Moto Guzzi Motorcycles
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 started in the late ’60s and hasn’t stopped since. Moto Guzzi fans are a fervent bunch, attracted to the brand by its (relative) simplicity, broad customization options, and the unique charm and character each model offers. And it all starts with the sideways V-Twin that revs slowly and rumbles from side to side when you blip the throttle at a stop.
Moto Guzzi occupies an interesting spot in motorcycling. As its Italian neighbors focus on the sporting side of things, today Moto Guzzi the family doesn’t have a single sportbike. Instead, the lineup consists of everything from mega cruisers to standards, and even adventure-touring machines – all powered by the signature transverse V-Twin. Along with Aprilia and Vespa, Guzzi falls under the Piaggio umbrella of companies.
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.