi
The tour will visit dealerships throughout the Northeastern region, with event dates scheduled below, and more to be added.
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The Complete Moto Guzzi Experience
Attendees will have the opportunity to get behind bars of the newest Moto Guzzi models, including the new Moto Guzzi Stelvio which has returns for 2024 and is ready for your next adventure, the iconic V7 range, with a namesake that extends more then 50 years offering a character-rich, classic style, and with the technologically advanced arrival of the Moto Guzzi V100 Mandello, there’s a Moto Guzzi for every riding style.
Expert Staff on Hand
Knowledgeable Moto Guzzi staff will be on hand at every location to answer questions, provide expert advice, and lead guided rides. This is the perfect opportunity to learn more about the Moto Guzzi brand and discover the perfect Italian machine for your next adventure.
For More Information on the Tour and Locations, Please Visit:
https://www.motoguzzi.com/us_EN/moto-guzzi-world/news-moto-guzzi/northeast-demo-tour/
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MOTO GUZZI EXPERIENCE
Lower your visor and forget about everything but the road ahead.
Nothing but the roar of twin-cylinders, new friends and untravelled roads
Moto Guzzi provides motorbikes from the range and fantastic itineraries. Choose between the Touring or Weekend formulas, set off together with many other Guzzisti who are enthusiasts like you and live the trip you have always dreamed of between Europe and Africa .
Head off on a fantastic adventure
Discover trips and experiences dedicated to true passionate people discovering new places among excursions, evocative landscapes and long on-the-road adventures with your Moto Guzzi . Awaiting you is a close-knit group of Guzzisti just like you who can't wait to reach new horizons and make genuine friends.
Experience unforgettable days
Much more than simply about getting from A to B, a Moto Guzzi Weekend is a 360-degree experience . Leave the everyday routine behind and discover how even the shortest mini-break can deliver thrills and emotions aplenty with a perfect mix of motorbikes, nights beneath the stars, great cuisine and pure adventure .
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Write to us: [email protected]
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IMAGES
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Complete the museum tour in the section "THE SOUND OF PASSION", where films of the incredible history of Moto Guzzi are screened. Address: Via Emanuele Vittorio Parodi, 63, 23826 Mandello del Lario LC. Museum opening time. Book now. The Moto Guzzi museum consists of a collection of 80 vehicles, offering an insight into the social and economic ...
By Irma G. " The history of motorcycles ". Jul 2023. You follow the evolution of the motorcycle from a simple, motorized bicycle up to a very complicated instrument. " Guzzi Museum Tour ". Mar 2023. Free entry, over 160 motorcycles on display, along with engines & historical notes. Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Moto Guzzi was born. Proudly displaying their Air Corps flying eagle on the gas tank in honor of their fallen friend, the pair immediately went racing and took their first win at the torturous Targa Florio. By 1924, Moto Guzzi was a dominant force in the world of motorcycle racing, and by the time they retired in 1957 they had won more than ...
The Moto Guzzi Factory and Museum are Absolutely Epic to Behold. Between March and October, which is the high season for production, a staff of around 150 mans the fort. At full capacity, they're cranking out an average of 65 handbuilt bikes per day. Moto Guzzi started constructing bikes in the shadow of giant granite and limestone mountain ...
The Moto Guzzi Museum is located in Mandello del lario, Lake Como, the original birth place of the Moto Guzzi Eagle motorcycle established in 1921. See many other models representing milestones in the history of Italian motorcycling. Complete the museum tour in the section "THE SOUND OF PASSION", where films of the incredible history of Moto ...
The Moto Guzzi factory in Mandello del Lario was built in 1921, and upon entering the famous red gate my first impression of it was like entering an old university building. ... Admission to the museum is free, but you have to arrange your visit well in advance for a guided tour. A narrow staircase leads to the second and third floors where a ...
Moto Guzzi Museum. 1. Tipologia. 2. Gruppo. 3. Data. 4. Nominativi. 5. Conferma. Seleziona la tipologia di visita. I bambini sotto i 6 anni, i portatori di handicap e i loro accompagnatori hanno diritto alla visita gratuita. Visita guidata. Durata: 90 minuti. Visita guidata alle collezioni museali. Seleziona.
After unveiling the V100 Mandello at EICMA 2021, Moto Guzzi presented a comprehensive redesign of its Mandello Del Lario facility. The factory and community spaces will be even more welcoming to ...
The Moto Guzzi Museum is located in Mandello del Lario, Lake Como, the original birth place of the Moto Guzzi Eagle which was established in 1921. The exhibition area consists of a collection of over 80 vehicles, along with the story of the production history of the Mandello Eagle and offers an insight into the social and economic development ...
Moto Guzzi has announced a new initiative the, Road to 2121: The Next 100 Years, which will include a new state-of-the-art factory, museum, and V100 Mandello.
By Irma G. " The history of motorcycles ". July 2023. You follow the evolution of the motorcycle from a simple, motorized bicycle up to a very complicated instrument. " Guzzi Museum Tour ". Mar 2023. Free entry, over 160 motorcycles on display, along with engines & historical notes. Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Updated May 2020 Moto Guzzi has the distinction of being the oldest European motorcycle manufacturer in continuous production, churning out motorcycles since 1921. Long known for its reliable single-cylinder machines (fun fact: early Moto Guzzis used external flywheels that you could see spinning 'round and 'round), today Moto Guzzi is better known for its transverse V-Twins - a trend it ...
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A museum within a factory: the Moto Guzzi Museum has been a must-see destination for motorbike fans since the 1960s, as well as visible proof of Italy's outstanding manufacturing traditions. Located in Mandello del Lario on the Lecco branch of Lake Como, it attracts around 30,000 visitors every year. Free guided tours.
The first Moto Guzzi motorcycle: This was a racing single (500cc) with a bevel-drive overhead cam and a four-valve head! An early air-cooled inline triple: This sidecar rig used a complex system of shafts, belts, and chains to drive the chair wheel: Lots of neat factory prototypes that were never raced or put into production.
4. The First Guzzi Motorcycle Was Created in 1921. In 1921, Carlo Guzzi designed the first motorcycle to be produced by his company. The 'Normale' had an 8.5 hp at 3400 rpm and a top speed of 52mph. It also featured a 500cc four-stroke horizontal single engine with an overhead cam and bore & stroke of 82 X 88 mm. 5.
SARDINIA - TREASURE ISLAND. A tour of the southern part of Sardinia, in the tracks of the most interesting stages of the motorcycle rallies held in the 1980's. A route which is even better at a leisurely pace. A bottle on a beach; sadly, this is a common sight on the coastline of Italy (and other countries), but in this case it isn't a sign of ...
Museum Moto Guzzi. You follow the evolution of the motorcycle from a simple, motorized bicycle up to a very complicated instrument. Free entry, over 160 motorcycles on display, along with engines & historical notes. Suggest edits to improve what we show. Explore different ways to experience this place.
August 17. Razee Cycles. 730 Tower Hill Rd, North Kingstown, RI 02852. September 14. Kissel Motorsports. *In Conjunction with 2024 PA Moto Guzzi Rally*. 5165 E Pleasant Valley Blvd, Tyrone, PA ...
The stunning natural backdrop of Northern Italy. 3 - 11 July 2024. The Alps are an incredible backdrop to Northern Italy. A majestic arc of mountains with a host of peaks over 4000 metres and, in the case of Mont Blanc and Monte Rosa, nearer to 5000 metres, they stretch for over 1000 kilometres. Discover more.