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EICMA 2009: Moto Guzzi V12 concepts

Three models pay tribute to Italian Eagles 1,200cc engine
By Motorcycle.Com Staff, Nov. 10, 2009
Moto Guzzi introduced three 1,200cc concept models at the 2009 EICMA show in Milan, Italy.

The Moto Guzzi V12 LM, V12 Strada and V12 X models were the products of former Ducati designers Miguel Galluzzi and Pierre Terblanche. Galluzzi is best known for popularizing the naked motorcycle by creating the Ducati Monster in 1993 while Terblanche is credited for designing the Ducati Hypermotard, Hypermotard and 999.

There is an impalpable, yet very real force in the history of Moto Guzzi. It lies in the ideas and in the unrelenting research work that led Moto Guzzi to build its tradition on innovation, says Galluzi, who manages the styling center of the Piaggio Group. Mentioning all the accomplishments of Moto Guzzi and their significance in the history of the Italian motorcycling industry would seem like indulging in some kind of vain celebration. Throughout its history, Moto Guzzi has put forward a unique concept of motorcycle. Everything started with an idea, and new ideas have always been the lifeblood of the Italian eagle.

Take your eyes off the two models and you'll notice the Moto Guzzi V12 LM's LED headlights and LCD "mirrors".

Despite the slightly misleading V12 nomenclature, the three concept models are powered by Moto Guzzis transverse-mounted 1,151cc four-valve 90-degree Twin engine.

According to Moto Guzzi, the V12 LM sportbike was inspired by the legend of Le Mans, hence the initials. The LM features adjustable fairing height and LED lights, and uses cameras and LCD screens instead of mirrors. Passenger foot pegs are attached to the swingarm through a linkage system to provide a floating suspended appearance.

Moto Guzzi describes the V12 X as a "one-of-a-kind" motorcycle, but spiritually, it sounds similar to Miguel Galluzzi's other creation, the Ducati Monster.

The Moto Guzzi V12 Strada is designed to be an everyday commuter with touring-style handlebars. Designed with two-up riding in mind, the Strada also has the same suspended passenger pegs as the V12 LM.

The Moto Guzzi V12 Strada has touring-style handlebars and a banana-style seat like it's Piaggio family relative, the Aprila Mana X.

The Moto Guzzi V12 X is described as a one-of-a-kind motorcycle with an aggressive design and focused on riding fun. The naked V12 X has an aggressive riding posture with a sports-like chassis set-up. The saddle is similar to the banana-seat seen on the Aprilia Mana X

All three V12 concepts have LED headlights, single-sided swingarms and Ohlins suspension.

Related Reading
EICMA 2009: Milan Motorcycle Show
EICMA 2009: 2010 Moto Guzzi Clubman Racer
EICMA 2009: Moto Guzzi Aquilla Nera

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