Moto Guzzi Hispania. 65cc. 1953.

Moto Guzzi (in Italy also known as Guzzi to dry), is the name of a famous Italian company manufacturer of motorcycles, founded on 15 march 1921 by Carlo Guzzi, Giorgio Parodi (aviation pilots are assigned to the same squad in the outskirts of Venice and the mechanic Giovanni Ravelli. Over time, the firm has been controlled by different companies and in 2004, became part of the Piaggio Group (again to be controlled by capital Italian), and in 2005, Daniele Bandiera, is appointed managing Director of Moto Guzzi SpA.

The company has produced more than 50 models from its foundation and over the years, has specialized in the manufacture of engines of two cylinders in V at 90 degrees. On rare occasions, their engines were installed in vehicles of other small manufacturers of motorcycles special as for example: Magni, Ghezzi & Brian, Desoto and Mako Shark. At present (year 2012), continues its production in the same city of origin.

History

During the first world war, two airplane pilots of the Italian Air Force, Giorgio Parodi, Giovanni Ravelli and the mechanic Carlo Guzzi, are associated to the founding of the ‘Societá anonima Moto Guzzi’, in Mandello del Lario, a small village in the province of Lecco, on the shores of Lake como, Italy, however, establish their legal domicile in the city of Genoa. In addition, you agree to use as a company logo, an eagle (the same one used by the Aeronautical Service of the Army and the Naval Aviation of the Royal Navy, in tribute to his friend Giovanni, who, ironically lost his life in an air crash after the war.

The money needed to start the company, what brings Emanuele Vittorio Parodi, father of Giorgio Parodi, giving them a single loan of 2,000 lire. In 1946, the society formally called as ‘Moto Guzzi SpA’, with Giorgio Guzzi as President.

The first motorcycle was the G. P. (Guzzi-Parodi). It was built as a prototype in the engine shop mechanic Giorgio Ripamonti, there, Carlo Guzzi takes his first lessons of mechanics and fascinated by the two wheels. The name "GP" is dropped immediately and transformed, with the unanimous consent of all the shareholders on the Moto Guzzi. It also prevents misunderstandings with the initials, since Guzzi-Parodi and Giorgio Parodi have the same initials. Built 17 units and had the emblem of the factory. He became known as the model ‘normale’ The motor 4 times it was a single cylinder 2-valve 500 cc, had a power equivalent to 8 HP and could exceed the speed of 80 km/hr. A considerable value for a motorcycle of that era. In addition, through 1934, each engine bore the signature of the person who had built and was used for almost 45 years with different configurations. This first model had something innovative, a characteristic of avant-garde that has never been abandoned by Moto Guzzi throughout its history: it was the first motorcycle of the story with a center stand for parking.

First races

According to the plans of the founders, Moto Guzzi, achieved promotion thanks to wins in the races of Grand Prix of motorcycles. In 1935, at a race in the Isle of Man, and obtained the victory in the categories Senior TT (motorbikes of 500cc), and Ligthweight (motorcycles of 350cc). In both cases the pilot was Stanley Woods, who until the year before out pilot of the brand Husqvarna. Until the mid-1940s, the traditional single-cylinder engine of 500cc and 4-stroke, it was the greatest performance sold to the public. However, the racers, Moto Guzzi delivery engines with a variable camshaft, multi-valve and cylinder of a different design. In the 1950s, Moto Guzzi, together with Gilera and Mondial, direct the racing world Grand Prix. Between 1953 and 1957, obtained the 5 championships in the 350cc, benefited by the reliability of their engines and the low weight of the bikes. However, realize that the low weight, by itself, will not be enough to continue winning races, so that it is charged to Ing. Giulio Cesare Carcano the design of a 500cc engine but V8, but that would make it the most complex of the time. From there, and despite having achieved the best times and positions of start, often fails to finish races due to mechanical problems. In the following season, and due to the increase in costs and the decline in sales, Moto Guzzi is retiring from competition (Gilera and Mondial do the same). Until his retirement, Moto Guzzi won 3.329 racing official, 8 World Championships, 6 cups of Builders and 11 victories in the Isle of Man.

