This book tells the complete history of Moto Guzzi. From Carlo Guzzi’s Tipo GP of 1920, to the MGX-21 Flying Fortress nearly 100 years later, every Moto Guzzi has been unique and charismatic. But the road hasn't always been smooth and Moto Guzzi has survived many ups and downs.
The story of Moto Guzzi is a story of survival. As one of Italy’s oldest, and most legendary marques, Moto Guzzi had seen the height of success during the 1930s, and then the 1950s when they dominated 250 and 350cc Grand Prix racing. Their withdrawal from racing coincided with a period of stagnation until the company was sold to De Tomaso in 1973. During the 1970s the V7 Sport and Le Mans were at the forefront of the new superbike era, and later, with Dr John Wittner’s help, embraced contemporary technology with the 1000cc Daytona.
If one aspect characterises Moto Guzzi it is continuity. The great 500cc Falcone single ran from 1950 until 1976, and the V7, originally seeing the light of day in 1967, continued well into the 2010s. This continuity breeds loyalty, and Guzzi owners are a fiercely proud breed. Guzzis are not like other motorcycles, even Italian ones, and to qualify as a Guzzi owner requires a dedication and individuality that will be rewarded in a long term relationship. Other titles by Ian Falloon include Moto Guzzi Sport Bible, Moto Guzzi Big-Twins Essential Buyers Guide, the Complete Book of Moto Guzzi, Honda Story, Kawasaki Story, BMW Story and The Ducati Story. He also has his own collection of motorbikes including a 1973 Moto Guzzi V7 Sport.
Contents:
- Early days
- The 1930s: A golden era
- Post-war racing: Success with earlier designs
- Expanding the customer base
- Symbolic singles: Airone, Astore and Falcone
- The second golden age
- The V7
- V7 sport: The first and the best?
- Big tourers and cruisers
- Le Mans
- Smaller twins
- Dr John and the Daytona
- New directions
- The eagle flies again: A new life under Aprilia and Piaggio
- Bigger cruisers
- Appendix 1: Production figures
- Appendix 2: Specifications