Moto Guzzi has built motorcycles since 1921, in a factory at Mandello del Lario on Lake Como, and its bikes have a character of their own.
The milestones
- 1921. Moto Guzzi was established in 1921 at Mandello del Lario by Carlo Guzzi and Giorgio Parodi, together with Angelo Parodi, as a silent partnership on 15 March 1921.
- The eagle. Giovanni Ravelli, one of the original three, died just days after the end of the war in an aircraft crash, and is commemorated by the eagle's wings that form the Moto Guzzi logo.
- The V-twin. During the SEIMM years from 1967 to 1973 Guzzi developed the 90 degree V-twin engine, designed by Giulio Cesare Carcano. The 1967 Moto Guzzi V7 had this engine.
- 1975, the 850 Le Mans. First shown at the Milan show in November 1975, with production in 1975 and 1976.
- Police use. The Italian police and military and several US police departments have used Moto Guzzi bikes.
What to know when buying
- Shaft drive. The V-twins have shaft drive, so the final drive needs care. See chain and final drive.
- Which V7 or Le Mans. The names were used across years and generations. Know the exact year and series from the frame number. See frame and engine numbers.
- Specials and conversions. Many have been converted to café racers or customs. That is fine, but it is priced differently from an original.
Parts and community
Guzzi has an active owners' scene and a good specialist network. See clubs and federations and finding parts. For Italy as a source country, see buying a classic motorcycle abroad.