The post-War period, was as difficult in Mandello del Lario as in the rest of Europe. The solution was the production of a low-cost product, so that in 1946, begins to occur the Motoleggera; a small motorcycle 65cc which became very popular throughout Italy. Was also produced the Galletto, a small motorcycle with engine 175cc, 4-stroke. Also had good acceptance. Even though these products were very modest for the company, remained with the innovation Guzzi and their commitment to quality. The Gallettoinitially featured a manual, foot-pedal to make the changes with the foot, 3 speed and 160 cc. Towards the end of 1952 went on to have 4 speeds and 175 cc. In 1954 the engine has increased to 192 cc, and in 1961 incorporates the electric starter.

Moto Guzzi limited its efforts to penetrate the important scooter market as the popularity of the motorcycle faded away after the Second World War. However the builders of the scooters of other Italian brands, they were not going to tolerate the incursion of Moto Guzzi. To incorporate large wheels of the first scooter, Guzzi competed less directly with manufacturers of scooters small wheels such as Piaggio (Vespa) and Lambretta. When Guzzi developed their own prototype for a scooter small wheels, Lambretta responds with a prototype of a small motorcycle with a twin engine V, which threatens to compete directly in the field of Moto Guzzi. Finally, both companies concluded an agreement: Guzzi never produced his scooter small wheels if Lambretta did not manufacture the motorcycle engine in V. it should Be noted that the transmission that was designed Lambretta in their prototype motorcycle, 1953, was very similar to the V-Twin Drive that Moto Guzzi "developed", interestingly enough, ten years later. Ultimately, he became the icon of the company.

In 1964, the company is in the midst of the financial crisis. Emanuele Parodi and his son Giorgio had died, Carlo Guzzi had retired to private life, and the direction of the company passed to Enrico Parodi, brother of Giorgio. Finally Carlo Guzzi died on 3 November 1964, in Mandello del Lario, after a brief hospital stay in Davos.

1967-1973 - The years Seimm

In February of 1967, born SEIMM (Società'esercizio Industrie Moto Meccaniche), an entity controlled by the State, which takes possession of Moto Guzzi. The SEIMM brings Moto Guzzi to a change in its production away from the motorcycles and the cars. The company focuses on the scooters popular lightweight as the Dingo, Trotter, and the motorcycle of 125 cc Stornello. In addition, during the years SEIMM, Guzzi developed the engine in V at 90°, DOHC, air-cooled, which was designed by Ing. Giulio Cesare Carcano back in the 1960s, and that was to become the icon of the Moto Guzzi. Despite the fact that Moto Guzzi has used engines in a variety of configurations, none has come to represent to the company as that engine is located longitudinally and projecting the cylinder on both sides of the bike. The same started with 700 cc and 45 HP (34 kW), designed to win a contest sponsored by the Italian government for a new bike to the police. The robust V8 engine, it was a clear winner, which led to Moto Guzzi renew its competitiveness. This engine used since 1967 by Moto Guzzi, has been developed continuously. In 1971, Lino Tonti, reengineers this engine and reaches up to 1200 cc and 80 HP (60 kW), equipping the more modern versions that offer Moto Guzzi today (2006). It also continues to maintain its longitudinal position which creates a gyroscopic effect light, giving the bike greater stability and a slightly asymmetric in the turns.

