Since many folks here in the States aren't very familiar with Moto Guzzi, we figured we'd take some time to help you get to know them...

Moto Guzzi is a motorcycle manufacturer who has been building motorcycles in Mandello de Lario, Italy since 1921 (you will notice on most Guzzi fuel tanks an emblem reading "Una Storia Italia, 1921"). Moto Guzzi has been less known in the U.S. over roughly the last twenty years, with most of the following being a smaller, dedicated bunch of folks who ride a lot. It is somewhat of a "tradition" for Guzzi riders to pack on a ton of miles. It is not out of the ordinary to find Guzzis with 100,000 or 200,000 miles on them (typically without any major repairs or engine work). Part of the recent obscurity of the Guzzi marque has been linked to troubled finances. Recently, however, Guzzi was purchased by Aprilia, and subsequently Piaggio Group (Aprilia's owners). Since 2004, Piaggio has provided the lifespark needed to re-kindle the Moto Guzzi fire.

The Mandello de Lario company's heritage is actually steeped in roadracing. They produced a V-8 Dual Overhead Camshaft racing machine (72 hp, 326 lbs) which held a top speed of 172 mph... in 1955! Guzzi is also credited with the invention of the rear swingarm (as opposed to a rigid rear chassis).

Since said acquisition by Piaggio Group, the company has returned to its innovative ways, and the fit and finish, as well as overall product quality, is top notch. Top shelf Magnetti Marelli digital fuel injection is standard on all models. Also in the Moto Guzzi model line, you will find a collection of slick shifting six-speed gearboxes, dual ignition cylinder heads (two spark plugs per cylinder), high output charging systems (for accessories like heated vests), single-sided CARC swingarms, and prodigious torque curves.

Standard engine configuration is a laterally mounted 90 degree V-Twin engine, utilizing pushrods, two-valves per cylinder, and oil cooling. These aren't your Harley Davidson pushrod twins, however - power output keeps increasing as RPM increase, so they like to be revved. This makes for a rather spry feeling engine, much more likened to the 2 valve Ducati models.

For 2008, we are pleased to see the re-introduction of the 4-valves per cylinder engine. In recent history, the Daytona and Centauro models made use of a 4-valve 1000cc engine, but it has been a number of years since we have seen these engines in production. The new generation 4-valve Moto Guzzi is a 1200cc engine with greatly increased horsepower output. The engines use a unique cam-in-head design, driven by camchains aft of the cylinders.

The current 1200 2-valve and 4-valve engine platforms will be a baseline "heart and soul" for the Moto Guzzi of the future. Fabulous new models of late include the Griso, the Breva, the race only 4-valve MGS-01, and the amazing Norge.

We are proud to be a Moto Guzzi dealer, and are happy to answer any questions you may have about owning one. Be not afraid of owning an Italian machine. Better yet, just come by and find out for yourself why you should own one...