Moto Guzzi unveils a Classic

From Moto Guzzi U.S.

NEW YORK, NY – Four decades after sparking Italian enthusiasm for big displacement V-Twin engines, Moto Guzzi adds a new chapter of history with the U.S. market debut of the 2009 V7 Classic.

Acknowledged as one of the most beautifully styled motorcycles of its era, the original V7 became an instant classic when it was unveiled. Not only was it Italy’s first large displacement motorcycle, but the 1967 V7 was also elegantly styled by the legendary designer Giulio Cesare Carcano. Just as importantly, the V7 became an instant technology trendsetter thanks to its innovative transverse, air-cooled V-twin engine with shaft drive. It is this unique engine configuration that ultimately became the single-most recognized Moto Guzzi brand attribute.

The new 2009 V7 Classic continues to showcase the many benefits of Moto Guzzi’s shaft drive technology, including reliable, consistent performance and smooth acceleration. Originally commissioned by the Italian police force, the V7 quickly found legions of loyal fans and moved to mass production, where it inspired numerous variants, such as the V7 Sport, V7 Special and the U.S. market versions V7 Ambassador, Eldorado and California.

While the V7 Classic’s engine has the same displacement as the last Moto Guzzi model to bear the V7 badge, the 1972-74 750cc V7 Sport, designers styled the new V7 Classic to honour several variants from the illustrious V7 model line. For example, liberal use of chrome, from the exhaust to instrumentation, recalls the V7 Special, while the fuel tank design recaptures the voluptuous lines of the V7 Sport.

As a whole, the bike evokes the most memorable Moto Guzzis of the '60s and '70s, making this modern-day motorcycle an eye-catching classic alternative in any crowd of me-too Twins.

Other classic Moto Guzzi styling touches include chrome spoked wheels, cigar-shaped chrome Lafranconi exhausts and instruments that clearly resemble the famous Veglia-Borlettis from the '70s. While the cockpit look is traditional, important operational and diagnostic data is presented via a modern digital display unit, presenting time, external temperature and mileage readouts. The classic chrome speedometer and rev counter complete the instrumentation panel. Chrome is also applied to the front headlight and rear light cluster.

The long two-passenger seat also pays homage to its predecessors. Elegantly top stitched and elongated, the seat incorporates chrome passenger grab handles and has the Moto Guzzi name stamped on the rear in white lettering.

The seat blends gracefully with the rear mudguard. The side panels house the same stowage compartments that so stylishly set off the side view of the original machine.

The 2009 Moto Guzzi V7 Classic is available at U.S. Moto Guzzi retailers for a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of $8,490 (U.S.). The exclusive body colour is Moon White, a lustrous pearl white accented with classic Moto Guzzi tank decals.

For more information on Moto Guzzi’s complete U.S. model line, visit www.motoguzzi-us.com.