Moto Guzzi, V7 750 Speciale from 1969

1973 – 2000 – The years of De Tomaso

After experiencing financial difficulties in the 1960s, De Tomaso Industries Inc. (DTI group or DTI), owned by the argentine entrepreneur Alejandro de Tomaso, a manufacturer of sports cars and luxury, purchase the SEIMM, along with Benelli and Maserati in 1973. Under the management of De Tomaso, Moto Guzzi returns to be a profitable business,⁵ although some reports indicate that it is a period of limited investment in Moto Guzzi, which is attributed to DTI, puts car company.⁶ however, in 1976, Guzzi, launches to the market the model Le Mans 850. A motorcycle that was a masterpiece of style and even today is considered as one of the most iconic and sought-after products of all Guzzis. A commercial success that competes with other supermotos Italian, and that spawned four later models: the Mark II, III, IV, and culminating in the 1990s with the V. The initial model is widely known but incorrectly as the Mark I. Technically, it is simply the first Le Mans 850. The name was given in homage to the famous endurance race 24 hours race at the circuit race in France. The Mark I had two production runs with slight modifications. The Series 1 used a light rounded back and included an indicator light of brake actuation, it had various Italian made motorcycles of the time. Were built less than 2,000 units, and was the Guzzi most desirable of the era. Of the Series 2, there was a total of around 4,000 units, and used a rear reflector square designed by the De Tomaso. This was also used in the Mark II and the models SP. The rear fender was bigger and was the biggest change between series 1 and series 2. In addition, other modifications included an odometer partial, low black on the fork, a double seat generous that replaced the previous series that had a seat for the pilot and another for the one who was traveling behind, a silencer is protected and fuel cap. The additional cost in comparison with the model T3, was justified by the elements of performance, such as high-compression pistons with intake valve and exhaust bigger, and a carburetor Dell'orto 36 mm with a pump without a filter, grey. Most of the bikes MKI, they were bright red, but there were also a small number of ice blue metallic and a smaller number yet of the series 2 of white color.

In 1979, appears in a limited edition of units with an engine of 2 cylinders in V, refrigerated by air, designed by Engineer Lino Tonti, and was introduced as the V35. Radical when introduced, the design possessed crankcase divided horizontally and piston head concave. The first, was a common feature of contemporary design japanese motorcycles, while the latter was widely used in automobile engines. Both of these features allowed the production in series more efficient and also the design of the engine and the associated components reduced the weight of 249 kg (548 lbs) of the contemporary 850 T3 to 175 kg (385 lbs) of the V35.

The power of the original V35 (35 HP/26 kW), allowed him to compete with engines of increased displacement (V50, V65, V75) but was quickly overcome by the engines water-cooled. As Guzzi continued to develop the V-TWIN, the power increases in the mid-1980s, when it produces in series the engine of four valves and "block small". Of them, the 650 and 750 were classified in the category of 60 HP (45 kW) and 65 HP (48 kW), respectively. The production of the engine 4 valves "block small" ends at the end of 1980.

The bikes Guzzi have used a hydraulic system built-in braking, where the front disc right works with the lever on the handlebar, while the disc front left and the rear disc is actuated by the brake pedal. Still under the tutelage of De Tomaso, in 1988, Benelli and SEIMM, are merged to create a 'Guzzi Moto Benelli (GBMSpA)'. During this period, Moto Guzzi exists as an entity within the property of MBG, De Tomaso, but in 1996, to celebrate its 75th anniversary, the firm re-use its original name, the: Moto Guzzi SpA. In 1996, De Tomaso is convirte in 'Trident Rowan Group, also known as TRG.

2000-2004 - The years Aprilia

Under the helm of Ivano Beggio, Aprilia SpA acquires 'Moto Guzzi SpA" on 14 April 2000 for $ 65 million. According to the original press release, the intention was that Moto Guzzi would remain headquartered in Mandello del Lario and would share the technological advances of Aprilia, R&D, and financial resources. The fusion would last a very short time. Aprilia stumbled financially and at the same time try to diversify its production into other areas of manufacturing. Apart from this, the new Italian laws required helmets for motorcyclists, and the increase of the insurance rates for motorcyclists adolescents, reduce sales and severely affects the profitability of the company. However, Aprilia invests large sums of money for the renovation of the plant of Moto Guzzi in Mandello.⁸ These renovations culminating in an offer by the company group Ducati Motor. Also interested in Kymco⁹ and the subsidiary BRP Rotax. The assembly line of Moto Guzzi, will remain closed during a short period in march 2004, due to financial difficulties^.

2004 onwards - The years Piaggio

On 30 December 2004, Piaggio & Co. SpA acquired Aprilia-Moto Guzzi and, therefore, it happens to be the largest manufacturer of motorcycles in Europe. Moto Guzzi Sp. Officially becoming a shareholder of Piaggio, part of Immsi Investments SpA, which has allowed the introduction of a series of new competitive models and rapid succession. In November 2007^, Moto Guzzi unveiled the theme retro 2008 V7 Classic on the motorcycle, and the spectacle of Bicycle Manufacturers in Milan, Italy. It was available in Europe in mid-2008, and Moto Guzzi announced plans in late 2008 to be available to buyers in the united States.